The locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70 is no stranger to Malaysians – we have driven it and discussed about the new dual-clutch automatic, in addition to covering numerous aspects of the new SUV.
Another aspect of the new X70 CKD that was a topic of debate is its maintenance cost – earlier, we reported that it costs nearly RM 5,000 to maintain the X70 over a period of 5 years, which is almost RM 1,000 more than a Honda CR-V.
However, with the new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in place, is it any cheaper to maintain over the same period?
In short, yes.
The 7-DCT-equipped Proton X70 is RM 147.50 cheaper to maintain over a 5-year period than its China-built counterpart.
Cheaper it may be, the DCT fluid also boasts a longer service life than the ATF, as owners are required to replace it at the 90,000 km mark, instead of the 60,000 km mark required by the ATF.
In fact, with the new 7-speed DCT, each service at Proton’s authorized service centre will cost less than RM 1,000, over a 5-year period.
That said, the clutch is a wear and tear item, and it will need to be replaced depending on driving habits.
Is the 2020 Proton X70 more expensive to maintain than the Honda CR-V?
Over a 5-year/100,000-km period, owners of the 7-DCT-equipped Proton X70 need to pay RM 4,750 to maintain one, while owners of the Honda CR-V only need to fork out RM 3,958, RM 792 less.
Looking closer into the figures, the Proton X70 needs a DCT fluid job at every 90,000 km interval, which costs RM 353.45. As for the Honda CR-V, the CVT fluids needs to be replaced at every 40,000 km interval, costing RM 141.50.
Even though the Honda CR-V requires two CVT fluid jobs within that 5-year/100,000-km period (40,000 km and 80,000 km), the total amount (RM 283) is still cheaper than Proton's DCT fluid replacement.