The locally-assembled Proton X70 CKD is finally here, and the company has done some streamlining to the model's line-up.

Previously in the Ningbo-built, imported Proton X70 model, a panoramic sunroof was available on the Premium 2WD variant, but that has since changed, now that the Premium 2WD is no longer the top specs variant.

With the introduction of the new CKD model, Proton has introduced a new Premium X variant, whose only difference from the Premium variant sitting one rung below is the addition of a panoramic sunroof.

Considering the price difference of RM 3,000 between the Premium and Premium X variant, we reckon buyers to skip the latter and go for the Premium variant instead, as the Premium variant already includes the all-important ADAS features.

Sunroof is a nice to have feature but its use in our hot and humid climate is questionable. Even with tinting and a retractable cover, heat from the sun will still penetrate into the cabin, which forces the air-conditioning system to work harder to keep the cabin cool, which in turn contributes to higher fuel consumption.  

Then there's the issue of additional wear and tear items like the sunroof's motor and rubber seals - the latter will result in water leaks when it wears out.

If you have to insist on getting the Premium X variant with a sunroof, there are some steps that you can make take to prolong its lifespan. Open and close the sunroof every once in a while, and where possible, avoid parking it under the hot sun.

That said, given the RM 122,800 price tag, the X70 Premium X 2WD is still the cheapest C-segment SUV to offer a panoramic sunroof.