Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance

We’ve scrutinized the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 by putting them through the WapCar Ratings. This time, we’re comparing driving performances between the X70 Premium, CR-V 1.5 TC-P and CX-5 Turbo.

It should be noted, however, that the Proton X70 Premium tested was the fully-imported (CBU) model, with a 6-speed automatic transmission rather the CKD’s dual-clutch transmission.

Proton X70 Premium (CBU)

Starting with the Proton X70 Premium (CBU model), under the bonnet lies a 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It makes 184 PS/285 Nm and 0-100 km/h is completed in 10.1 seconds as tested.

Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P

The Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P utilizes a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 193 PS/243 Nm, mated to a CVT. It completes the century sprint in 8.9 seconds as tested.

Mazda CX-5 Turbo

Lastly, the Mazda CX-5 Turbo has the largest capacity engine here, a 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 230 PS/420 Nm. A 6-speed automatic transmission channels power to all four wheels. It is the only AWD model here while the rest are FWD. As tested, 0-100 km/h takes a stonking 7.8 seconds.

As mentioned earlier, the Proton X70 we tested was a CBU model. The newer CKD model with an additional 15 Nm of torque and dual-clutch transmission will likely be quicker, though we would still expect it to trail behind the Honda CR-V.

Despite having the smallest capacity engine here, the Honda CR-V isn’t the slowest here. The CVT keeps the engine at its peak output, maximizing acceleration. It’s also 146 kg lighter than the Proton X70.

All three cars have the same suspension and brake setup; riding on MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear, with ventilated/solid discs front to rear. But each of them feels different to one another.

It’s no surprise that the Mazda CX-5 is the quickest here, but the CX-5 also handles the best in this company. Steering is sharp and there is a sense of agility in the way it changes direction, which is absent in the other two.

Before the revised suspension on the X70 CKD, the CBU was more prone to excessive body roll around corners. Having tested the CKD model, we would award an additional point to handling, bringing the total points closer to the CR-V. 

The Honda CR-V doesn’t handle quite as well as the Proton X70. It feels a little wooly around corners, but the CR-V makes up for it in straight line performance.

As for braking performance, both the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 took 40.1 metres coming to a standstill from 100 km/h, which is average in the segment. Interestingly, the heavier Proton X70 took only 37.4 metres to do the same.

To conclude, the Proton X70 is the slowest in a straight line in this company, but it stops the quickest. The CR-V is reasonably quick in a straight line, though it falls a little short in the handling department and braking performance is average in class.

The Mazda CX-5’s braking performance is average, but it’s hilariously quick in a straight line and handles well, like all Mazdas do. Thus, the overall winner for driving performance is the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

2018 Proton X70 Ratings:

Driving Performance and Comfort

Quality and Features

Space and Practicality

Fuel Consumption

2018 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P Ratings:

Driving Performance and Comfort 

Build Quality and Features

Space and Practicality

Fuel Consumption

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Ratings:

Driving Performance and Comfort

Quality and Features

Space and Practicality

Fuel Consumption