When the Proton X70 was launched, it garnered tremendous attention. It was Proton’s first SUV and the first Proton car with the “Hi Proton” feature. There’s quite a lot of things to like about the X70 too – the interior is decent, the range-topping variant gets power seats up front, and the price is rather attractive when compared to its rivals. There is however, one thing we don’t quite like about the Proton X70 and that is the boot/tailgate.

What is there not to like about the Proton X70’s boot?

It’s a bit high. Compared to its rivals like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and the Nissan X-Trail, the Proton X70’s boot floor is the highest at 83 cm from the ground. The same parameter for the Proton X70’s rivals are as follows:

Honda CR-V: 62 cm boot floor height (561 L boot space)

Mazda CX-5: 75cm boot floor height (506 L boot space)

Nissan X-Trail: 76 cm boot floor height (550L boot space with third row folded down)

VW Tiguan: 70cm boot floor height (520 L boot space)

Proton X70: 83 cm boot floor height (512 L boot space)

The high boot floor height means you have to lift things a little bit higher to load the Proton X70. Not a problem for the young and healthy but it could be a hassle for others. The Proton X70 is an urban SUV and doesn’t need to be so high off the ground. Perhaps we could see some changes in later versions of the X70, or the upcoming Proton X50.

Besides the high boot floor height, the Proton X70’s boot also has a small opening width – perhaps a slight inconvenience when loading items into the car. With the boot cover extended (to conceal your items), the usable boot space becomes even smaller.

Other than that, the Proton X70 is a decent family car. The price is considerably cheaper, the styling is decent, and ride is pleasant. If you're shopping for a family SUV, the Proton X70 is an an option you cannot ignore.