Priced from RM 300k, the world's most expensive Proton X70 is launched in Nepal
CY Foong · Jul 1, 2021 11:00 AM
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Proton’s Himalayan adventure in Nepal had only just begun with the Saga last year and this time, the Proton X70 will be following its entry-level sibling with a shockingly high price. Introduced virtually through Proton Nepal’s social media channels, the Nepal-spec X70 starts from 8.7 million Nepali rupees (~RM 300,000).
Proton is distributed by Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd. and there are four variants of the X70 for the Nepalese market which are available with either 2WD or AWD. The following are the prices and variants of the Nepal-spec X70:
Powering the Nepali-spec X70 is a 1.5-litre TGDI turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine (177 PS/255 Nm) paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. This engine is similar to the X70 that is sold in neighbouring Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as on the Proton X50.
Besides the engine, the equipment and features are similar to what’s offered on the local version of the X70. These include Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch infotainment system with “Hi Proton” voice command, and a power tailgate with foot sensor.
Just like the Malaysian-spec X70, the Nepali-spec X70 comes with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Spending RM 300k for an X70 sounds like a lot but that’s due to Nepal imposing very high taxes on imported vehicles which can go up to 200%. Nepal’s automotive industry is very small and the country’s hilly geography also meant that road networks are very limited.
Honda Nepal is still selling the previous-gen CR-V, surprisingly
For comparison, a Honda CR-V cost 13.3 million Nepali rupees (~RM 465k) while the MG HS starts at 8.3 million Nepali rupees (~RM 290k).
Nepal’s cheapest car on the other hand is the Suzuki Eeco which starts from 1.4 million Nepali rupees (~RM 50k). Meanwhile, the Proton Saga starts from 3.5 million Nepali rupees (~RM 123k) for the base 1.3 Standard MT.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
