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

Shaun · Jun 5, 2020 11:57 AM

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 01

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.

Facts and Figures
  Proton X70 Premium (CBU) Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P Mazda CX-5 Turbo
Engine 1.8L 4-cyl turbo 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmission 6-speed AT CVT 6-speed AT
Power 184 PS 193 PS 230 PS
Torque 285 Nm 243 Nm 420 Nm
Weight 1,695 kg 1,549 kg 1,758 kg
0-100 km/h 10.1 seconds 8.9 seconds 7.8 seconds

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)

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Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 01

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

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 02

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

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 03

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 04

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 01

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 01

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 01

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 02

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. 

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 03

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 04

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.

Driving Performances Breakdown
    Proton X70 Honda CR-V Mazda CX-5
Engine Acceleration 3 / 5 3.5 / 5 5 / 5
In-gear Acceleration 3 / 5 3.5 / 5 4 / 5
Throttle Response 3 / 5 3 / 5 4 / 5
Transmission Shift Logic 2 / 3 2 / 3 2 / 3
Smoothness 3 / 5 4 / 5 4 / 5
Sport/Manual Mode 3 / 3 1.5 / 3 3 / 3
Steering Accuracy 1 / 3 1.5 / 3 2 / 3
Response 1 / 3 1 / 3 2 / 3
Weight & Feel 1 / 3 1 / 3 2 / 3
Braking Braking Distance 2 / 3 2.5 / 3 1.5 / 3
Braking Feel 2 / 3 1.5 / 3 1 / 3
Handling Chassis Balance 1.5 / 3 1.5 / 3 2 / 3
Grip 1.5 / 3 2 / 3 2 / 3
Load Reaction 1 / 3 1 / 3 2 / 3
Total   28 / 50 pts 29.5 / 50 pts 36.5 / 50 pts

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.

Ratings Comparison: Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 - Driving performance 05

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.

Shaun

Senior Writer

The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.

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