Proton has released a bevy of new information about its upcoming X70 following a second media preview that was held today. In this post, we’ll be focusing on the SUV’s powertrain as well as aspects of its ride and handling.
First, a recap. The X70 comes in four different variants – Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. All of them are powered by a 1.8 litre four-cylinder TGDi petrol engine that outputs 181 hp at 5,500 rpm and 285 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm.
The mill is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which is sourced from Melbourne-based DSI (Drivetrain Systems International) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Geely since 2009, with drive going to the front wheels on 2WD models. Meanwhile, the sole AWD variant gets an all-wheel drive system developed by BorgWarner, which is totally front-biased (100:0) by default. When needed, the system is capable of automatically sending 30% of torque to the rear axle (70:30 front and rear split) using a NexTrac electromagnetic multi-clutch coupling.
Proton claims a 0-100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds, while fuel consumption for 2WD models is rated at 7.8 l/100 km or 12.8 km/l – no figures for the AWD model as of yet.
Drivers will get to choose from three different drive modes for the powertrain (no active dampers) – Normal, Eco and Sport – and you can tell which one is in effect by referring to a ring in the instrument cluster. In Normal mode, the ring will be in white, Eco is green and Sport is red – the last one also sees changes to the digital tachometer.
To ensure comfort and low NVH levels, the X70’s ride and handling was tuned by MIRA UK, a company that has been around for more than seven decades and specialises in vehicle development, although Proton didn’t state how much input it had in this aspect. The X70 boasts a rigid front subframe as well as rear multi-link suspension (MacPherson struts are used at the front). The national carmaker also notes 2WD models weigh 1.7 tonnes but didn’t reveal the same for the AWD model – sources point towards an extra 100 kg.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mainly focus on the Proton X70's engine and performance, with some comparing its 1.8 TGDi engine's power, torque, timing, and fuel efficiency to other SUVs like the CR-V, CX-5, Tiguan, and Q3. Many find the 10.5-second 0-100 km/h time slow, especially given its weight of 1.7 tonnes, and criticize the fuel consumption as high or not very efficient. Several users highlight the vehicle's weight as a significant factor affecting performance and fuel economy. There is also discussion on the engine's origin, with some questioning whether it is Proton's or Geely's, and some express skepticism about its actual real-world efficiency. Overall, commenters express mixed feelings about the vehicle’s performance relative to expectations, with some appreciating the engine's development and others disapproving of the weight and fuel usage.