Proton X70 Review: An In-Depth Look at Malaysia’s Best-Selling SUV
Why the Proton X70 is Malaysia’s SUV Sweetheart (and Possibly a Secret Durian Smuggler)
The Proton X70 isn’t just Malaysia’s best-selling SUV—it’s the vehicular equivalent of a roti canai chef who also moonlights as a karaoke superstar. It’s practical enough for school runs, sleek enough to make your neighbor’s Myvi blush, and just mysterious enough to make you wonder: *“Does that panoramic sunroof double as a durian storage hatch?”* Spoiler: We tried. It doesn’t (probably). But with a turbocharged engine that purrs like a contented kampung cat and a voice command system that *almost* understands your Manglish accent, the X70 feels like it was designed by a committee of over-caffeinated engineers and one very persuasive teh tarik seller.
Features That Make You Go “Wait, Really?”
Open the door, and you’re greeted by an interior that whispers, *“Relax, lah—got冷气 (aircon) mah.”* The X70’s cabin is a masterclass in “budget luxury”, which here means:
- Seats so plush they could double as therapy for your post-KL-trauma stress.
- A touchscreen that’s bigger than your aunt’s WhatsApp font (and just as eager to help).
- Ambient lighting in seven colors, because why settle for boring when you can drive in “disco mamak” mode?
And let’s not forget the semi-autonomous parking system, which parallel parks with the confidence of a politician during election season. Mostly accurate, occasionally chaotic, always entertaining.
Driving It Feels Like… *This*
Behind the wheel, the X70 handles like a knight in slightly dented armor. The 1.8L engine won’t drag-race a Ferrari, but it *will* out-sprint a monsoon-season puddle. The suspension? So smooth, you’ll barely notice the pothole that just swallowed a motorcycle. And the steering? Light enough to maneuver through PJ’s backroads, yet heavy enough to remind you that, yes, you’re piloting 1.5 tons of national pride. Plus, the safety suite includes enough sensors to detect a rogue sotong kangkung vendor three lanes over.
Final verdict? The Proton X70 is the SUV equivalent of nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf—unapologetically Malaysian, occasionally messy, and weirdly irresistible. Now, if only they’d add a built-in karaoke mic for traffic-jam duets…
Proton X70 Review: Pros, Cons, and Is It Worth the Hype in 2023?
The Pros: Where the X70 Shines Brighter Than a Disco Ball in a Laser Tag Arena
Let’s start with the good stuff, because who doesn’t love a little serotonin boost? The Proton X70’s panoramic sunroof isn’t just a sunroof—it’s a portal to pretending you’re in a car commercial 24/7. Pair that with Nappa leather seats so plush they could double as a therapy couch, and you’ve got a cabin that screams “I’m fancy… but also chill.” Tech-wise, the voice command system actually understands human speech (most of the time), so you can yell “play Despacito” without accidentally summoning a demon. Oh, and the safety features? Let’s just say this SUV could probably survive a zombie apocalypse.
The Cons: Where the X70 Stumbles Like a Giraffe on Roller Skates
But wait—it’s not all rainbows and turbocharged unicorns. The X70’s fuel efficiency is… *fine*. If “fine” means you’ll befriend gas station attendants named Clive. The infotainment system occasionally freezes like it’s reliving a traumatic Windows 95 update, and the third-row seats? Let’s be real: they’re for garden gnomes or your mother-in-law’s passive-aggressive casserole. Also, the steering feel is so light, you might wonder if you’re piloting a spaceship or a shopping cart.
Worth the Hype, or Just a Fancy Paperweight?
Is the Proton X70 the Second Coming of SUVs? Well, if hype were a currency, this thing would be Elon Musk. For the price, you get luxury-ish vibes without selling a kidney, and enough tech to justify your TikTok car-reviewer aspirations. But if you’re expecting a flawless masterpiece, remember: perfection is a myth, like a cat that doesn’t knock things off tables. If you want a comfy, feature-packed ride that won’t bankrupt you (and you’re cool with Clive’s gas station loyalty points), the X70 is a solid “heck yes.” Otherwise, maybe stick to riding a llama. 🦙
