With the 2020 Proton X70 set to be
launched soon, many are curious about just what is new with the
locally-assembled (CKD) version, especially in the specs department. Well, here
are a couple of leaked images of the CKD X70 as well as a slide listing down the
variants and features, as seen on The Ajerul‘s Facebook page.
There are four variants and they are the
Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Premium 2WD and Premium 2WD X. This means that the
Executive AWD, currently the sole variant with all-wheel drive, has been
dropped, possibly due to low demand.
It’s clear that the CKD X70 looks pretty
much similar to the CBU version that we’re familiar with – this isn’t the Boyue
Pro with the new face. The easiest way to spot a CKD is by the new Proton logo
on the grille, which is a round one with the tiger head zooming out from one
side. The rear end with the trademark Proton script looks identical, as are the
lighting at both ends. This looks like a new grey colour (Honda’s Polished
Metal-style?) that should prove to be popular. The current CBU colours are Snow
White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red.
The other two images are close up shots of
the SUV’s interior. As expected, the steering wheel boss now features Proton’s
new round logo, and the gear selector is also new. Now with a prominent P
button, the lever controls the new seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission,
which replaces the CBU’s six-speed torque converter automatic.
We move on to
the leaked slide, which details the CKD X70’s variants and specs. Once again,
there are four – Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Premium 2WD and Premium 2WD X.
The new items are comfort and convenience features.
A recline function for the 60:40
split-folding rear seats is now available across the board, while the Executive
2WD onwards get a powered tailgate and front ventilated seats. The latter would
be rather valuable in our hot climate. The powered tailgate gets a foot sensor
from the Premium onwards – this means that you can open the hatch with your
hands full – just stand there and swipe or “kick” (we’ll see how Proton’s
version work) below the bumper.
That’s all for the new kit. The Premium X
is essentially the Premium with the panoramic sunroof. A big glass roof is
appreciated by some, but not everyone fancies it – X70 customers can now choose
if they want it. The engine – a 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
with 184 PS – remains the same, but peak torque has been given a bump to 300 Nm
from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm, which is 15 Nm more than the previous 285 Nm from
1,700 to 4,400 rpm.
The increased torque comes as part of a
revision of the engine, internally referred to as Generation 3 (the one in the
CBU X70 is known as the Generation 2). There aren’t any mechanical changes,
save for updated emissions equipment that can be tuned to meet new Euro 6d
regulations. The DCT has a maximum torque rating of 330 Nm, so 300 Nm is within
limits.
