The Malaysian carmaker Proton has returned to South Africa with two new models on offer to local customers.
One of these is the new X70, a mid-size SUV with prices starting at R529,900.
The Proton SUV aims to compete in the premium category by offering its buyers comprehensive levels of equipment at an affordable price.
In the case of the X70, standard features across the range consist of fabric upholstery, a leather steering wheel, automatic LED headlamps, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, a digital driver’s display, an 8-inch multimedia screen, and a sound system with a minimum of six speakers.
Under the hood then sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130kW and 255Nm, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic setup.
While the SUV is sold in front-wheel-drive as standard, the option exists to pick up an all-wheel-drive version with the mid-range Executive.
In terms of fuel consumption, the previous generation X70 with its 1.8-litre engine managed 7.8l/100km on a combined cycle, and the 2022 model is reported to be 7% more efficient, putting its consumption in the realm of 7.2l/100km.
The SUVs
These are the SUVs that you can find in South Africa for a similar price to the new Proton X70.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium
- Starting price – R524,900
- Power – 115kW/192Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.9l/100km
Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi LX
- Starting price – R539,995
- Power – 132kW/265Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.5l/100km
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Price
- Starting price – R548,500
- Power – 121kW/213Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.9l/100km
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4×4 Acenta
- Starting price – R552,900
- Power – 126kW/233Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.3l/100km
Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique
- Starting price – R554,900
- Power – 126kW/233Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.1l/100km
Haval H6 2.0T 4WD Luxury
- Starting price – R549,950
- Power – 150kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.3l/100km
Opel Grandland X 1.6T
- Starting price – R550,900
- Power – 121kW/240Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.0l/100km
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T Executive
- Starting price – R556,900
- Power – 145kW/290Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.0l/100km
BAIC B40 Plus 2.0TDi
- Starting price – R564,500
- Power – 110kW/350Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.5l/100km
Peugeot 3008 1.6T Active
- Starting price – R569,900
- Power – 121kW/240Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.0l/100km
Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort
- Starting price – R573,900
- Power – 113kW/189Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.3l/100km
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES
- Starting price – R576,000
- Power – 115kW/196Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.6l/100km
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 GLS
- Starting price – R589,990
- Power – 123kW/222Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.2l/100km
Citroen C5 Aircross 1.6T Feel
- Starting price – R594,900
- Power – 121kW/240Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.9l/100km
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI
- Starting price – R599,800
- Power – 110kW/250Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.1l/100km
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