Proton X70 vs Honda CR-V - A fight between the economical and expensive SUV

Proton is all that’s been going around for a while now in Malaysia. Well, the reason is pretty evident and out there, it’s the recently launched Proton X70. Now with it coming into the SUV charts of the country, it’ll be interesting to see the faith of others. After putting the Haval H2 in the ring with X70, followed by the Mazda CX-3, it’s time to go a step further and see if the Proton SUV can challenge Honda CR-V.

Before we go forward, here’s a disclaimer - the Proton X70 is cheaper than the Honda contender. Our sole aim here is to see if for less can we get a better deal. Let’s get started.

Looks, design, exterior profile

Both the X70 and CR-V are amazing cars to look at; however, personally, we like the later better. Why? Well, while the X70 has a wide and stylish grille and those equally amazing fog lamp casing, making it look all modern and lit. The CR-V, on the other hand, carries a rather subtle yet strong look. On the side, while CR-V impresses with its dual-tone alloy wheels, and chrome window outlining, the X70 is a bit dull. The elongated L-shaped tail lights rest the case in CR-Vs favour. So, overall, it’s the Honda car that despite being the aged one, carries an ageless design.

Cabin features

The Proton has done a superb job in the way it has shaped X70s interior. Be it the all-black theme with chrome accents or the higher trim limited Nappa leather upholstery the car looks great. Another thing that struck us the most about the X70 specs is its central tunnel layout. Also, since it misses out on the conventional handbrake, thanks to the electronic unit, which enables extra storage space. An 8-inch infotainment system followed by automatic air-con controls are there to take care of the passengers. Also are on offer - an air purifier system, driver power seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear air vents, voice command, online music and navigation, and more.

The first-class experience is what we can say about the Honda CR-Vs cabin. Immense attention has been paid to details with every aspect tastefully designed. As for the features on offer, the long list can be summed as advance and innovative. The 7-inch advance display is both responsive and intuitive. Also, the meter cluster comes loaded with innovative features. Included in the list also are a hands-free telephone with voice recognition and push stop-start button.

Engine

Time to look under the hood. The Proton X70 is available in only one engine option, and that’s a 1.8-litre TGDi petrol mill. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode. As for the performance figures, it produces 184 PS at 5500 rpm and 258 Nm at 1700 to 4400 rpm. One can choose between 2WD and 4WD.

Unlike the X70, Honda offers the CR-V in two engine options. One is the bigger 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC mill that produces 154 PS at 6500 rpm along with a maximum torque of 189 Nm at 4300 rpm. Next is a 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC TURBO unit churning out 193 PS at 5600 rpm and a peak torque of 243 Nm at 2000-5000 rpm. Both these mills are mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission.

Safety gears

The Proton X70 has no shortage of safety features. The SUV has it all and will protect both the driver and passengers in case of a mishap. In the list are included airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Door Opening Warning System (DOW), and four front parking sensors.

As for Honda CR-V specs, the car comes equipped with intuitive corrective measures and advance driver-assistive technologies. Besides, the car comes with six-airbags, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Vehicle Stability Assist, Walk Away Auto Lock, Agile Handling Assist, ISOFIX, Multi-angle rearview camera, Honda Lanewatch, Electric Parking Brake, Active Cornering Lights, and Auto Brake Hold.

Price, variants & color

The Proton SUV is offered in four variants. Also, the X70 color availability is as follows.

Standard 2WD - RM 99,800 (Snow White & Armour Silver)
Executive 2WD - RM 109,800 (Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, & Cinnamon Brown)
Executive AWD - RM 115,800 (Snow White & Armour Silver)
Premium 2WD - RM 123,800 (Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown, & Flame Red)

The Honda CR-V as mentioned earlier is an expensive purchase out of the two. Honda CR-V prices and variants are -

Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD - RM 138,308
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD - RM 150,992
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC 4WD - RM 156,732
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD - RM 163,191

Unlike, the X70, Honda CR-V is available in four color options that are universal for all its trims. CR-V color splashes are - Lunar Silver Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl.

Conclusion

You can go for the cheaper X70, as it offers all one could need from a car. The CR-V is a bit expensive and provides a few extras in each front, which we think one can ride without perfectly.