SUV face-off: Can Chery Tiggo 7 Pro outshine Proton X70?

The competitive landscape of C-segment SUVs recently welcomed the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro as the new entrant, which has the Proton X70 in its sights. Based on the Geely Boyue, the X70 is one of the popular choices in the segment with its range topping out at RM 126,800. However, the newly launched Tiggo 7 Pro is drawing significant attention with its advanced features and competitive pricing at RM 123,800. 

With both SUVs competing for the top spot, can the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro outshine the well-established Proton X70? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to find out.

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Variants and price

Proton recently discontinued the 1.8 TGDi variant of the X70, narrowing its lineup to five variants. The CheryTiggo 7 Pro, on the other hand, comes in a single locally assembled variant. The prices are as follows -  

Proton X70	Price (on the road, without insurance)	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro	Price (on the road, without insurance)
1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD	RM 98,800	1.6 TGDI	RM 123,800 RM 119,800 (for first 2000 customers)
1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD	RM 110,800
1.5 TGDi Executive AWD	RM 116,800
1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD	RM 123,800
1.5 TGDi Premium X 2WD	RM 126,800

Note: Given the price point, we will compare the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro with the top-spec X70 trim, the Premium X, in this story.

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Dimensions

Dimensions	Proton X70	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Length	4519 mm	4,513 mm
Width	1831 mm	1,862 mm
Height	1694 mm	1,696 mm
Wheelbase	2670 mm	2,670 mm
Boot space	515 litres	475 litres

When it comes to size, the Tiggo 7 Pro is wider and slightly taller than the X70, offering a broader stance and a marginally higher profile. However, in terms of length, the Proton SUV is longer than the Chery SUV. Both vehicles share an identical wheelbase of 2670 mm, ensuring comparable interior space and stability. 

In terms of cargo capacity, the X70 edges ahead with 515 litres, while the Tiggo 7 Pro offers a slightly smaller but still generous 475 litres of space. 

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Engine specifications

With the discontinuation of the 1.8 TGDi trim, all variants of the X70 are now powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injected petrol mill. On the contrary, the sole trim of the Chery SUV comes equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol mill. Let’s compare the power and acceleration numbers -

Specifications	Proton X70 Premium X	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Engine	1.5-litre turbocharged	1.6-litre turbocharged
Maximum Power	177 PS	197 PS
Peak torque	255 Nm	290 Nm
Transmission	7-speed DCT	7-Speed DCT
Drive system	2WD	2WD
0-100 kmph acceleration	9.9 seconds	8.3 seconds
Top speed	200 kmph	205 kmph
Fuel consumption	7.6 litres per 100 km	7.0 litres per 100 km

The above comparison reveals that the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is powerful and faster than the Proton X70, which can be enticing for performance enthusiasts. The former delivers 20 PS more power and 35 Nm more torque than the latter. 

In terms of performance, the Chery SUV accelerates faster from 0-100 kmph and achieves a slightly higher top speed than the X70 Premium X. Despite its greater power, the Tiggo 7 Pro also offers better fuel efficiency, consuming fewer litres per 100 km.

Both models in comparison have the same transmission and drive systems. However, it is important to note here that the mid-spec Proton X70 Executive stands out with its all-wheel-drive configuration. This feature enhances traction and stability, especially in challenging road conditions, setting it apart from the front-wheel-drive Tiggo 7 Pro.

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Exterior

The Proton X70 has a premium and sophisticated look, while the Tiggo 7 Pro offers a sporty and bold design language. The former has a sophisticated front grille with sleek headlights and a smooth body profile emphasising its premium appeal. The Tiggo 7 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a sportier and more aggressive stance with a bold hexagonal grille, blue fins on the air inlets, sharp headlights, and muscular body contours. The key exterior features include - 

Features	Proton X70 Premium X	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Headlamps	LED with auto and follow-me-home functions	LED with Sequential Turn Signal Lamp
DRL	LED	LED
Front welcome lamps	Yes	No
Fog lamps	Front	Front and Rear
Tail lights	LED	LED
Auto Rain Sensing Wipers	Yes	Yes
Power Tailgate	Yes	Yes
Wheels	19-inch shod with 225/55 tyres	18-inch shod with 225/55 tyres

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Interior

Both SUVs offer a range of technology and comfort features. The Tiggo 7 Pro stands out with its larger instrument cluster and infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. On the other hand, the X70 distinguishes itself with ventilated seats, an air purifier system, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Here’s the detailed comparison -

Features	Proton X70 Premium X	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Instrument cluster	7-inch	12.3-inch
Infotainment unit	8-inch	12.3-inch
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity	No	Yes
Air-conditioning	Dual-zone automatic	Dual-zone automatic
Sound system	9 speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer	Sony premium audio system with 8 speakers
Upholstery	Nappa leather	Leatherette
Power-adjustable seats	Six-way driver and four-way passenger	Six-way driver and four-way passenger
Ventilated seats	Yes, Front	No
Wireless charger	No	50W
Air purifier system	Yes	No
Ambient lighting	No	64-colour
Keyless entry with push-button start	Yes	Yes
Auto-dimming rear view mirror	Yes	No
Drive modes	Normal/Eco/Sport	Normal/Eco/Sport
Sunroof	Yes	Yes

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Safety

When it comes to safety and driver-assistance, both the Proton X70 and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro are almost neck-to-neck with the Tiggo 7 Pro gaining an edge with advanced features such as a 540-degree HD Panoramic camera, Traffic Jam Assist, and Lane Assist systems. Here’s a detailed comparison.

Features	Proton X70 Premium X	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Airbags	6	7
Anti-lock Braking System + Electronic Brake Force Distribution	Yes	Yes
Brake Assist	Yes	Yes
Electronic Stability Program	Yes	Yes
Hill-start Assist Control + Hill Descent Control	Yes	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System	Yes	Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Yes	Yes
Door Opening Warning	Yes	Yes
Front Collision Warning	Yes	Yes
Blind Spot Detection	Yes	Yes
Intelligent High Beam Control	Yes	Yes
Rear Collision Warning	No	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Yes	Yes with Integrated Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning	Yes	Yes
Lane Departure Prevention	No	Yes
Lane Change Assist + Emergency Lane Keep Assist	No	Yes
Traffic Jam Assist	No	Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Rear Cross Traffic Brake	No	Yes
Camera	360-degree with 3D	540-degree HD Panoramic

 

Proton X70 vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Warranty package 

In terms of warranty package, Chery SUV has an upper hand with a seven-year or 150,000 km warranty, plus five years of free labour service and seven years of free towing service. In contrast, the Proton X70 provides a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, a five-year data package (1GB/month), and three free labour charges for service.

Verdict 

Both the Proton X70 and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro are strong contenders in the C-segment SUV market, each bringing their own strengths to the table. The X70 has proven reliability over the years, while the Tiggo 7 Pro is a fresh and dynamic option with added benefits. While the Chery SUV might be stealing the spotlight right now, don't forget that the Proton X70 is getting an upgrade by the end of the year, which might give it the edge it needs to stay in the game.

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