Proton Archives

Reviewed: Proton X90 Flagship – Great Value For Money For Your Family!

The Proton X90 created quite a storm when it was introduced last year. Not only was it Proton’s first D-segment SUV, but it was also its first seven-seater SUV.

There were lots of expectations, especially in terms of price, and truth be told, we were quite surprised when Proton announced the price of the X90. Not because it was expensive, but because it was surprisingly affordable.

The starting price for the X90 is just RM123,800, which is the exact same price as the flagship X70. There is an overlap in pricing there, but it makes perfect sense for those seeking more space and a bigger car.

But is it worth it? After being loaned one for a week, attending a wedding with it with eight people in the car and all the accompanying ceremonies throughout the course of a few days, we are surprised that we don’t see more X90’s on the road.

The X90 sits in the same segment as the Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Hyundai Santa Fe, among others of course. It does everything that the others can do, and it is a lot cheaper as well.

The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (also known as the Okavango in some markets) but it is not a simple rebadge job. Proton updated the design particularly around the bumpers and the grille to keep it in line with the overall Proton design language.

Besides the restyling, Proton said that it also updated the suspension of the X90 to ensure that it is better suited to Malaysian roads. During the launch of the X90, Proton said that its engineers tested the multi-link suspension over a course of a million kilometers on various roads in Malaysia.

You can be forgiven if you think that the suspension is a little bit on the softer side, but drive it for a few days and you will notice that it actually does really well at soaking up all the horrible things that Malaysian roads tend to have; pot holes, sudden inundations, overly aggressive speed bumps, etc.

In terms of design, the X90 is a big, long SUV that from certain angles has the proportions and even the silhouette of an MPV. In fact, there have been some fiery debates online about what the X90 actually is. But Proton refers to it as an SUV so that should end that unnecessary argument.

Inside, the X90 is mighty impressive. Quality is surprisingly good, in fact, we will go so far as to say that quality of the X90 is the best amongst any Protons, past and present.

We drove the Flagship variant, which is one of four variants on offer. The standard is priced at RM123,800, the Executive at RM130,800, the Premium has a RM144,800 price tag while the top-of-the-line variant you see here is priced at RM152,800.

Just for reference, the cheapest Kia Sorento is priced at just under RM212,000 while the entry-level Toyota Fortuner costs RM195,880. In fact, the only competitor that remotely gets close to the X90 in terms of pricing is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro that costs RM159,800.

The X90 Flagship model is also the only model that comes as a six-seater, the rest are seven-seaters. The Flagship model offers two individual seats in the second row, which some call captain seats, and just about everything is wrapped in fine Nappa leather.

Now depending on how many people you ferry around or even if you like being driven around, the six-seater variant is not a bad deal despite lacking sitting space. As we found out, children appreciate their individual space as much as older people do. And if you don’t have too many people to ferry, this is a great way to go around.

There is also a full panoramic roof that adds to the sense of occasion as well as separate climate control for the second-row passengers. This is great but quite normal, what is not normal though is that the air-conditioning vents are located on the roof of the car rather than at the bottom of the centre console. This is ingenious as it blows cool air directly to your face rather than to your knee. If that still does not cut it, the X90 even offers ventilated seats for the first and second row seats. Several car makers, who charge a lot more for their cars, should take a cue from the X90.

The third-row passengers too will appreciate having their own vents as well as their own USB ports and cup holders, making the X90 perfectly suited for family escapades.

There is plenty of tech too, for starters the X90 runs on a mild-hybrid powertrain. The core is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine that is similar to the X50 Flagship as well as the new X70 models. It is mated to Proton’s regular seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.

But that’s not all, being a “mild-hybrid”, there is a battery and a converter that works to provide more power while improving overall efficiency. It does this by utilizing six components that form the entire hybrid system – a DC-DC converter, a belt-starter generator (BSG), a lithium-ion battery, a battery management system, energy recovering braking system and a hybrid module control system.

Working in unison with the standard powertrain, the X90 offers 190PS and 300Nm of torque. Just for reference, that is 13PS and 45Nm more than other cars that run on the same powertrain but without the hybrid system. Aside from more power, the X90 also has 10% better acceleration and 13% lower emissions.

The X90 may be comfortable to drive or to be driven in, but when it is fully loaded, it does tend to feel a little underpowered. Despite it being up on power as compared to its siblings with same engine, it is also heavier and sits more people, so when all seats are occupied, it feels like it needs about 20PS and 50Nm more.

The trick though is to use one of the three driving modes (Sport, Normal and Comfort), particularly Sport mode. This is when the SUV feels more nippy and eager to downshift, giving you quicker access to power when you need it the most.

Despite that, the powertrain is undoubtedly smooth, but we have a gripe, not with the engine nor the gearbox or the hybrid system, but the gear selector. In regular selectors, you either move the lever once to move from P to D or vice versa.

However, in the X90, you have to pull the lever down twice. First to move from P to N and then again to D, which is quite weird. But to select P, you only have to press the P button. This is not something that will put buyers off, but it is quite awkward.

Continuing with the topic of tech, the meter panel is fully digitalized with a 10-inch LCD panel offering all the essentials such as speed, rpm and gear position.

At the centre of the rather large dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that gives you access to music and navigation. However, we still loathe the fact that the X90 does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Great news though, some Protons executives have said that the carmaker will soon be offering those two systems, and even existing owners will be able to access it through a hardware update.

It also offers a host of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, intelligent high beam control, 360 camera and one system that we were particularly impressed by – the door opening warning system. This lets you know when there is a cyclist or a motorcyclist that is approaching the car and warns you so you don’t accidentally open the door. The downside to this is it also works in traffic, and in Malaysia where motorcyclists are incessantly zooming past a car, the system is constantly beeping. And that can be annoying.

But then again, tech is not always perfect but the Proton X90 still has a lot to offer, such as impressive refinement, quality and tech that can put more expensive cars to shame. And at its price, there is simply no arguing against it.

Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, mild-hybrid
Power: 190PS @ 5500rpm
Torque: 255Nm @ 1500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch with manual mode
Suspension: MacPherson Strut (Front) / Multi-link with Stabiliser (Rear)
Price as tested: RM152,800

We like: Refinement, quality, price
We don’t like: Safety systems can be intrusive

Tempoh Menunggu Proton S70 Warna Marine Blue Mencecah 3-Bulan

Menurut posting di group Facebook, wakil dari Proton telah mengumumkan bahawa tempoh menunggu untuk penghantaran model S70 mengambil masa antara dua hingga tiga bulan.

Varian terlaris bagi model ini ialah S70 Flagship, sementara warna badan yang menerima tempahan tertinggi adalah Marine Blue.

Oleh itu, pelanggan yang membuat tempahan untuk varian dan warna badan tersebut dikehendaki menunggu selama tiga bulan, bermula dari tarikh kelulusan pinjaman sewa beli.

Proton S70 telah dilancarkan secara rasmi pada hujung November tahun lalu. Model sedan segmen-C ini menawarkan empat pilihan varian dengan harga mula dari RM73,800.

Pada bulan lalu, Proton mengumumkan bahawa tempahan untuk Proton S70 mencapai 900 unit setiap minggu, dengan jumlah tempahan melebihi 3,000 unit.

Penghantaran model sedan ini akan bermula pada bulan ini, dengan 109 unit didaftarkan pada tahun sebelumnya.

Sumber: Motoqar

Three Month Waiting Period For Marine Blue Proton S70

According to a recent post on the Proton S70 owners group on Facebook, the waiting period for the delivery of the S70 model now takes between two to three months.

The best-selling variant for this model is the S70 Flagship, while the body color with the highest orders is Marine Blue. Therefore, customers who have ordered this variant and body color need to wait for about three months from the date the hire-purchase loan is approved.

The Proton S70 was officially launched at the end of November last year. This segment-C sedan model comes with four variant options, starting at a price of RM73,800.

Last month, Proton announced that S70 orders were reaching 900 units per week, totaling more than 3,000 units. The delivery of this sedan model will commence this month, with 109 units registered last year.

Source: Motoqar

Proton Memperkenalkan Inisiatif Proton Operational Excellence

Proton telah memperkenalkan inisiatif Proton Operational Excellence (POE) untuk meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan dan kecekapan operasi di pusat-pusat servisnya. Strategi komprehensif ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan prestasi pusat-pusat servis Proton di seluruh negara, bermula dengan 13 pusat ujian perintis dan secara beransur-ansur berkembang ke semua fasiliti 3S dan 4S.

Aspek Kunci Inisiatif POE:

Proses Servis Berkualiti Tinggi: Inisiatif ini memastikan bahawa proses servis sejajar dengan keperluan pelanggan, dari penjadualan temujanji hingga penyelesaian perkhidmatan.
Kecekapan Juruteknik: Menumpukan kepada pembangunan juruteknik melalui program latihan komprehensif, menjaga mereka terkini dengan teknologi automotif terkini untuk penyelesaian isu yang cekap.
Integrasi Dealer Management System (DMS): Menekankan integrasi Dealer Management System (DMS) masa depan untuk meningkatkan kecekapan operasi dan meningkatkan pengalaman pelanggan secara keseluruhan.
Membina Kepercayaan dan Keyakinan: Proton menekankan pembinaan dan pemantapan kepercayaan terhadap jenama dan perkhidmatannya. Ini melibatkan memberdayakan rangkaian pengedar, saluran komunikasi terbuka, usaha kerjasama, sesi latihan, dan perkongsian amalan terbaik.
Skim Ganjaran & Pengiktirafan: Proton memperkenalkan skim ganjaran dan pengiktirafan untuk mengakui pengedar yang memberikan perkhidmatan pelanggan yang cemerlang, merayakan pencapaian dan kejadian di mana pengedar melebihi jangkaan.
Pengalaman Pelanggan yang Ditingkatkan: Memperkenalkan pilihan perkhidmatan pantas, kawasan menunggu yang selesa, dan kafe berkualiti untuk menangani pelbagai pilihan pelanggan, memastikan pengalaman yang cekap dan menyeronokkan.

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Proton’s New Strategy for Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

In a strategic move to elevate customer satisfaction, Proton has introduced the Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative. This comprehensive strategy is designed to enhance the performance of Proton’s nationwide service centres, instilling confidence in the brand’s commitment to excellence. The initiative was officially unveiled at one of Proton’s authorised dealers, The Apple Auto Services & Tyres in Bangi.

The POE initiative, commencing with 13 pilot outlets, will progressively integrate into nationwide 3S and 4S facilities, highlighting Proton’s systematic approach to operational excellence at every customer touchpoint. Emphasising a commitment to aftersales operational efficiency and service quality, the initiative focuses on key areas such as high-quality service processes, technician competencies, future Dealer Management System (DMS) integration, and fostering trust in the brand.

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Pusat Servis Proton Akan Didenda RM1,000 Untuk Setiap Aduan

Proton sedang menguatkuasakan usaha untuk meningkatkan kualiti perkhidmatan selepas jualan melalui inisiatif Proton Operational Excellence (POE). Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Roslan Abdullah, mengumumkan langkah-langkah yang ketat untuk memastikan kepuasan pelanggan, dengan menekankan komitmen kepada kecemerlangan.

Sebagai sebahagian daripada dasar baru ini, Proton telah memperkenalkan denda sebanyak RM1,000 bagi setiap aduan ketidakpuasan pelanggan berkenaan mana-mana Pusat Proton 3S atau 4S. Walau bagaimanapun, denda hanya akan dikenakan selepas siasatan teliti oleh pejabat pusat. Surat amaran akan berfungsi sebagai amaran awal kepada pusat perkhidmatan bagi setiap aduan yang diterima.

Laporan menunjukkan bahawa sebuah pusat perkhidmatan Proton di Pulau Pinang telah menghadapi akibat, kehilangan statusnya sebagai pusat perkhidmatan rasmi Proton kerana gagal memenuhi Indikator Prestasi Utama (KPI) yang ditetapkan. Ini menunjukkan komitmen Proton untuk mengekalkan standard yang tinggi dalam perkhidmatan selepas jualan di seluruh rangkaian.

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Proton Implements Strict Measures for After-Sales Service Excellence

Proton, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, is taking a bold step to enhance after-sales service quality through its Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative. Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah, has announced stringent measures to ensure customer satisfaction, emphasising a commitment to excellence.

Under the new policy, Proton has introduced a fine of RM1,000 for every customer dissatisfaction complaint received concerning any Proton 3S or 4S Center. However, before any penalties are imposed, the head office will conduct a thorough investigation. Warning letters will be issued to service centres for each complaint received, serving as an initial caution.

Sources reveal that a Proton service centre in Penang has already faced consequences, losing its status as an official Proton service centre due to its failure to meet established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This move underscores Proton’s dedication to upholding high standards in after-sales service across its network.

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Jumlah Tempahan Proton S70 Melebihi 3,000 Unit!

Proton terus mengukuhkan kubunya dalam pasaran dengan mencatatkan angka jualan yang mengagumkan bagi satu lagi bulan. Pada bulan November 2023, Proton mencatatkan jumlah pendaftaran sebanyak 12,296 unit (domestik + eksport). Pencapaian ini mengukuhkan kedudukan Pencapaian ini mengukuhkan kedudukan kedua Proton dalam kalangan jenama automotif, menunjukkan daya tahan dalam pasaran yang kompetitif.

Jumlah jualan YTD Syarikat sehingga bulan November mencapai 141,900 unit (Domestik: 138,876 unit, Eksport: 3,024 unit). Proton telah pun melepasi jumlah jualan sepanjang tahun sebelumnya dengan mencecah 141,900 unit berbanding 141,432 unit pada tahun lepas. Pertumbuhan sebanyak 12% yang membanggakan berbanding tahun ke tahun membawa kepada pegangan pasaran yang stabil iaitu 19.7%.

Dilancarkan pada 28 November, Proton S70 telah memberi impak yang luar biasa dengan peningkatan tiga kali ganda dalam tempahan berikutan pelancarannya dan pengumuman harga. Slogan “Intelligence that Evolves” terbukti lebih daripada sekadar perkataan, bergema dengan baik kepada pengguna. Lonjakan dalam tempahan, kini melepasi 900 seminggu, menunjukkan populariti model dan keupayaannya untuk memenuhi permintaan pasaran Malaysia. Jumlah tempahan untuk S70 telah pun melebihi 3,000 unit, menandakan kecenderungan yang sejajar dengan keperluan dan pilihan rakyat Malaysia.

Proton X Series, yang terdiri daripada model X50, X70, dan X90, telah menawan hati pembeli kereta Malaysia dengan mencapai pencapaian yang luar biasa iaitu 201,710 unit di atas jalan raya. X Series yang terkenal dengan inovasi, prestasi dan gayanya, telah menjadi simbol komitmen Proton untuk menyampaikan kenderaan yang sesuai dengan pilihan pengguna yang pelbagai.

Proton X50, pendahulu dalam kategori SUV segmen B, kekal sebagai kegemaran pelanggan, menyumbang dengan ketara kepada kejayaan bulan November dengan 2,115 unit terjual. Sejak dilancarkan, sebanyak 102,325 unit telah terjual. Proton X70, pesaing teguh dalam segmen SUV C, merekodkan 95,100 unit terjual sejak dilancarkan, mengekalkan kedudukan pasarannya yang kukuh. Proton X90, yang diperkenalkan kurang dari setahun lalu, terus menerajui segmen SUV D, meraih 4,285 unit dalam jualan yang seterusnya menyumbang kepada kejayaan keseluruhan X Series.

Model PIES Proton (Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora) terus mencatatkan pertumbuhan yang memberangsangkan iaitu sebanyak 34.3%. berbanding YTD 2022. Proton Saga kekal tertinggi, mendahului dengan 6,349 unit terjual, kedua tertinggi untuk tahun ini, mempamerkan popularitinya yang berkekalan di kalangan pembeli kereta Malaysia.

Proton S70 Gets Over 3000 Bookings!

In November 2023, Proton continued to assert its robust presence in the automotive market, achieving noteworthy sales figures. The company recorded a total registration of 12,296 units (domestic + export), securing its second position among automotive brands in a fiercely competitive market.

With a total Year-to-Date (YTD) sales figure reaching an impressive 141,900 units (Domestic: 138,876 units, Export: 3,024 units) up to November, Proton has not only surpassed the sales volume of the entire previous year but has also demonstrated a commendable 12% growth year-on-year, solidifying its market share at 19.7%.

A significant highlight for Proton in November was the launch of the Proton S70 on the 28th. The model experienced a threefold increase in bookings following its launch and price announcement. With a tagline emphasising “Intelligence that Evolves,” the Proton S70 has resonated well with consumers, surpassing 900 bookings per week. The total bookings for the S70 have already exceeded 3,000 units, showcasing its rapid popularity and alignment with the preferences of the Malaysian market.

The Proton X Series, comprising the X50, X70, and X90 models, has continued to garner praise and consumer interest. The series, known for its innovation, performance, and style, has reached a remarkable milestone of 201,710 units on the road. The Proton X50, a frontrunner in the B-segment SUV category, contributed significantly to November’s success with 2,115 units sold, bringing the total since launch to 102,325 units. The X70, a robust contender in the C SUV segment, maintained its strong market standing with 95,100 units sold since launch. The X90, introduced less than a year ago, has established itself as a leader in the D SUV segment, with 4,285 units in sales, further contributing to the overall success of the X Series.

Proton’s PIES models (Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora) have played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, recording a substantial 34.3% growth compared to YTD 2022. The Proton Saga, in particular, demonstrated enduring popularity, securing the highest sales with 6,349 units sold in November, marking the second-highest for the year.

Proton S70 Dilancarkan Secara Rasmi – Harga Dari RM73,800 – RM94,800

Proton secara rasmi memperkenalkan Proton S70, sebuah sedan bergaya yang menggabungkan warisan Proton dengan reka bentuk inovatif model Geely Emgrand. Proton S70 boleh didapati dalam empat varian yang berbeza. Varian tersebut ialah 1.5T Executive, 1.5T Premium, 1.5T Flagship, dan 1.5T Flagship X.

Berasaskan dan mengambil inspirasi dari Geely Emgrand, Proton S70 menampilkan bentuk yang serupa dengan pengubahsuaian. Luarnya diperkukuh dengan skrip model belakang yang berbeza dan gril hadapan baharu yang dihiasi dengan pin krom. Lampu hadapan projektor LED menyinari jalan ke hadapan, disertai dengan lampu belakang LED dengan lightbar yang mencolok. Melengkapkan penampilan tersebut adalah sunroof dan rim 17 inci yang dilapisi dengan tayar Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2.

Proton S70 membezakan dirinya dengan enjin turbo 1.5 L 3-silinder yang dipadankan dengan Transmisi Dual Clutch 7-speed (DCT). Kuasa ini bertentangan dengan enjin 4-silinder asli Geely dengan transmisi CVT, memberikan pengalaman memandu yang mendebarkan.

Proton S70 merangkul teknologi terkini dengan skrin TFT 10.25-inci yang mempunyai resolusi 1,920 x 720. Melengkapi ciri utama ini adalah meter monokrom 3.25-inci, menawarkan pandangan menyeluruh tentang maklumat kenderaan penting. Sistem hiburan ini menampilkan fungsi arahan suara, tempat duduk pemandu elektrik, bonet belakng induktif yang memberi respons kepada sapuan kaki yang mudah, dan pengecas tanpa wayar yang mudah.

Menitikberatkan keselamatan, Proton S70 dilengkapi dengan satu set ciri-ciri yang meluas, termasuk:

Sistem Pemantauan Tekanan Tayar (TPMS)
Sistem Bantuan Pemandu Advanced Tahap 2 (ADAS) :
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
- Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
- Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
Enam airbag
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control (TC)
Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)

Harga bagi Proton S70 adalah seperti berikut:

S70 1.5T Executive: RM73,800
S70 1.5T Premium: RM79,800
S70 1.5T Flagship: RM89,800
S70 1.5T Flagship X: RM94,800

Proton juga memperkenalkan pakej pembeli awal untuk 3000 pembeli pertama yang sah sehingga 29 Februari 2024. Pakej itu termasuk:

Aerokit bernilai RM3130 untuk varian Flagship X.
Baucar servis bernilai RM500 untuk varian Premium dan Flagship sahaja.
Program insurans Proton yang dikemaskini dengan liputan risiko khas tahun pertama percuma.

Pakej standard untuk semua varian termasuk: