Owner Review: Settled for CBU Standard over CKD Premium - My 2019 CBU Proton X70 Standard Model

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Basic information about my car

2019 CBU Proton X70 Standard Model

Reasons why I bought this car

My parents needed a reliable long-distance car and since they are partially used to my Kia Optima, I've decided to give it to them, hence I need another daily driver.

Always wanted an SUV.

I insisted on a CBU model since I have read issues that plague the CKD batch during the time of my research. Plus I like the shield logo better than the rounded one.

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of BND32,000 Estimate

• Model(s) that I have considered include: Kia Seltos, MG HS, Suzuki Vitara, Suzuki Spresso, MG ZS

Reasons why I chose this car:

• Always wanted to try a Proton.

• Not a fan of the common brands such as Toyota and Mazda in my country.

• I like the design of Proton. 

• Great features for your money.

I initially saw the Proton X70 Premium CKD model but after extensive research, I settled for the CBU standard variant as I really didn't need the extra bells and whistles. 

User Experience

• I have already done 3,000 km

Since the purchase, my thoughts about the car are:

• Pleasantly surprised so far cause even though I researched a lot, I was still a bit skeptical.

• The FC is indeed a bit high when driving around town.

• Parking is a slight issue in some cases (mostly at the company). 

• Always finding a reason to take it out for a spin hehe.

Pros & Cons

Pros

1. The ride is very smooth and enjoyable. I like to light steering( to each of their own). 

2. NVH levels are quite good. Initially, I thought it was just average but one of my friends who was actively test driving the car told me that my car's NVH is bloody good, better compared to the Toyota Camry, Kia Seltos, MG HS that he test drove. So huh guess the NVH is good and I was just nitpicking. 

3. I love the fabric's feel but I guess that's just me being used to fabric cars.

4. As a Proton user in Brunei, it is a bit of conversation 

5. Starter as many people wonder why I chose Proton. 

6. Good Value for a relatively big SUV.

7. FC is a double edge sword here. Compared to my previous Kia Optima, the FC is around 5.5Liter/100km to 6.6 Liter/km for cruising at 110km/hr which is way lower than my Kia. So good highway fuel efficiency. 

8. Design is not too bad and for me, it is at least unique compared to other SUVs in the price range. 

9. Passenger comfort is also very good ( feedback from my passengers) 

10. For an SUV, it is not too bumpy. 

11. Compared to other SUVs, it is quite feature loaded.

12. Feedback from other friends, they say Proton really up their game, hard to believe it's a Proton.

13. The halogen bulbs are reasonably bright. more than enough.

14. Honestly, after fiddling with the equalizer, the sound quality is a 7 out of 10 for me. ( i could have a bad taste so take it with a grain of salt)

15. Digital meter cluster really fancy, most people who rode my car didn't expect it in standard variant.

16. Acceleration n pickup is enough and comfortable. Cruising at 140km/hr with gradual slight turns, it is stable and body roll is minimal for me, feels like my Kia sedan.

Cons

1. FC is quite high when in town, especially during acceleration to constant speed. Higher than my previous ride.

2. Lack of accessories ( due to me being in Brunei) I am always so jealous of the other Proton members in the groups I've joined. (COVID-19 has made shipping Online hard also)

3. Reliability still unknown but hope for the best.

4. A bit hard to shift from park to reverse or drive when from a cold start ( I know it's not uncommon).

5. A bit worried about the lack of spare parts issue should I ever need it.

Ratings

• Total Score: 5

• Performance: 4

• Quality & Features: 5

• Space: 5

• Ride Comfort: 5

• Fuel Economy: 4

• Price & Cost: 5

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