Proton has returned to South Africa with two crossovers, the X50 and X70, and the latter finds itself competing with some exceptional products. Two key rivals are the Mahindra XUV700 and the Mazda CX-5, but which one would we choose?
Related: Proton X50 vs Toyota Corolla Cross vs Volkswagen Taigo: Here's our winner
Proton X70
Powertrain and performance
Powering the X70 is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with outputs of 130Kw and 255Nm that is sent through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100km while Proton does not claim an official 0-100km/h time.
Standard equipment
The X70, in Standard guise, gets 17-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, cruise control, rear PDC, a rearview camera, electric windows, keyless entry/start and cloth-covered seats. The X50 also gets a service plan that covers 5 years/ 80 000km.
Safety
The X70 was crash tested by ASEAN NCAP in 2018 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The X70 boasts a 515-litre boot and seating for five occupants but is the smallest product in this comparison.
Price and value proposition
At R529 900, the X70 in Standard specification does seem quite expensive when looking at key rivals.
The competition
Mahindra XUV700 2.0T AX7
Powertrain and performance
Powering the XUV700 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 149Kw and 380Nm that is sent through the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.6 L/100km while the brand does not quote a 0-100km/h time.
Standard equipment
The XUV700 in AX7 guise, gets 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, 6 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, blindspot and lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, keyless start, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows. The XUV700 also gets the best service plan here, with a 5-year/100 000km offering.
Safety
The XUV700 was crash tested by Global NCAP in 2021 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
Mahindra does not have a claimed boot capacity for the XUV700, nor does it claim a ground clearance figure, however, it is the largest car in this comparison.
Price and value proposition
At R524 999, the AX7 variant of the XUV700 represents fantastic value in this particular comparison.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 features a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that produces 121kW and 213Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels, allowing for a 10.4 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100km.
The Mazda, in Active specification, is marginally the most expensive car here and matches the Proton's specifications. The CX-5 was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2017 and received 5-Stars. The Mazda is smaller than the Mahindra but offers a boot space of 442-litres. From a value perspective, the CX-5 comes with a 3-year/unlimited kilometre service plan and is reasonably good value.
Facts and figures:
|
|
Proton X70 1.5T Standard |
Mahindra XUV700 2.0T AX7 |
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active auto |
|
Engine size (cyl/size) |
3-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
130 kW/255 Nm |
149 kW/380 Nm |
121 kW/213 Nm |
|
CO2 emissions |
Not supplied |
Not supplied |
160 g/km |
|
Service plan |
5-year/80 000km |
5-year/ 100 000km |
3 yr/ unlimited km |
|
Airbag count |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
60 litres |
60 litres |
56 litres |
|
Ave Consumption * |
7.8 L/100km |
6.6 L/100 km |
6.9 L/100 km |
|
Driven wheels |
Front |
Front |
Front |
|
Boot volume |
512-litres |
Not supplied |
442-litres |
|
Price |
R 529 900 |
R524 999 |
R530 900 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, it would appear that the Mahindra XUV700 is the product to go for here, with the most features, the longest service plan and the lowest price.
