FINALLY! After the longest “long lead-in” teaser in the history of motoring in Malaysia, the Proton X70 was officially launched last night by the father of Proton, Tun Dr. Mahathir himself! 35-years ago he did the same with the Saga, and it was fitting that he launched the latest model, Proton’s first SUV, the X70. Here’s the launch gambit video:

Possibly the biggest surprise was the price announcement that everyone had been waiting for, and as we’d expected, of the 4 variants launched, the introductory variant is priced BELOW RM100,000!

The price announcement was made by Dr. Li Chunrong, the CEO of Proton, along with the ‘special packages’ that will come with the new X70, here’s the video:

Following the launch, and once the thousand-plus attendees had mostly dissipated, Piston.my managed to grab some alone-time with the new Proton X70, and here’s what we thought:

For more info on the Proton X70 launch, check out the press release below the photo gallery!

FULL PRESS RELEASE:

PROTON X70 LAUNCHED

– Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially launches PROTON’s first SUV
– Special ownership packages and national price scheme announced

Kuala Lumpur, 12 December 2018 – PROTON officially launched the Proton X70 at a glittering ceremony officiated by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Full details of the flagship SUV were also revealed at the event including the selling price, service, financing and warranty packages.

The first premium SUV by a Malaysian automotive brand
The Proton X70 is the first vehicle to be jointly developed by PROTON and its partner Geely, and is the first premium SUV by a Malaysian automotive brand. It also introduces PROTON to a new market segment and is the key catalyst for the total rejuvenation of the brand. When developing the Proton X70, both PROTON and Geely collaborated on multiple levels. From the cross deployment of staff in China and Malaysia, to testing in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate to the collaboration between local and international vendors, the goal was to ensure a product that is perfectly suited to the needs of Malaysian and ASEAN car buyers.

To prepare for its introduction, PROTON embarked on a comprehensive marketing plan to build an unprecedented level of excitement amongst car buyers via on-ground events, the launch of an online booking portal and giving the SUV its public debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). These efforts began in September and were further strengthened by social media campaigns that included a naming contest and numerous teaser videos on Facebook and YouTube.

At the same time, significant investments to PROTON’s network were made for the arrival of the Proton X70. Training activities for sales and service staff and the launch of the inaugural PROTON After Sales Service Competition (PASSC) were part of efforts to ensure everyone had sufficient knowledge of the new vehicle. The Company also embarked on an ambitious network expansion plan by inviting new investors to start PROTON outlets and offering generous incentives for existing dealers to upgrade their facilities to 3S and 4S centres. To date 115 plans for such centres have been approved with 71 already launched thus far this year.

“The Proton X70 is the result of more than one year of hard work by PROTON and Geely engineers, designers and hundreds of other people working together to develop the first premium SUV by a Malaysian car manufacturer. PROTON is proud of our achievement and it is our belief Malaysian car buyers will be equally proud to own an SUV that will help to transform the Proton brand. With over 10,000 bookings, it already has a good start so we will work hard to deliver on our product and brand promise,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

“Deliveries of the Proton X70 will commence over the coming weeks as we want customers to get their cars as soon as possible. Some have had to wait for over six months, having given their name to dealers before bookings were even officially opened, so PROTON is thankful to them for their patience and incredible brand loyalty,” he added.

Special packages and one price for all Malaysians
To enhance the ownership experience of the Proton X70, special value added packages were announced at the launch event. Defined as Xtra packages, they affect four distinct areas. The Xtra Service Package offers free parts and labour for the first service as well as free labour for five scheduled service appointments within 100,000km or five years. Next, there is the Xtra Low Financing Package, offering low interest rates that start from 2.34% p.a. for qualified buyers.

PROTON will be the first national automotive brand to offer an unlimited mileage warranty as the Xtra Warranty Coverage Package will cover the Proton X70 for up to five years regardless of mileage. Finally, to ensure owners enjoy a premium connectivity experience the Xtra Data Package offers free internet data for five years (capped at 1GB per month).

“The Xtra packages offered will enhance the experience for owners by offering peace of mind, savings for servicing and financing as well as free data. PROTON will also create history by offering the Proton X70 at one price for one nation. This means East and West Malaysia car buyers will pay the same price for the same vehicle, making PROTON the first automotive brand to offer such a deal. It is our hope that by doing this, PROTON proves that a Malaysian product can be offered at the same price for all Malaysians regardless of where they live,” added Dr Li Chunrong.