The seven-seater X90 mild-hybrid SUV is the latest addition to the local Proton stables and sets a new benchmark in safety and technology for the firm, but what does it compete against?
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Before we delve into the X90’s contenders, let’s take a quick look at what it has to offer.
At the core of Proton’s seven-seater mild hybrid SUV is a 1,5-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine working in tandem with the firm’s 48V electric “motor synergy” system.
The X90’s powerplant is affixed to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The X90 has a combined power output of 140 kW and 255 N.m. Proton claims its X90 has a fuel consumption of 6,8 L/100km and a 60-litre fuel tank, affording it a claimed fuel range of 882 km. Mechanically, each derivative is identical in terms of powertrain hardware and capability. In terms of size, the X90 is 4 830 mm in length, 1 900 mm wide, 1 764 mm in height, and founded on a 2 805 mm wheelbase. Below the metal, the seven-seater SUV is supported by a MacPherson strut suspension system at the front and a multi-link rear suspension system.
The cabin of the entry-level 1.5 Standard model features fabric seats, a leather steering wheel, and a 12,3-inch touchscreen monitor. The Premium and Flagship derivatives are outfitted with Nappa leather steering wheels, Nappa leather seats with six-way electric seats (also available in the Executive model) and adjustable lumbar support. Each model is outfitted with a six-speaker sound system, voice command, auto dual zone air-conditioning, electric windows, remote engine start, and intelligent entry.
The X90 also has a slew of driver assistance features, such as cruise control (although the Premium and Flagship models have adaptive cruise control), ABS, EBS, auto brake hold, ESC, hill hold assist, and hill descent control, six parking sensors as standard. Aside from the Standard Model, the X90 is equipped with a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an electric tailgate, auto rain-sensing wipers, and auto headlights. Exclusive to the range-topper is a panoramic sunroof.
In terms of its contenders, these will need to be seven-seater SUVs priced within R50 000 of the entry and range-topping X90 models. Additionally, these contenders were chosen based on their specs list and value-for-money compared to the X90.
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Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T Executive
Although the entry-level model for the Tiggo 8 Pro range, the 290T Executive model stands shoulder to shoulder with the second-highest-ranking X90 variant. The Tiggo 8 Pro is slightly smaller than the X90, and in terms of cabin quality and layout, these cars are very similar.
Where they differ is in the number of driver assistance systems, the X90 has more systems and, in some instances, is more advanced than the Tiggo 8 Pro. Where the Tiggo 8 Pro stands out is its varied amenities, such as a child lock, 12V sockets, a sliding panoramic roof and digital instruments, to name a few.
Fast Facts:
Price: R609 900
Engine: 1,6-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 145 kW
Torque: 290 N.m
Driven wheels: Front
0-100 km/h: 8,9 seconds
Top speed: 190 km/h
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Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI 110kW
As an established title within the local market, Volkswagen’s seven-seater Tiguan Allspace is offered at a premium over the X90, but in some areas, the X90 has a better offering.
The most notable differences between the two are their interior layouts, and driver assistance features. The Tiguan Allspace has a cloth interior as standard whereas the X90 has a Nappa Leather interior. Furthermore, the Allspace offers systems such as parking distance control sensors and parking assist systems as optional extras, whereas the X90 has them as standard features.
Fast Facts:
Price: R656 500
Engine: 1,4-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 110 kW
Torque: 250 N.m
Driven wheels: Front
0-100 km/h: 9,2 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
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Mahindra XUV700 2.0T AX7 L
Mahindra’s XUV700 is a comfortable and capable seven-seater SUV, with the ability to tackle demanding road conditions with relative ease. Aiding its appeal over the entry-level X90 model are amenities and features such as lane change warnings, a panoramic, artificial leather upholstery, and a tyre pressure monitor.
Fast Facts:
Price: R569 999
Engine: 2,0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 149 kW
Torque: 380 N.m
Driven wheels: Front
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top speed: N/A
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Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Visia
This variant of the X-Trail serves as the range’s curtain raiser, but compared to the range-topping X90, its commendable offerings fall short. Compared to the X90, the X-Trail lacks creature comforts such as a panoramic roof, a leather interior, electric seats with lumbar support adjustment, and ventilated seats, to name a few. Where the X-Trail does stand out is with its 2 000 kg braked towing capacity and smaller form factor.
Fast Facts:
Price: R673 000
Engine: 2,5-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: CVT
Power: 135 kW
Torque: 244 N.m
Driven wheels: Front
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top speed: 195 km/h
