Launched in May this year, the Proton X90 is the domestic automaker’s new three-row SUV that is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder GDI engine, with the latter similar to the X50 Flagship as well as in the new X70 models. However, the X90 differs from these SUVs as it also features a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which is a first for the domestic brand.
The components that make up the mild hybrid system include a belt-start generator (BSG), a DC-DC converter, a lithium-ion battery, a battery management system, a brake recovery system, and a control system of hybrid modules. Together, the setup boosts 190PS and 300Nm of torque, while delivering better claimed acceleration and lower CO2 emissions.
With the mild hybrid system, how does the X90 compare to the X70 in terms of maintenance cost over five years or 100,000km? Well, that’s what we’re going to find out in this post as we list the maintenance schedules for both SUVs. This comparison also includes the X70’s direct competitor, the Honda CR-V, and all details are sourced directly from the car brands’ official websites.
According to the figures, the X90 is more expensive to maintain over five years compared to the X70, with the difference being about RM351.97. If we look at the detailed lists, the two Proton SUVs are very similar in terms of how often the service items are carried out.
For example, the X90 and X70 require air, fuel and cabin filter changes every 20,000 km, while spark plugs and brake fluid are changed every 40,000 km. In addition, the engine cooling service is performed at 60,000 km and the dual clutch transmission oil is changed at 90,000 km. Beyond 100,000km, a timing belt change (RM195.16 for the part) is also done at 120,000km on both SUVs.
However, you’ll notice that the cost of filters (except the engine oil filter) for the X90 is higher than the X70, and the larger SUV has a windshield wiper listed as a service item. The X90’s BSG drive belt also needs to be replaced at 100,000km at a cost of RM141.10, which is not required for the non-mild hybrid X70.
What about the CR-V then? Honda’s maintenance schedule for its C-segment SUV is different as it mentions that engine oil changes (RM139.56 each time) are done based on an interval not exceeding six months or referring to the engine oil check gauge. This also goes for the engine oil filter (RM34.68 each time), although the interval is longer at 12 months.
If we apply these ranges, the CR-V is cheaper to maintain than the X90 and X70 by at least RM1,300. That sounds like a huge margin, but labor charges for oil changes aren’t factored into the official maintenance schedule, and it’s mentioned in the fine print that the prices listed include a 15% discount. So while the difference may seem quite large on paper, realistically it will be much smaller.
Also, while the CR-V requires fewer air and cabin filter changes over 100,000km, there are certain important service items that are not mentioned such as the fuel filter (RM411.30 at 180,000 km) and engine coolant (RM219.96 at 200,000 km). ) which was done much later. The cost of replacing spark plugs and CVT fluid for the CR-V is also higher overall compared to the Proton SUVs.
Of course, there are more running costs in addition to scheduled service visits, as consumables such as brakes and tires depend on how the car is used. Wheel sizes for the X90 range from 18 to 19 inches, while 17 to 19 inches for the X70 and 17 to 18 inches for the CR-V; usually bigger wheels need bigger tires which cost more. Specific to the X90 is a 48-volt lithium-ion battery that’s part of the mild hybrid system, which doesn’t appear as a useful item in its official lineup. The second battery is covered by a five-year warranty and is said to be “maintenance-free and last the life of the vehicle”.
All the three SUVs mentioned here have the same engine capacity of 1.5 liters, so the road tax is identical, but the motor insurance differs depending on the sum insured, insurance provider and add-ons chosen (flood coverage, windshield coverage, etc.).
When divided over five years, the X90 costs about RM70 more per year to service compared to the X70. For the price the X90 starts from (RM123,800 on-the-road without insurance), this extra amount paid annually for maintenance wouldn’t be a big concern for car buyers with the means considering Proton’s first three-row SUV. with a smooth hybrid system.
