The Proton X70 was launched in Malaysia again in late 2018. Three and a half years later, Proton’s flagship mannequin is getting its most vital change but, however this isn’t a traditional facelift, as a result of the SUV’s face is, nicely, just about the identical. So is the inside, which nonetheless comes with the unique infotainment system seen on the primary CBU items and never the Atlas OS used elsewhere in Proton’s vary.
As an alternative, the large information surrounding the 2022 Proton X70 MC (for minor change) is unseen, even after you pop the hood. Beneath the smooth plastic engine cowl is a 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the smaller X50. For use extra broadly inside the Proton vary within the close to future, the direct-injection TGDi unit makes 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.
That’s 7 PS and 45 Nm lower than the 1.8 litre turbo four-pot that was the usual engine for the X70 since launch. The 184 PS/300 Nm 1.8L (max torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm) continues to be round, however solely within the range-topping 1.8 Premium 2WD. Each different variant will get the 1.5L.
Each engines come normal with a seven-speed moist dual-clutch transmission (launched together with the CKD model in early 2020, replaces CBU’s 6AT) and front-wheel drive, aside from the 1.5 Govt AWD variant, which marks the return of all-wheel drive for the X70. This 1.5 Exec AWD sits above the bottom 1.5 Customary 2WD and the 1.5 Govt 2WD. Above the only real AWD variant are the 1.5 Premium 2WD and 1.8 Premium 2WD.
You’d anticipate a smaller engine – and one which’s made in Malaysia no much less – to decrease the X70’s value, however the reverse has occurred. After we nonetheless had SST exemptions, the worth hike was from RM4,000 to RM6,000. Now that automobiles as soon as once more have gross sales tax, X70 costs are up by an additional RM4,900 to RM7,000. At this time’s value vary is from RM98,800 to RM128,800 on-the-road with out insurance coverage. Inflation.
On this video assessment of the X70 MC, Hafriz Shah solutions the burning questions relating to the change to a decrease capability engine with one much less cylinder. Sufficient energy? Refinement points? Our man’s family has each the 1.8L X70 and the X50 that makes use of this 1.5L triple, so he’s commenting from a well-recognized place. He additionally shares some disappointments with the MC and provides the X70 a brand new verdict, three years on. Watch the assessment above and inform us what you consider the X70 MC.
GALLERY: 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium
GALLERY: 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Govt AWD