The 2022 Proton X70 appears to have been sighted on the Karak Expressway heading in the direction of Genting Sempah in Pahang on Instagram, and the eagle-eyed will have spotted the ‘AWD’ badge on this particular unit’s tailgate denoting the return of the all-wheel-driven variant to the X70 line.
The AWD version of Proton’s C-segment SUV arrived with the debut of the X70 back at the end of 2018, when it offered with the Executive trim level. This variant was dropped with the launch of the X70 facelift in February 2020 as demand was insufficient, though it now appears that the 2022 model year will see its return, as suggested by its 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels.
The upcoming revision for the Proton X70 also sets the scene for the local market launch of the C-segment model with the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a combination that has gone on sale in Pakistan.
This is the powertrain that is found in the top X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant, in which it produces 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque, sent to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. By contrast, the X70 CKD for Malaysia employs a 1.8 litre turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder petrol with 181 hp and 300 Nm, paired with a Volvo/Geely-developed seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Here, the trade plate-wearing X70 outwardly appears identical to the current X70 CKD Executive variant, save for the aforementioned AWD badge on its tailgate.
At the launch of the CKD X70 range, the Executive variant also brought LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers and a powered tailgate, while the interior was outfitted with a self-dimming rear view mirror, welcome and footwell lamps, leatherette upholstery, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats and an eight-speaker audio system.
What the Executive variant missed out on, relative to the range-topping Premium, is the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), and while the return of the AWD presents Proton with the opportunity to roll out a variant with a different powertrain, the more detailed list of equipment for the forthcoming update remains to be seen.
With the upcoming update for the Proton X70, what other equipment would you like to see in this revision?
GALLERY: 2020 Proton X70 Executive 2WD
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
1.5 wif AWD?
Good luck fuel consumption!
People who buys AWD cars are not too concerned on FC mate. If they did, they won’t be getting AWDlah.
LOL! If you worried about FC, don’t get an SUV!
Why Proton cannot just give current engine spec with AWD…
Have you read the article? They tried but demand was not there.
With the upcoming update for the Proton X70, what other equipment would you like to see in this revision?
A reliable parts supply, better customer service at any centre, and more honesty.
Completely all black interior trim and seats, as this looks more cozy and will also not show stains.
Thanks.
repeat. launch awd executive without ADAS. then claim again nobody wants the awd.
It’s crazy how they think Premium buyers will be fine with FWD…I’m already paying the most for the car because I want ALL the features, why not give me AWD as well? So insane the product planners. Literally NO reasoning.
Proton needs to give us X70 Premium X AWD 1.5T and then later X90 Premium X AWD 1.5T 48V.
If I may suggest, to Proton or Geely.
Please do X50 Sport Edition with 1.8 Turbo with 220 hp AWD. Give us all the Safety and Convenient feature like in the X50 FS + android auto or apple carplay. Price it below RM140k, I am sure, many will gladly have it.
Just do away with the Panoramic roof, leaking prone in the future.
So much this. There is NO excuse for NO Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on local cars. Just let us choose OUR OWN maps app and OUR OWN music app. And NO, using a phone holder is NOT a good alternative because the whole point of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is to keep our eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel, NOT preoccupied at using the phone! THIS IS ABOUT ROAD SAFETY. MSIA does not need more DISTRACTED drivers.
So, you’re saying that with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, you can navigate everything without averting your eyes from the road and without needing to hold the steering with one hand while juggling through the apps? If not, then you’re just like a flailing kid that wants a toy no matter what. If you want real safety, why don’t you request that the car don’t come with any media player or such and it’s equipped with a device that can make your gadgets unusable whenever you’re in the car – no distraction from gadgets.
…You totally missed the point here….
Have u even used apple carplay or android auto?
Its designed to have less distraction than normal phone/maps/apps interface..
140k for a high performance SUV? That’s not gonna happen pal..
The engine downsize might just apply across the whole X70 range as part of their 2 year cycle product update and would greatly help Proton convince interested fencesitters whom might still be worried on the 1.8L TGDI fuel consumption. On top of that, the much cheaper roadtax and servicing costs will be a big bonus to those who can wait for the 2022 version to come.
X70 Premium AWD please
outdated design ady… we malaysian like the LOOK first, engine, fc all later
How many times I have to tell you that “LOOK” is subjective. You’re not qualified to speak for all Malaysians when it comes to subjective views like this. If you ask me, sure, I do think the look is outdated. Now, you can comment “me and another person think is outdated”.
it is outdated model. please update it
Geely is currently positioning its new 1.5 turbo 4 cylinders to their new line up…does it mean if we get the 1.5T 3 cylinders instead, we will get dumped with the old engines? https://paultan.org/2022/02/15/geely-binyue-gets-heavy-facelift-in-china-4-cylinder-engine/
When will the batch of Proton X70 1.8L arrive?
What would I like to see in the new variants?
1)Clearly, all premium and not so premium specifications have an ADAS system (advanced driver assist) , such as the Eyesight system in Subaru that allows for automatic braking. With so much reckless driving on our roads, I think routine incorporation of ADAS will save many lives in as many versions as possible, not just premium.
2) increased off road capability for SUV models like the X70 with high ground clearance and suspension system to allow for different terrain, implying robust computer assisted AWD facilities as well with traction control. Also AWD characteristics lead to safer handling on normal highways as well. Water wading qualities, up to 80 cm at least.
3) Because of climate change, fuel consumption must be reduced with smaller engines that are turbocharged for power with improved emission levels for polluting gases.
4) SUV’s must have foldable seats to produce a flat surface for heavy cargo. The floors of current SUVs have reinforced plastic. High tensile carbon composite plates can be used to convert the SUV into a capacious cargo carrier. Capacious interiors with as many seats as possible.
5) Flexible extendable warranties, minimum 5 years with unlimited or generous mileage coverage.
6) Service to older cars and models with affordable spare parts.
Prefer X50 and X70 to have AWD as interior of our country is still former timber track road