2022 Proton X70 MC 1.5 TGDi – 3-cyl SUV video review

The Proton X70 was launched in Malaysia back in late 2018. Three and a half years later, Proton’s flagship model is getting its most significant change yet, but this isn’t a normal facelift, because the SUV’s face is, well, pretty much the same. So is the interior, which still comes with the original infotainment system seen on the first CBU units and not the Atlas OS used elsewhere in Proton’s range.

Instead, the big news surrounding the 2022 Proton X70 MC (for minor change) is unseen, even after you pop the hood. Under the soft plastic engine cover is a 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the smaller X50. To be used more widely within the Proton range in the near 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 less than the 1.8 litre turbo four-pot that was the standard engine for the X70 since launch. The 184 PS/300 Nm 1.8L (max torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm) is still around, but only in the range-topping 1.8 Premium 2WD. Every other variant gets the 1.5L.

Both engines come standard with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (introduced along with the CKD version in early 2020, replaces CBU’s 6AT) and front-wheel drive, except for the 1.5 Executive AWD variant, which marks the return of all-wheel drive for the X70. This 1.5 Exec AWD sits above the base 1.5 Standard 2WD and the 1.5 Executive 2WD. Above the sole AWD variant are the 1.5 Premium 2WD and 1.8 Premium 2WD.

You’d expect a smaller engine – and one that’s made in Malaysia no less – to lower the X70’s price, but the opposite has happened. When we still had SST exemptions, the price hike was from RM4,000 to RM6,000. Now that cars once again have sales tax, X70 prices are up by a further RM4,900 to RM7,000. Today’s price range is from RM98,800 to RM128,800 on-the-road without insurance. Inflation.

In this video review of the X70 MC, Hafriz Shah answers the burning questions regarding the switch to a lower capacity engine with one less cylinder. Enough power? Refinement issues? Our man’s household has both the 1.8L X70 and the X50 that uses this 1.5L triple, so he’s commenting from a familiar position. He also shares some disappointments with the MC and gives the X70 a new verdict, three years on. Watch the review above and tell us what you think of the X70 MC.

GALLERY: 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium

GALLERY: 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

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Learn more: Proton X70 MC 2022