“Proton engineers have started the investigation process while working closely with the relevant authorities. An update will be issued once all the information has been obtained. Meanwhile, we would like to reassure all customers that Proton vehicles are developed to meet the highest standards with each unit undergoing stringent quality and safety inspections prior to being delivered,” the statement reads.
That’s all there is to know now, so we’ll have to wait and see how the story progresses. At the very least, it’s good to know how proactive and diligent Proton is in handling this situation, and how it’s keeping the public in the loop. Not many would.
A video of what appears to be a brand new Proton X70 catching fire at Puspakom Alor Gajah is making its rounds on social media platforms (as below). The short clip shows the SUV, brand new complete with the plastic seat covers still intact, no less, nearly engulfed in white smoke.
The smoke appears to come from under the bonnet of the grey X70, apparently after being put out by fire extinguishers. As of now, it is not known why or how the vehicle caught fire. We will update the story as soon as Proton issues a statement on the incident.
The national carmaker was recently quick to respond to a video of an X90 SUV catching fire. For that incident, Proton immediately took possession of the vehicle to investigate the fire and soon after revealed to the public that it had identified the root cause – a grounding connection issue in close proximity to sound proofing material, not the 48V mild-hybrid battery as speculated by internet “experts.” A recall to rectify the problem has been issued.
As for the latest incident involving the X70, expect Proton to respond as diligently too.
Aduh.. .X70 baru.. terbakar. Plastik pun belum bukak lagi. 😅
The Proton X70 MC was launched in June last year, with the biggest change to the popular SUV being the adoption of a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine to replace the previous 1.8 litre turbo four-pot.
The direct-injected TGDi mill powers four out of five available variants, but if you still want the larger-capacity motor, it can be found on the most expensive version of the X70 MC, the 1.8 Premium.
With 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque on tap, the 1.5 litre TGDi engine makes 7 PS and 45 PS less than the 1.8 litre powerplant. However, peak torque arrives sooner with the downsized engine at 1,500 rpm compared to 1.750 rpm with the 1.8 litre unit, which is also 43 kg heavier.
A seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission – introduced on the locally-assembled (CKD) model back in 2020 – is standard across the range and you can get all-wheel drive on the 1.5 Executive as an alternative to the default front-wheel drive.
In this video review, Hafriz Shah, who himself owns a 2018 X70 that is over four years old now, gives his verdict on the improvements made on the X70 MC and whether it is a good buy compared to close rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
Just three months on from its debut, the 2022 Proton X70 MC (minor change) has received a selection of updates as a running change; chief among these is the introduction of a new head unit. This means a hardware change, therefore existing, older units running GKUI will not be upgradeable to the newer Atlas operating system.
Being a running change, the revision to the infotainment of the 2022 X70 MC has already been included in the latest batch of production for the C-segment SUV. Along with the hardware and software changes, the latest ensemble will also get the Spotify music app from the A Store in the near future.
Given that the running change for infotainment equipment is fairly involved, this looks like an update that should have been timed to coincide with the arrival of the X70’s MC update in June; it’s a wonder that it wasn’t.
Further afield, the running change to the 2022 X70 MC also brings a frameless rear view mirror, albeit exclusive to the Premium (1.5L and 1.8L variants) of the SUV.
Revisions on this running change include the new infotainment head unit and the frameless rear-view mirror on the Premium variants – click to enlarge
Powertrain specification, specifically the inclusion of the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is the biggest revision in the transition to its minor change, which essentially is a carryover unit from the B-segment X50.
In the X70, this engine produces 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, or 7 PS and 45 Nm down on that of the X50. Meanwhile, buyers opting for the 1.8 litre version will get same outputs as it as offered before, with 184 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. Both versions get a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The 2022 Proton X70 MC starts from RM98,800 for the 1.5 Standard, rising to RM110,800 for the 1.5 Executive variant. Next up is the Executive AWD at RM116,800, before the 1.5 litre range is capped by the 1.5 Premium, at RM123,800. Topping the lot is the sole 1.8 litre variant, the 1.8 Premium, at RM128,800.
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.
No one car has done more to change Proton’s perception overnight than the X70. The first product of the national carmaker’s collaboration with Geely, it pushed the boundaries of how much buyers would pay for a Proton, and in one fell swoop it redefined the SUV market in Malaysia.
I still remember the first time I snagged the keys to the flagship crossover. That China could build handsome, well-built cars was a given even back then, but I didn’t expect to be blown away by plush ride quality and whisper-quiet refinement. Till this day, the X70 embarrasses cars that are twice, even three times the price, whether you’re pottering on a pockmarked city street or cruising on a highway.
It’s hard to believe that was four years ago, and it seems that customers have taken a shine to it too – over 70,000 units of the X70 have found homes since the late-2018 launch. Nigglingreliability concerns and the obvious parts shortages have dulled the sheen somewhat, but the car remains a popular seller.
Which is why it’s concerning that Proton is now altering the recipe. Out goes the torquey, silky-smooth 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replaced by the 1.5 litre triple from the smaller X50. Three-pot mills aren’t exactly the last word in refinement, so can the new 2022 X70 replicate its uncanny premium car impression with one fewer cylinder? We head out for a short test drive to find out.
Launched earlier today, the 2022 Proton X70 MC (minor change) is what we’re focusing on in our latest walk-around video tour. The X70 has been a popular choice among SUV buyers since it was introduced back in 2018, and the new updates are noteworthy.
As a start, the C-segment model gains the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine from the smaller X50. Offered in direct-injected TGDi form, the mill puts out 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm, which is 7 PS and 45 Nm less than the 1.8 litre turbo four-pot that will continue to be available with 184 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.
Both engines come standard with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive, except for the 1.5 Executive AWD variant, which marks the return of all-wheel drive for the X70. The 1.5 Executive AWD sits above the base 1.5 Standard 2WD and 1.5 Executive 2WD, while further up the range are the 1.5 Premium 2WD and 1.8 Premium 2WD – the latter is the only one with the larger-displacement engine.
Beyond the mechanical changes, the X70 also receives exterior and interior revisions that are highlighted in the video. Available equipment for the X70 remains largely unchanged from before too, and you can find out exactly what each variant gets in our spec-by-spec comparison in our original launch story.
In terms of pricing, the X70 starts at RM93,900 for the base 1.5 Standard 2WD, moving up to RM105,500 for the 1.5 Executive 2WD and RM111,300 for the 1.5 Executive AWD. The 1.5 Premium 2WD retails at RM117,900 and at the top of the price range is the 1.8 Premium at RM121,800. These figures are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption valid until the end of the month.
So, there you have it, the new X70 MC. What are your thoughts on the changes Proton have done to its popular SUV model? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
After nearly four years and over 70,000 units on the road, the Proton X70 has finally received its first minor change (MC), giving it mild styling tweaks and a new engine option to go with them. No, this isn’t a facelift in the conventional sense, even though its twin, the Geely Boyue, has gone under the knife twice in China (Boyue Pro/2022 Boyue and Boyue X) since the Malaysian version was launched back in 2018.
First, we’ll need to talk about pricing, which has been adjusted upwards. The 2022 X70 is available in five variants, starting from the 1.5 Standard at RM93,900 (up RM4,000) and rising up to RM105,500 (up RM4,500) for the 1.5 Executive. Making a return since it was dropped in 2020 is the Executive AWD retailing at RM111,300, while the 1.5 Premium with most of the bells and whistles costs RM117,900 (up RM4,800).
The Premium X remains at the top of the lineup, now named simply the 1.8 Premium and costing RM6,000 more at RM121,800. These figures are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption valid until the end of the month. A five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five times free labour for servicing comes as standard with every purchase, as before.
Even though there aren’t any wholesale aesthetic upgrades, there’s still plenty of things to talk about here. There’s a new powertrain, after all, which is the main focus of the MC. So, let’s get straight to it.
X50 engine on most models, lower outputs but less weight
The engine is a known quantity, especially to owners of the smaller X50. That’s because the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine has been carried over – here, it’s offered exclusively in direct-injected TGDi form, but even this high-output version is slightly less powerful than the outgoing 1.8 litre four-pot.
Power is rated 7 PS lower at 177 PS at 5,500 rpm, but the key stat is torque, which has fallen some 45 Nm to 255 Nm, made between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. Proton says the shortfall won’t be noticeable in everyday driving conditions because peak twist is made 250 rpm lower down, and the 43 kg saved by dropping one cylinder should also help make up some of the deficit.
We say some, because the new X70 takes three tenths of a second longer to get from zero to 100 km/h, accomplishing the century sprint in 9.8 seconds. On the plus side, the company is claiming a seven per cent improvement in fuel economy, which to most buyers will be a more important consideration.
Three-pot engines aren’t exactly the last word in refinement, but the new mill, developed in collaboration between Geely and Volvo, gets a sound-insulating polyurethane engine cover to ensure the X70’s whisper-quiet driving experience remains undimmed. It’s also locally assembled for the first time, built at a new plant in Tanjung Malim – ahead of it being offered in more Proton models in the future.
Click to enlarge
Buyers hankering for the older 1.8 litre turbo four-cylinder will be please to know that it will continue to be offered but, as mentioned earlier, it will only be available in the most expensive variant. It produces the same 184 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm.
As before, models receive a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, introduced on the locally-assembled CKD model back in 2020. Another product of the Sino-Scandinavian collaboration, the gearbox has been retuned in the 1.5 litre models to suit the new engine but is untouched in the 1.8 Premium.
Drive is sent to the front wheels, although you can once again get all-wheel drive as an option, brought back in response to customer feedback – particularly those in East Malaysia. It’s still limited to the mid-range Executive variant, however, meaning that the all-paw model misses out on the Premium’s all-important driver assistance features. More on that later.
Minor trim colour changes and new wheels, but design remains untouched
Now that we’ve gotten the sole big change out of the way, we can talk about the few aesthetic changes that have been added, which are little more than colour changes to specific parts. There are no new body panels, but the components that were previously matte grey (the Infinite Weave grille bars, front bumper corner “rings”, rear number plate garnish and decorative rear skid plate) are now finished in gloss black.
The sole exceptions are the chin spoiler at the front and the inserts for the air curtain inlets, which have been painted in a brighter matte silver. Meanwhile, the surrounds for those inserts are painted in gloss black instead of body colour, while the door mirrors are finished in metallic Quartz Black – both of these have been carried over from last year’s SE.
Finally, there are the two new wheel designs, both lifted from the Chinese-market Boyue Pro. The intricate 19-inch alloys on the 1.5 and 1.8 Premium are familiar and come from the SE, but the 18-inch rollers for the Executive have not been seen in Malaysia before. The Standard, on the other hand, rides on the same silver 17s as before.
The changes are even more minor on the inside, with just the black headlining being added for a sportier look. The gently undulating dashboard, tall centre console, prominent grab handles and flat-bottomed steering wheel all remain, as do the standard-fit seven-inch instrument display and eight-inch infotainment touchscreen – the latter hooked up to the Geely Key User Interface (GKUI) with “Hey Proton” voice control.
Unchanged kit list, driver assists still exclusive to Premium
Proton has also left the equipment count well alone. The 1.5 Standard continues to come with automatic halogen headlights with LED indicators, LED front fog lights with a cornering light function, LED taillights, keyless entry, push-button start, a multi-function steering wheel, manual seat adjustment, fabric upholstery, reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents and an air purifier, an electronic parking brake, Internet connectivity, six speakers, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
The Executive and Executive AWD models add on LED headlights and daytime running lights, automatic wipers, black faux leather upholstery, ventilated seats with driver’s side powered adjustment, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, eight speakers and a powered tailgate.
Stepping up to the 1.5 Premium adds a hands-free function for the tailgate and nets you brown Nappa leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat with “boss” switches, four auto up/down windows, additional voice control functions (including for the windows) and a nine-speaker Kenwood sound system. Just like the old Premium X, the 1.8 Premium gains a panoramic sunroof, but it also receives security window tint.
Safety-wise, the X70 comes as standard with six airbags and stability control; as before, only the Premium models can be had with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The suite is unchanged and includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, door opening warning and automatic high beam. As such, the flagship SUV continues to lag behind the X50, which can be had with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as lane centring assist.
As always, we have a spec-by-spec breakdown of the available kit, which is as follows:
Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD – RM93,900 Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
1.5 litre TGDi DOHC engine
1,477 cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
177 PS at 5,500 rpm, 255 Nm from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm
Seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission
Three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport
Electric power steering with Normal and Sport modes
Automatic halogen projector headlamps with LED indicators
LED rear combination taillights
LED front fog lamps with cornering light function
17-inch alloy wheels
Power-folding door mirrors
Keyless entry
Interior
Push-button start
Black leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
Seven-inch digital instrument display
Electronic power windows with driver’s side auto up/down
Black fabric upholstery
Manually-adjustable front seats
60:40 split-folding rear seats with recline
Automatic dual-zone climate control with rear vents and air purifier
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with “Hey Proton” voice control, online music streaming, navigation, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth and 4G Wi-Fi hotspot
Proton Link App to check vehicle status, remote functionality
Six speakers
Six USB ports – one for data, five for charging
Four rear parking sensors
Reverse camera
Tonneau cover
Space saver spare wheel
Safety
Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors with top tethers
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist
Auto brake hold
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction control
Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD – RM105,500 Adds on:
Exterior
Automatic LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights
18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
Interior
Automatic wipers
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Front welcome and footwell lamps
Black faux leather upholstery with red trim
Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Ventilated front seats
Eight speakers
Two front parking sensors
360-degree camera system
Powered tailgate
Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD – RM111,300 Adds on:
Mechanical
All-wheel drive
Safety
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD – RM117,900 Adds on:
Exterior
19-inch two-tone alloy wheels
Interior
Black Nappa leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel
Auto up/down for all windows with remote close
Brown Nappa leather upholstery
Powered lumbar adjustment for driver’s seat, four-way powered front passenger seat (with additional shoulder switches)
Additional voice command functionality for the infotainment system
Nine-speaker Kenwood sound system (with amplifier and subwoofer)
Four front parking sensors
Hands-free powered tailgate
Safety
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Intelligent High Beam Control (HBC)
Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD – RM121,800 Adds on:
Mechanicals
1.8 litre TGDi DOHC engine
1,799 cc turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
184 PS at 5,500 rpm, 300 Nm from 1,750 to 4,400 rpm
Exterior
Panoramic sunroof
Security window tint
The 2022 X70 is available in the same colours as before, with Snow White and Jet Grey offered across the lineup. Oddly, Armour Silver can be had on all but the Executive AWD, while Cinnamon Brown can be picked from the Executive AWD onward. Ruby Red and Space Grey are exclusive to the Premium variants. You can read our review here, and browse full specifications and equipment on CarBase.my.
