Proton has launched the updated 2022 Proton X70 MC during an online launch gambit, whereby its popular C-segment SUV is now fitted with the X50’s turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine.
Seeing that the new 1.5-litre engine is manufactured locally, it effectively bumps up the percentage of local content to 70 percent, a substantial increase over the initial launch model, which stood at 45 percent.
As such, prices of the 2022 Proton X70 MC have been adjusted as well. Five variants are offered and prices start from RM 93,900. If the 1.5-litre turbo engines aren’t your thing, fret not as Proton is still offering the larger 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder unit, albeit only on the range-topping Premium 2WD variant, priced from RM 121,800. All prices exclude sales tax and are valid until 30-June.
Also Read: Buoyed by Saga and X70, Proton's March 2022 sales surpasses 13k units, 41% up from Feb
Under the hood lies the same turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylider petrol engine from the smaller Proton X50. Power figures are identical, coming in at 177 PS and 255 Nm. For those keeping tabs, the smaller 1.5-litre engine is down by 7 PS and 45 Nm compared to the 1.8-litre unit.
Also Read: Geely-Volvo’s CEVT engine boss explains why the Proton X50’s 3-cylinder is better than a 4-cylinder
Power figures aside, the biggest gains from the smaller engine are weight savings and improved fuel consumption. The smaller engine is 43 kg lighter, which has improved the X70’s fuel consumption by 7 percent.
Also Read: Ratings: 2020 Proton X70 Premium X (CKD) - The best family SUV in Malaysia?
Unchanged is the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, which made its debut on the locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70 at the beginning of 2020. Power is sent either to the front wheels or all four wheels (AWD). Yes, the AWD variant has returned.
Also Read: The 7-speed wet DCT makes the 2020 Proton X70 CKD faster and more fuel efficient
Perhaps the biggest visual difference are the new alloy wheel designs. Both the 18- and 19-inch wheel designs are new, the latter was first seen on the Proton X70 SE.
Also Read: You can also have it in red, the 2,000 units-only 2021 Proton X70 SE launched in Malaysia
Apart from the new wheels, the other change is the gloss black finishing on the front grille, front fog light surrounds, trim piece that connects both tail lights, as well as diffuser piece.
Inside, it’s largely business as usual, save for the black roof lining, which is the only change. The X70 still get the same GKUI-powered infotainment system with the “Hi Proton” voice command system. Upper variants of the Proton X70 offer Nappa leather seats and a 9-speaker Kenwood sound system.
Also Read: Proton X70 - Is the GKUI infotainment system any good?
Safety is also carried over from the pre-updated model. All variants of the Proton X70 MC get 6 airbags, stability control, traction control, and hill hold assist. Upper variants add ADAS features like autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot information system, and intelligent high beam control.