Upon the launch of the new 2022 Proton X70 MC, the biggest change is the new, downsized turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The 1.8-litre turbo is still available, albeit on the range-topping variant.

Codenamed 3G15TD, the new engine is now the default choice in the Standard, Executive, and Premium variants of the 2022 Proton X70. 

Also Read: New 2022 Proton X70 MC launched in Malaysia, new 1.5 TGDi, priced from RM 94k

Question is, how does the new, downsized engine compare against the older, larger one?

On paper at least, not only does 1.5-litre has one cylinder less, it is also 7 PS and 45 Nm less than the engine it replaces. The 1.5-litre engine produces 177 PS and 255 Nm, while the older 1.8-litre unit is capable of 184 PS and 300 Nm.

The difference in power is also reflected in the 0-100 km/h times, as Proton mentioned that the 1.8-litre-equipped X70 can complete the century sprint in 9.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the new engine. Still an impressive figure for an SUV that tips the scales at 1.6 tonnes.

But is it necessarily doom and gloom?

Far from it really. Despite losing some power to the 1.8-litre engine, the 1.5-litre unit is 43 kg lighter, resulting in a 7 percent improvement in fuel consumption figures.

And that's not all, as the 43 kg lighter 1.5-litre engine means that the Proton X70's front end is now lighter, resulting in more nimble and responsive front-end. 

That said, if the 3-cylinder engine isn't your thing, Proton still has the 1.8-litre engine on offer, albeit only on the range-topping 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD variant. 

The 1.8-litre engine, though smoother and offers more power, won't be around for long as it will be eventually discontinued as it is close to 10 years old. 

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.

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