The writing’s been on the wall for the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine in the Proton X70 and the latest teaser for the facelifted 2022 Proton X70 MC1 facelift all but confirms the 1.5T three-cylinder from the X50 will power the X70 come its launch within a few days.

Set to be unveiled on Proton’s Facebook page at 11am on 9 June 2022, the move to phase out the larger engine is just pure economical sense more than anything. Currently, 1.5T engine is fitted to export versions of the Proton X70 for markets such as Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Why ditch the 1.8T engine for something smaller?

Currently, Malaysia remains the sole market for the X70 with the 1.8T engine. Therefore, it’s pure business sense to streamline production at Proton’s Tanjung Malim facility by fitting the 1.5T engines in the Malaysian variants as well.

Is it the same engine as the Proton X50? Won’t it be underpowered?

You’re absolutely right, it’s indeed the same engine. The outgoing 1.8T delivered 184 PS and 300 Nm while the smaller 1.5T will bring 177 PS and 255 Nm to the table.

Also Read: New 2022 Proton X70 with 1.5 TGDi engine from X50, AWD could make a return? What specs to expect

Although it’s 7 PS and 45 Nm down, those numbers are largely negligible as the 1.5T is more than capable of powering the X70 and brings a number of additional benefits as well.

Oh, what are those benefits?

Well for starters, the engine is much lighter than the outgoing 1.8T. That’s a lighter front end that should translate into a slight improvement in handling.

Furthermore, the lighter overall weight should also mean better fuel consumption and who doesn’t like that?

Lastly, there’s a little savings in terms of road tax for the smaller engine. Yes, it isn’t much but money is money.

Also Read: Leaked: More specs details of 2022 Proton X70 MC1 facelift with 1.5T 3-cylinder engine

the transmission?

The facelifted X70 will still used the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission currently found in the X50 too.

Is that all?

Not likely, it’s possible the 1.8T engine will remain in some form of the Premium X70 trim for those that still go to sleep believing “there’s no replacement for displacement.”

Some documents made privy to WapCar indicated that there'll be five variants on offer; Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD (new) and two Premium 2WDs. The two Premium trims will likely be distinguished by the 1.5T and 1.8T engines.

That also means that it’s possible the AWD variant could be returning to the line-up after being dropped back in 2020 as the take-up rate was a measly under 4 percent.