In a couple of months’ time, Proton will be introducing the updated 2022 Proton X70. The biggest change would be phasing out the ageing turbocharged 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine in favour of a smaller 1.5-litre 3-cylinder unit.

The smaller direct-injection turbocharged engine is lifted right off the Proton X50 Flagship, which outputs 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm.

Compared to the engine it replaces, the smaller 1.5-litre engine is down by 7 PS and 45 Nm.

Also Read: New 2022 Proton X70 to launch with X50's 1.5 turbo engine, 177 PS and 255 Nm

Why downsize the engine?

At the moment, Malaysia is the only market to get the Proton X70 with the older 1.8-litre engine.

By downsizing the X70’s engine, Proton can streamline production of its C-segment SUV at its Tanjung Malim plant, as the downsized engine is currently fitted to export versions of the X70.

Also Read: Proton wants to be top-3 in SEA, not possible with just the Tanjung Malim plant

Markets that get the X70 with the smaller 1.5-litre engine include Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Also Read: Priced from RM 300k, the world's most expensive Proton X70 is launched in Nepal

Will there be a new transmission?

The transmission in the updated 2022 Proton X70 should remain the same – a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic.

Also Read: 2020 Proton X70 CKD – Is the new 7-speed DCT cheaper to maintain?

If a recent spyshot is any indication, Malaysia could see the return of the X70 AWD.

Recall that Proton discontinued the AWD variant of the X70, citing poor sales. Less than 4 percent of the X70 buyers opted for the AWD variant, thus prompting Proton to axe it upon the arrival of the locally-assembled (CKD) model.

Also Read: Why the 2020 Proton X70 CKD no longer have an AWD variant?

That said, while Proton discontinued sales of AWD variants of the X70 in Malaysia, they continued to manufacture it for export markets like Pakistan.

In an effort to streamline production, we won’t be surprised if Proton reintroduced the AWD X70 upon the debut of the updated 2022 model.

What specs can we expect?

Seeing that Proton currently exports CKD kits of the Proton X70 to Pakistan, their market would be an early indication of what Malaysia can expect.

Also Read: First CKD Pakistan Proton Saga rolls off production line, X70 to follow suit

In Pakistan, Proton offers two variants of the X70: X70 Executive AWD and X70 Premium 2WD.

Both variants offer automatic projector LED headlights, LED front fog lights, and LED daytime running lights. The Executive variant gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Premium variant bumps that up to 19-inch.

Inside, the key difference is that the Premium offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, powered driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, panoramic sunroof, and 9 speakers.

Common across both variants are stuff like a multifunction steering wheel, full LCD instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, air purifier system, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with ‘Hi Proton’ voice command.

When will Proton launch the 2022 Proton X70?

According to sources familiar with the matter, Proton will likely introduce the updated 2022 Proton X70 by mid-2022.

Here's why: the locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70 was launched back in February 2020 and assuming a 2.5-year lifecycle before the facelift arrives, mid-2022 is the most logical time frame for the arrival of the updated X70.

Also Read: Spied: Is this Proton X70 powered by the X50’s 1.5T engine?