Camouflaged test vehicles of the Proton X50 and Proton Proton X70 have been spotted on the roads of Thailand.

Though both the X50 and X70 have been spotted there before, this is the first time both models have been photographed alongside each other.

The images that surfaced on the Civic FE Thailand 2021 Facebook page visibly show the Premium or Premium X variant of the X70 (judged by the 19-inch wheels) and Flagship X50 variant (by the dual-tone black roof and rear spoiler) are as per earlier sightings of the respective models on Thai roads.

These latest sightings corroborate earlier reports of Proton’s plans to re-enter the Thai market with its two SUV models after its exodus in 2015. This was further confirmed in a press statement from August 2020.

Also read: Did Proton just hint that they are making a return to Thailand?

We now know that in the case of the X70, it will be powered by the same 177 PS / 255 Nm 1.5-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired to a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), as seen on the X50 TGDi Flagship.

The smaller and newer 1.5-litre mill has been chosen for the X70 given Thailand’s C02-based taxation system. Thus, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder would sit in a lower tax bracket than the larger 1.8-litre turbocharged unit.

Also read: Did MIROS just confirmed the Proton X50’s export to Thailand?

As for the Proton X50, we uncovered in an earlier report, that at least two variants – the Standard and Flagship – will make their way to Thailand. This also means that both the X50’s 150 PS / 226 Nm 1.5T and the aforementioned 1.5 TGDi version could be made available for the Thai market.

As yet, there is no confirmation of when Proton will officially pull the curtains to its Thai venture.

However, with great momentum here at home and export activities already underway in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, and Kenya - these latest sightings further add credence that Proton could be poised for more exports by the end of this year.

Also read: Proton aims to sell 4,000 units of Proton X50 for 2020, exports earliest by end-2021

Also read: Proton gains 2.2% market share for 1H 2021 while Perodua loses 2.5%