Despite having a smaller engine, the new X70 doesn’t feel much different from the 1.8-liter.

Proton just released the 2022 Proton X70, which has a few changes to its look and a new option for its engine. The C-segment SUV now has a 1.5L TGDi petrol engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. This is a smaller version of the familiar 1.8L TGDi engine.

The 1.5L TGDi engine has a maximum power output of 177 PS and a maximum torque of 255 Nm. At 1500 rpm, it reaches its peak. On the urban cycle, the engine uses 7 percent less fuel than the 1.8L TGDi engine.

Customers can also choose the AWD version, which has a real-time intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that automatically sends torque to the back wheels when it’s needed. This makes the car easier to handle in different road conditions.

The 1.5L TGDi engines are made at a new production line in Tanjung Malim. Proton says that this line meets the strict quality standards needed for one of the most advanced engines made in Malaysia.

Proton 1.5 TGDi X70
Aside from the engine, the 2022 Proton X70 has updated features for the comfort of the driver and passengers and a new look.

There are new 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate with a foot sensor, and Nappa leather seats with a new black headlining. The front and rear bumpers are also finished in quartz black.

The 2022 Proton X70 comes with the Proton Intelligent Air Purification System for added comfort and peace of mind (P-IAPS).

In terms of safety, it has six SRS airbags, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a 360-degree camera with a 3D display that makes parking easy.

Last but not least, the 2022 Proton X70 can be painted Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, Cinnamon Brown, or Space Grey, depending on which model you choose.

Proton X70 1.5 TGDi driving experience on the inside

We recently went to Desaru, Johor, to test drive this new Malaysian Tiger to see how it feels to drive it on roads with different conditions. Surprisingly, the new 1.8-litre X70 didn’t feel much different than the old one.

The new 1.5-liter TGDi engine has 7 PS and 45 Nm less power and torque than the older 1.8-liter TGDi engine, but it uses less gas. During our test drive, we went from Shah Alam to Desaru, a distance of 340 km, and still had about 30% of fuel left.

Proton did say that the 1.5-liter engine is more efficient by 7% than the older 1.8-liter engine. This is partly because the 1.5-liter engine is 43 kg lighter, which also makes the car more agile.

On top of the smoothness of the new engine, steering felt more direct. This was true whether the vehicle was moving or stopped. The new engine cover made of foam also helps keep vibrations to a minimum.

Even though the X70 is quiet and comfortable to drive in the city, it also handles well around corners. Because of the turbocharging, power is now delivered more quickly, so you have to be careful when you hit the gas.

The suspension tuning hasn’t changed either, so the ride is just as comfortable as it was before the update.

Aside from the updated engine, the front grille, fog light, rear number plate, side mirror caps, and rear diffuser piece on the new X70 have also been updated.

Proton 1.5 TGDi X70
The Executive and Premium versions of the X70 MC get new 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, as well as gloss black accents. The latter now rides on wheels that were first seen on the Proton X70 SE.

When you step inside, the new blacked-out roofliner is the most noticeable change. It makes the cabin darker. If you look closely, you’ll also see that the grab handles, pillar covers, sun visors, and roof console are now all black.

With all the changes, the SUV looks a lot more sporty now. It’s also worth mentioning that the cabin is quite roomy and has great legroom in the back.

The X70 looks more sporty and is lighter, more agile, and uses less gas than the 1.8-litre version. It also feels faster and more fun to drive because it has more torque at lower revs.

In a nutshell, I think the Proton X70 1.5-litre TGDi is an improvement over the 1.8-litre model because it looks better and is easier to drive. It also saves the owner money because the road tax rate is lower and it uses less gas.