Proton X70

The Proton X70 is a C-segment compact SUV from Malaysian national carmaker Proton. Officially launched in Malaysia on 12 December 2018, it is the first model rolled out under the Proton-Geely collaboration and the first-ever SUV in Proton's brand history. Built on the Geely Boyue platform, the X70 is widely regarded as a "game-changer" for Proton. Since its debut, the X70 has undergone several updates, with the latest on-sale 2026 X70 MC3 officially introduced in January 2026. Positioned as a C-segment family SUV, the Proton X70 primarily targets the Malaysian and Southeast Asian markets, competing directly against rivals such as the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.

Design Language

In August 2024, Proton launched the 2025 X70 minor change (MC2), bringing substantial updates to the front end. The updated SUV sports slimmer headlamps, with LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights standard across the range. The front grille has grown considerably in size, featuring a pattern inspired by traditional local Songket weave motifs. The front bumper, bonnet, and front fenders have all been redesigned. Revisions at the rear are centred on the rear bumper—incorporating redesigned rear fog lamps and decorative exhaust-like garnish inserts on either side. In terms of rolling stock, the entry-level Standard variant rides on 17-inch single-tone alloy wheels, the Executive gets 18-inch dual-tone alloys, while the range-topping Premium and Premium X variants are upgraded to 19-inch dual-tone alloys. Four exterior paint shades are available: Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, and Marine Blue.

Inside, the primary highlight of the 2025 facelift is the upgraded central touchscreen—expanding from the previous 8-inch unit to a crisper 12.3-inch display powered by an octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM. The Premium and Premium X variants introduce rhythmic multi-colour ambient lighting that pulses to the beat of music. The flagship variant features grey Nappa leather upholstery, while dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents remain standard across all grades. The 2026 MC3 carries over the 2025 facelift's exterior and interior styling without cosmetic alterations.

Powertrain & Performance

The Proton X70's powertrain has seen steady development over its lifespan. The 2025 facelift is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine outputting 177 PS and 255 Nm of peak torque. Power is transferred exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The earlier 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine has since been discontinued.

The arrival of the X70 MC3 in January 2026 delivered a major mechanical overhaul—replacing the previous three-cylinder unit with an all-new 1.5-litre i-GT inline-four turbocharged petrol engine (coded BHE15-EFZ). Maximum power is bumped to 181 PS at 5,500 rpm while peak torque climbs to 290 Nm between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, translating to healthy gains of 4 PS and 35 Nm respectively. Shifting duties are handled by the familiar seven-speed wet DCT driving the front wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 L/100 km, reflecting a 5.5% improvement over its predecessor.

Chassis & Handling

Built on the Geely Boyue architecture, the X70 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. All-wheel-drive options were dropped with the 2024 facelift, leaving the line-up exclusively front-wheel driven. For the 2026 MC3, ride and handling characteristics have been systematically sharpened: retuned suspension damping reduces low-to-mid-frequency road harshness, rear axle impact resistance is reinforced, and cornering body control is tightened. The steering rack ratio has also been recalibrated for more direct and responsive input. NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels see further refinement—the engine utilizes a silent toothed timing chain that trims noise by 25.24% over standard timing chains, contributing to a 4.5% overall reduction in engine noise.

Cabin & Equipment

Standard kit on the 2025 facelifted X70 includes a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system runs on an octa-core chipset with 4GB RAM, debuting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The range-topping Premium X variant adds a panoramic glass sunroof, ventilated front power seats, and a 360-degree HD camera system with a 180-degree transparent underfloor chassis view. Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents is standard fit across the entire range. On top of this, the 2026 MC3 adds ventilated front seats as standard, with the Premium grade further receiving 72-colour ambient lighting, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, and security window tint. A six-speaker audio setup is standard across the board. Ownership benefits include a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, six complimentary labour services for scheduled maintenance, and a 2GB monthly mobile data package for five years.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Proton X70 comes standard with six SRS airbags across all variants. Standard active and passive safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The top-tier Premium and Premium X variants are equipped with a full Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, packing full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A 360-degree surround-view camera is standard from the Executive variant upwards. The model also retains the Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS).

Market Performance & Reception

Since its launch in 2018, cumulative registrations of the Proton X70 have reached 112,386 units (as of end-2025), sealing its position as the best-selling C-segment SUV in Malaysia over this period. In 2025 alone, the X70 clocked 28,057 registrations, representing an 18.6% year-on-year increase; of which August sales hit 4,287 units, registering its strongest monthly volume in 35 months. In July 2025, cumulative year-to-date sales reached 4,971 units, up 51.7% year-on-year. Monthly deliveries rebounded to 1,466 units in September 2025.

The 2026 X70 MC3 is offered in two variants, the 1.5 Executive and Premium, with retail pricing set at RM106,800 and RM119,800 respectively (on-the-road without insurance); the first 1,500 customers registering before 31 March 2026 enjoy an RM7,000 rebate, lowering effective prices to RM99,800 (Executive) and RM112,800 (Premium). As the pioneering product of the Proton-Geely alliance, the X70 relies on the proven Geely Boyue foundation alongside continuous local refinement and mechanical updates to sustain robust appeal in Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, marking a pivotal chapter in Proton's brand revival.