SHAH ALAM: Introduced in December 2018, Proton's X70 mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) has been much improved in the latest round of updates.
For starters, Proton did away with the 1.8-litre turbocharged mill providing 181hp and 285Nm of torque for the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The three-cylinder 1.5-litre Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) mill that was first introduced in 2022 update now resides under the hood for the four (instead of six) variants of Standard, Executive, Premium and the range-topping Premium X.
Although slightly lower in output with 175hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000rpm, push is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed (wet) dual-clutch transmission.
Proton says that the latest powertrain provides a 4% improvement in fuel economy to allow the X70 to achieve 7.3 litres per 100km at best thanks to a few upgrades that include combustion efficiency, thermal management, friction reduction and low-speed noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
However, we feel that the lighter 1.5-litre engine which provides a 30kg weight savings was the main contributor to the gains in efficiency.
For colour options, Cinnamon Brown, White, Grey and Flame Red colours are no longer offered with Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red and a new Marine Blue being the latest offerings.
Aesthetically, the latest X70 now sports a revised front end that features Proton's "diamond" songket design for the Infinite Weave grille.
Flanking the grille are similar-looking LED headlights that keen eyes will notice a slimmer profile from before and utilise 47 pieces of LEDs.
The headlight's daytime running lights, which doubles as turn signals, have now been repositioned from being above to below the housing.
Also, what was once projector LEDs are now LED reflectors instead.
The faux intakes at the lower front bumper have been redesigned with fog lamps within it now relocated to a higher position.
The hood has also been re-styled to unabashedly feature dual "power domes" - something that's currently on the 2022 Geely Boyue, thus making it an unavoidable update.
The front wheel arches are slightly refined while wheels are 17-inch alloys (Standard), redesigned two-tone 18 (Executive) and 19-inch wheels (Premium and Premium X).
At the rear, Proton has replaced the vertical reflectors with horizontal ones to help visually widen its stance while retaining the original light clusters before adding hands-free functionality for its powered tailgate (kicking under the bumper is no longer necessary).
Inside, a new flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel is used and now comes with an added speed limiter switch.
Beyond that, there is now a slightly revised 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster along with a new 72-colour ambient lighting system with rhythmic functionality to enhance the interior experience which comes with a new Storm Grey colour for the door trim and Nappa leather upholstery.
The ambient lighting also extends to the passenger side's dashboard trim panel which displays a digital design.
At the centre, the previous 8.0-inch touchscreen has been enlarged to a wide 12.3-inch floating infotainment head unit (IHU) touchscreen that runs on the Atlas 2.0 operating system and utilises a quad-core processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
Furthermore, the X70 will be the first model within Proton's line-up to have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay upon its official launch and an update will be conducted via Over-the-Air.
Among its other inclusions is the Proton Link mobile app which provides owners with the ability to remote start the engine, adjust the climate controls and unlock the vehicle.
Additionally, the "Hi Proton" voice command now allows users to control the windows and climate controls.
For added convenience, the X70 now comes with walk-away door lock functionality as well as a 360-degree camera system and tyre pressure monitoring system with temperature indicator.
To further bolster safety levels, its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for the Premium and Premium X variants add Stop and Go functionality for its Adaptive Cruise Control system as well as Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Lane Change Assist, Traffic Sign Information, Rear Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
First driving impressions
Outright, the X70's demeanour might seem a tad more refined over the legacy X70, but what did surprise the most was the way it handled when out and about on Proton's private test circuit.
Included in the experience was its ADAS - specifically its autonomous emergency braking system and adaptive cruise control, it would be the X70's handling prowess that impressed the most.
Initially, those familiar with this SUV would conclude that it felt the same with its gentle take-offs and smooth (almost lazy) gear changes. Far from it.
Pedal-to-the-metal through a slalom and figure-eight course allowed the X70's new-found road-holding abilities to shine through with better control and more importantly, precision - thanks in part to the provision of a thicker steering wheel.
Although confident that the X70's suspension would be part of the 360 new components introduced as part of its 290,000 hours of research and development (R&D) and testing as well as 4.2 million kilometres of road testing, Proton said no.
They affirmed that the suspension remained unchanged, only that the quality controls had been tightened to provide a more consistent performance.
Nonetheless, this realization while behind the wheel made the X70 seemingly become recast from being an A-to-B daily drive into a more dynamic experience, when and if needed.
The X70 deals with lateral weight transitions impressively - arresting roll experience from becoming excessive, which would allow for a confidence-inspiring drive that's bolstered by a good feel from the brakes.
The X70 is available for booking at a fee of RM500, the official prices will be announced on its launch expected sometime next week.
