PROTON Holdings Bhd has sold more than 70,000 units of the X70 sport utility vehicle (SUV) since its introduction in December 2018.
The 2022 X70 MC — the MC stands for "minor change" — is the national carmaker's mid-cycle update for the popular model, except that it is not so minor in some ways as the SUV is getting a new powertrain.
The X70 is offered with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, similar to the one in the smaller X50.
The previous 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder engine is still available, just in case you are that "no replacement for displacement" kind of guy.
As for the variants, at the base of the spectrum is the 1.5 Standard 2WD priced at RM93,900, followed by the 1.5 Executive 2WD (RM105,500), the 1.5 Executive AWD (RM111,300), the 1.5 Premium 2WD (RM117,900) and, lastly, range-topping 1.8 Premium 2WD (RM121,800).
The AWD has made its return because, according to Proton, there was some demand from customers in Sabah and Sarawak.
TURBO THREE-BANGER
The 1.5-litre engine is a direct-injected TGDi unit, making 177hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm of torque at between 1,500rpm and 4,000rpm.
Yes, they are a drop of 7hp and 45Nm from the 1.8-litre engine that makes around 184hp and 300Nm.
However, Proton said this wouldn't be noticeable in normal driving conditions as the 1.5-litre engine was 43kg lighter while peak torque (255Nm) was available about 250rpm sooner. More on this later.
As before, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a standard across the range, regardless of the engine choice.
Performance-wise, the X70 with the new 1.5-litre engine takes 0.3 seconds longer to sprint from zero to 100kph, coming in at 9.8 seconds.
On the flip side, Proton claims that the smaller engine is up to seven per cent more fuel-efficient. What else is new?
You can recognise the new X70 MC by its quartz black finishing on the front grille, fog light housings on the front bumper, and the "diffusers" on the rear bumper.
There's also a new 19-inch wheel design with a new Proton logo, power tailgate with foot sensor, and black headlining replacing the cream-coloured one previously.
The X70 MC also comes with Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) — a combination of N95 cabin filter (incorporated into the air-conditioning) and air purifier system — as standard.
Other features include the Proton Link app with voice command to operate the windows as well as air conditioning and navigation systems.
QUICK FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Before the launch, members of the media were invited for a short spin in the 1.5 Executive 2WD variant.
The route included city and federal roads as well as highways, and so it was a great opportunity to see how well the new powertrain combo worked.
Now, the main questions when downsizing to an odd-numbered engine cylinder — in this case 1.8 to 1.5 and four to three cylinders — is will the power be sufficient and will the engine be smooth?
Personally, I have no issue with the new 1.5-litre TGDi engine. It certainly had enough grunt to overtake even on hilly roads during the test drive.
This was partly due to the fitting of the 7DCT gearbox, which was responsive enough to the throttle input; it downshifted when necessary to ensure that the engine was in the healthy powerband if demanded.
The gearbox was not as snappy as the Tiguan's DSG for example but was sufficiently smooth for the X70.
In terms of vibration, I think there was no such thing as a vibrating three-cylinder engine any more.
Vibrating three- or five-cylinder engines are really a thing of a past, this is because in engines such as the 1.5 TGDi on the X70 (and the X50), the engineers have come up with solutions, including counterweighted crankshafts and dual-mass flywheel, to "neutralise the enemy".
If you were uninformed about the engine specs in the 1.5 X70 MC, you would have no idea that it was powered by a three-cylinder engine.
Other aspects that I noticed on the X70 MC was how smooth and refined the car was on the highway. It felt quiet and composed, even when going above the speed limits.
But to test the fuel consumption and see if the new 1.5-litre engine is really more economical for the X70 MC, then we will need to take it out for a longer drive.
The new 2022 X70 MC is available in the colour options of Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, Cinnamon Brown and Space Grey.
