Proton just launched the 2026 Proton X70 and we got behind the wheel of this updated C-segment SUV on their test track in Shah Alam. This is the X70’s third minorchange (MC3) over its 8-year lifecycle, with the most noticeable upgrade being the revised design that arrived in late-2024.
As a brief recap, the Proton X70 is now back with a 4-cylinder engine. For those keeping track, when the Proton X70 was launched here back in December 2018, it was offered with a 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder, which was then swapped out with the 1.5-litre turbo 3-pot a couple of years later.
Power figure was at its peak in February 2020 with the locally-assembled when the X70 received the 1.8-litre turbo mated to the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, producing 185 PS and 300 Nm of twist. With the new i-GT (Intelligent Green Technology) four-pot, power is down marginally to 181 PS and 290 Nm.
Now, don’t let that decrease in power fool you, as Proton is keen to point out that fuel consumption figures have improved 5.5% compared to the older 3-pot unit. Moreover, the older 1.8-litre turbo unit was not known for its fuel efficiency properties.
With a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km, the new 4-pot engine is 11.54% more fuel efficient than when the X70 was first launched here. On paper at least, the X70’s fuel consumption figure even betters the Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo (7.0 L/100 km), though the test cycle isn’t made known.
Other bits and pieces of the 2026 Proton X70, including the exterior and interior design, remain largely unchanged from before. Notable changes include the removal of Ruby Red and Nappa leather upholstery for the Premium variant. The removal of the Premium X variant also meant that the sunvisors now do not offer illumination, and the sunroof is also gone.
More importantly – how does the new X70 feel like to drive?
Right off the bat, we noticed that NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels are impressive, given the price point of the new X70, with wind noises kept isolated from the cabin. That said, tyre noise is still apparent. A better set of tyres would definitely elevate the overall experience of the X70, we reckon.
Furthermore, the refinement levels are marginally improved over the outgoing 3-pot unit – vibrations from the front of the vehicle are far less noticeable compared to before.
Power-wise, the new X70 feels on par as the older 3-pot unit, given that the bump in power is roughly 4 PS more than before. In-gear acceleration is decent, as the additional 35 Nm of torque does aid overtaking.
We were also given the opportunity to push the new X70 through a short slalom course. Proton says that the suspension has been retuned to improve low-to-mid frequency road noise, as well as receiving improved rear axle impact strength and better roll support capacity.
In conjunction with the improved steering ratio, the 2026 Proton X70 feels a tad bit more nimble on its feet, but it’s still an old platform underneath. One cannot expect miracles when an older platform is involved, but given what Proton is working with, it’s a commendable effort, nonetheless.
The light steering also makes maneuvering a breeze, especially to push this 1.6-tonne SUV through its paces. Weight shift is also noticeable, though with all said and done, no X70 owner would want to subject their family SUV like this; it’s not designed for slalom courses. What the Proton X70 excels is at highway cruising, and during our time at the high-speed section of the test track further solidifies that.
Of course, a more in-depth review will follow when we get our hands for a longer period of time. Having said that, our first drive impression has been a positive one, and we are looking forward to spend more time with the model that helped pushed Proton past the 100,000 annual sales since its debut.