Proton X70 facelift officially launched in East Malaysia

The 2025 PROTON X70 has been launched in East Malaysia. This was a unique moment as it was the first time Proton has held a separate launch for the SUV model specific for its customers in Sabah and Sarawak. This event was held yesterday, the 28th of August 2024, following the official launch last 15th of August 2024.

First appearing on Malaysian roads in 2018, Proton’s first ever C-segment SUV has received a comprehensive range of enhancements that should keep the model at the forefront of its class. With refreshed exterior styling, upgraded interior equipment, advanced ADAS level 2

safety technology, the popular SUV is fresher than ever. This facelift comes after the 2022 change to the SUV’s engine from a 1.8liter TGDI to a 1.5 liter TGDI with a different DCT gearbox also. (Watch our initial impressions on the X70 below)

The Proton X70 has not only revolutionised the Malaysian premium SUV segment but has also played a crucial role in PROTON’s success in East Malaysia. The SUV has been contributing significantly to its sales numbers (surprisingly with the ever popular Proton Saga leading its sales over there). Coming out with a SUV has also helped Proton as SUVs are very popular in East Malaysia.

Over the past five years, the PROTON X70 has become the preferred choice for customers across Malaysia, with over 100,000 units sold and seven prestigious awards to its name. Globally, the Proton X70’s counterpart, the Geely Boyue, has also seen remarkable success with more than 1.8 million units sold across 49 countries. 

“We are thrilled to introduce the 2025 PROTON X70 to East Malaysia, an important region with opportunities to enhance market shares. This ceremony is more than just about unveiling a new vehicle; it is about reinforcing our commitment to East Malaysia. The unique needs of buyers here and their strong connection to the brand have always driven us to deliver the best products and services. With its updated features and refined styling, we are hopeful the 2025 PROTON X70 will drive PROTON to the head of the premium SUV market in East Malaysia,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

 

Details of the facelifted Proton X70 SUV

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the 2025 PROTON X70 receives an updated exterior that add new styling elements and detailing to the handsome proportions of the original. Inspired by customer feedback and a desire to add a Malaysian identity to its appearance, the carefully crafted lines begin with a new design language at the front to allow PROTON’s C-segment SUV to stand out against its rivals.

The most noticeable new feature is a new larger front grille with elegant songket-pattern elements surrounding the Proton logo framed by new trapezoidal headlamps made up of 47 individual LEDs. A new front bumper and front fenders add muscle and aggression, which is topped by a matching new hood with twin power domes that hint at the performance residing within. A new rear bumper with diffuser highlights the styling at the rear, and tying the design cohesively are 19-inch alloy wheels featuring a new dual-tone design.

Powering the 2025 PROTON X70 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct injection engine that is assembled by PROTON in its engine plant in Tanjong Malim. Producing 177PS of power and 255Nm of torque, it is paired to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission ensuring swift and smooth gear shifts with improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels. Careful tuning of all drivetrain elements has also ensured a

4% improvement in fuel efficiency.

Refined Interior and Improved Technology Features

Matching the newly crafted exterior is a revamped interior featuring refinements to boost occupant comfort that is matched to new technological features. Step inside and a new steering wheel greets the driver which is matched to a premium stone grey colour on the Premium and Premium X variants.

 The two upper variants also receive an ambient light feature in the form of LED lights on the instrument panel that has 72 colour choices and can pulsate rhythmically to the beat of the music being played.

All variants receive a new 12.3-inch floating screen featuring a dual quad-core processing unit, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space. The voice recognition feature that allows access to a number of functions via

the “Hi PROTON” voice command is also retained for all variants as is the Proton Intelligent Air Purifier System (PIAPS). Another new feature is the remote engine start via Proton Link app to cool down the interior

cabin.

As one of the first vehicles to introduce Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) to the C-segment SUV class, the PROTON X70 is widely recognised as a pioneer in active safety systems. The 2025 PROTON X70 builds on this reputation with the inclusion of ADAS level 2 for the Premium and Premium X variants.

The system has 13 active safety systems comprised of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward

Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop and go, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC),

Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Centering Control (LCC), Lane

Chage Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collison Warning (RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Traffic Sign Information (TSI), and Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC).

Complementing the ADAS equipment is a long list of safety systems included on all variants of the 2025

PROTON X70. These are six SRS Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution

(EBD), Brake Assist (BA) Auto Brake Hold, Electronic Safety Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS),

Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC,)