First Impressions: Can the 2025 Proton X70 facelift handle Sabah's rough terrain? Our test drive reveals all

KUALA LUMPUR:  Proton recently flew the media to the picturesque state of Sabah in East Malaysia to mark the second official launch of the 2025 Proton X70 facelift. This event highlighted Proton's commitment to the East Malaysian market, underlining its importance to the brand. Beyond the launch, we were also given the opportunity to put the refreshed X70 to the test on the roads that truly matter—those leading from the heart of Kota Kinabalu up to the serene heights of Kundasang.

The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang is anything but ordinary. It’s a route that ascends over 2,000 meters above sea level—comparable to climbing halfway up Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Malaysia and the fourth highest in Southeast Asia. The majestic mountain served as a constant backdrop, highlighting the natural beauty that Sabah is famous for. Yet, as breathtaking as the scenery was, it was the road itself—a challenging mix of tight, twisting paths and rough surfaces—that truly put the Proton X70 facelift to the test.

As we tackled these challenging roads, two standout features of the X70 became clear: its ride quality and power delivery. The suspension, though unchanged from the pre-facelift model, impressed with its ability to absorb bumps and ruts, maintaining a smooth and composed ride even on uneven terrain.

Through the twisty bends, the X70 felt remarkably stable for an SUV, with sharp handling and minimal body roll. The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque, delivered more than enough power to conquer steep inclines and navigate sharp corners. It truly shone when overtaking the numerous tanker lorries struggling up the predominantly single-lane roads—the engine’s torque was always on hand, making uphill overtakes effortless. However, it wasn’t just the X70’s mechanical prowess that impressed us; it was the exceptional comfort that truly stole the spotlight.

Proton has made noticeable improvements to the X70's NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels, and these enhancements became apparent as soon as we hit the road. The cabin remained impressively quiet and serene, even as we navigated the winding, less-than-perfect roads of Kundasang.

In our convoy, it was impossible not to appreciate the facelift's aesthetic updates. The new front grille with Proton’s Infinite Weave design, slimmed-down full-LED headlights, and sharper bumper all contributed to a more commanding presence on the road. However, while the rear end has been refreshed with a new bumper design, we found ourselves wishing that the taillights had been updated as well to fully complement the modernized front end and complete the X70's refreshed look.

After spending a solid four hours inside the new X70, we became quite acquainted with its interior—and let me tell you, the cabin was the real showstopper. Proton has clearly invested serious effort into elevating the comfort and style, and it shows. The Stone Grey Nappa leather seats, paired with the new stitching on the door panels, create an ambiance that feels more like an executive sedan than an SUV. Of course, not everyone was on board with the look; a few of my colleagues grumbled that it seemed a bit old-school for their taste.

But preferences aside, the nearly two-hour drive to Kundasang gave us plenty of time to soak in the spaciousness and refinement of the cabin. When it was my turn to ride in the back, I found the seats so comfortable that I couldn't resist a nap, even with the bumpy and twisty roads. I reclined the rear seats—yes, they recline—pulled out the armrest, and drifted straight off to lala land. This level of comfort is something families are going to love, making the X70 a serious contender in the SUV market.

On the technology front, the 2025 X70 facelift delivers impressively. The new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, powered by Proton’s Atlas 2.0 system, is a real standout. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't activated just yet, Proton assures us that they’re just around the corner, set to be enabled via a free OTA update, promising seamless connectivity. Even without these features, the system is quick and responsive, with sharp screen resolution and virtually no lag. We even had some fun with the 72-colour rhythmic ambient lighting, which, though primarily featured on the dashboard, adds a stylish touch to the cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience and giving the interior a fresh, modern vibe.

Safety in the new X70 has taken a big step forward, thanks to its upgraded ADAS Level 2 system, which now includes stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proton was especially keen to show off the stop-and-go feature during our earlier preview, proudly sharing how much time and effort went into perfecting it. We put it to the test in a bit of traffic, and we must say—it worked like a charm.

The SUV smoothly coasted to a stop and gently accelerated when the road cleared again. However, if you’re stuck for more than 15 seconds, a quick tap on the resume button is needed to get moving, but if the stop is shorter, the system picks up where it left off, without needing any driver input. In Malaysia, where traffic jams are pretty much part of the daily routine, this feature is a welcome relief, and we’re glad to see it included in the new X70.

As we wrapped up the drive, it became evident that the 2025 Proton X70 facelift is much more than a mere cosmetic refresh—although this might not be obvious at first glance, it's a full-fledged evolution of Proton's trailblazing SUV. Our journey through Sabah proved that this SUV is not only adept at tackling challenging roads with ease but also excels in delivering remarkable comfort and refinement. Whether you're a family seeking a reliable and comfortable ride or an individual looking for a stylish and well-equipped SUV, the Proton X70 facelift has everything it takes to make a lasting impression.

The best bit however, although the Proton X70’s ride and handling are primarily tuned for Peninsular Malaysia, it handled the roads of East Malaysia surprisingly well, proving itself to be a capable vehicle in diverse conditions. If the ride becomes a bit too jarring on particularly rough roads, you can always lower the tire pressure slightly to enhance comfort—offering a level of customization depending on where you find yourself in Malaysia.

Also Read:  2025 Proton X70 facelift gets a second official launch in East Malaysia, marks significance of the region, from RM101k