Will the Proton X70 1.5L be as popular as the previous 1.8L?

We explain why this latest X70 1.5L might be a slow seller.

When Proton launched the X50 Crossover with complete Geely engineering input there was excitement in the market as it was to have a brand new 1.5L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that was jointly produced with Volvo Cars.

Yes, Volvo engineers gave their technical expertise in the development of this ‘global’ 1.5L 3-cylinder engine that delivered 177 PS and a healthy 255 Nm of torque. This was also the same engine that was fitted in the Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid. 

Sales went through the roof with the X50 as salespeople at all Proton showrooms ‘sold’ the idea that the X50 was powered by Volvo engineering and with a 65 percent lower asking price. This was because the X50 Flagship variant was priced at RM 103,300 whilst the Volvo XC40 Recharge was selling for RM 255,888. This means a saving of a huge RM 150,000 plus between the Volvo and the Proton.

Now comes the Proton X70 facelift with two engine variants. The previous 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is starting to show its age as this is a Geely developed engine from 6 years ago. Still, issues are few and it delivers an impressive 181 brake horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. The top speed remains at 195 kmph and its acceleration time is 9.5 seconds due to its weight.

Now, the pricing for the facelift X70 with the 1.5-litre TGDi engine starts from just RM 93,900 and the 1.8-litre TGDi Premium is RM 121,800 whilst the 1.5 TGDi Premium is RM 117,900. Both are two-wheel drive models and have similar engineering features. With a savings of RM 4,000, some Malaysians might query about the ability of a large SUV with added 300 kg weight over this small and nimbler X50 Crossover.

The added weight of the 1.5 TGDi X70 to ‘carry’ a full load of passengers up a hilltop resort might be an issue? Well, we can tell you that this will not be an issue unless all 5 passengers in the 1.5 X70 happen to be failures of weight watchers Malaysia. 

The 1.5 engine has enough torque to carry its weight and passengers up a steep hill and at the same time save the driver fuel when cruising on the open highway under the governed speed limit.

With fuel prices rising in Malaysia and the subsidy on fuel might be removed after the next general election, it makes sense to look at a low-capacity engine like this 1.5 TGDi to save on fuel and also the yearly road tax fee which is about half of the 1.8 TGDi road tax fee.

Take a test drive and experience the very little difference in performance and you will better understand what we mean above. 

Also read: All-new 2022 Proton X70: Features discussed in pictures