The upcoming Proton X70 facelift has been spotted undergoing local road testing here in Malaysia, signalling at an impending launch. Based on photos published on the Proton X70 Owners Club Facebook page, it appears that the upcoming Proton X70 facelift will wear a new front fascia based on the 2022 Geely Boyue facelift.
The new wider grille up front features a chrome pin mesh, somewhat reminiscent of that seen on the Proton X90. Flanking the new grille are the new headlights, now with a more slender profile for a significantly more modern look.
Further below, the front bumper also seems to be revised with a wider lower intake in line with the changes seen on the Boyue facelift – although we wouldn’t be surprised if Proton adds some of their own flair to the design.
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Other minor changes can be expected on the rear bumper as well as the section between the tail lights, as the test mule sports camouflage vinyl wrap in those areas. We’re also expecting new alloy wheel designs across the board, with the one on the test mule seemingly a five-twin-spoke design, in a smaller size probably reserved for the lower-end variants.
On the inside, don’t expect many revisions as the upcoming Proton X70 facelift will likely retain a largely identical dashboard layout. That said, a new floating infotainment display in the centre will likely be added here, running on ACO Tech’s latest ATLAS OS software.
The existing Proton X70 in Malaysia is offered with two powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 255 Nm mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, as well as a 184 hp/300 Nm 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four mill for the range-topping 1.8 Premium variant.
We expect the same powertrain options to be retained here, although there’s a possibility that Proton might replace the 1.8-litre engine with its latest mild-hybrid variant of the 1.5-litre engine, in line with the brand’s green aspirations. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder MHEV powertrain makes 190 hp and 300 Nm, and is currently used solely on the Proton X90 three-row SUV.
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