According to data from the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA), production for the Proton X70 1.8 Premium 2WD has come to a halt since October this year. The variant is still listed on the carmaker’s website with a RM128,800 (OTR, without insurance) price tag, but it may only be available while stocks last.
The national carmaker has yet to make an official announcement on the discontinuation of the 1.8-litre model.
The 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi engine has been offered on the Proton X70 ever since the model made its debut in Malaysia. In its current form, the four-pot mill is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sending 181 hp and 300 Nm to the front wheels.
Intriguingly, the Proton X70 is currently the only model in Proton’s stable to still offer the 1.8-litre TGDi engine, as the rest of the line-up has now moved on to the smaller but more modern 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill – including the other variants of the X70 since 2022.
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Proton’s decision to suddenly discontinue its 1.8-litre engine could signify that the upcoming X70 facelift, rumoured to be just around the corner, will be offered only with the smaller three-cylinder mill.
While it may not be a popular move amongst purists, the decision to streamline its powertrain offerings will only help contribute to further production efficiency and cost savings for Proton – the latter possibly further passed down to the customers.
Currently, the Proton X70 is available in a total of six variants. A summary of the variants and their prices (OTR, without insurance) are listed below:
- Proton X70 1.5 Standard 2WD – RM98,800
- Proton X70 1.5 Executive 2WD – RM110,800
- Proton X70 1.5 Executive AWD – RM116,800
- Proton X70 1.5 Premium 2WD – RM123,800
- Proton X70 1.5 Premium X 2WD – RM126,800
- Proton X70 1.8 Premium 2WD – RM128,800
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