Actually, it’s no surprise when Proton decided to ‘feed’ the engine Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine replacing the previous 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine for the 2026 X70 SUV. Same as the one made for the X50 facelift. This new engine can produce 181 hp at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. At the same time, this provides a performance increase of 4 hp and 35 Nm compared to the previous engine (177 hp/255 Nm).
Proton says the new engine is capable of improved throttle response that is smoother and faster over low to medium distances. In addition, this engine would be more powerful and, above all, provide more efficient fuel savings.
Two days before the launch, we were invited by Proton to drive the X70 2026 at the Proton Center of Excellence (COE), Shah Alam test track. For this short test drive session, Proton offers the highest variant, namely Premium.
The first time I came face to face with this new X70, it kept tapping in my heart: “It’s the same exterior and interior as the previous version…” It’s true… no change in appearance. Only this highest variant no longer gets a panoramic sliding roof, unlike the one that was on the highest variant Premium X for the X70 that was introduced two years ago. It’s like a downgrade right…
In addition, this 2026 X70 MC3 uses GitiComfort F50 tires to replace the Continental UltraContact UC6 as the Continental factory in Alor Star was closed at the end of last year. For other equipment features, you can read the 2026 X70 MC3 launch article VIA THIS LINK.
How does this new X70 perform? I can’t respond in detail because the opportunity to take a test drive at the COE test track yesterday was just a moment, but I can only give a brief overview and impression of the performance and handling.
First of all, don’t think that the X70 has turned into a high-performance SUV. The i-GT 1.5 liter turbo four-cylinder engine alone makes it slightly more compact than the previous version.
When you move this 2026 X70 at such a moderate speed, the mechanical system ensures that it provides pleasant feedback. Then the speed was increased slightly around 20-30 km/h to do the slalom test, at this point the performance of the engine was not felt as it was more focused on handling.
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The changes made are indeed appropriate as there is a significant change in driving characteristics that is more satisfying. The steering wheel controls feel ‘sharper’ and not too heavy. Although the body still trembles, it is modest in size and still under control. Its body movement is also smoother and more balanced, in line with the steering angle used at the time.
However, I couldn’t feel the ride comfort in uneven or bumpy conditions, given the beautifully flat condition of Proton’s test track. But if you follow the experience of driving the
And with a retuned suspension and steering system, I’m confident the 2026 X70’s on-road ride will be even firmer. If you want to know if this is true or ‘redirected’, you’ll have to wait until you road test it.
While driving the X70 2026 on a banked curve with a maximum slope of up to 45 degrees, the engine’s performance was tested. The driving instructor who was with me at the time suggested that I drive between 90 and 100 km/h. But without realizing it, the speed was approaching 120 km/h, even though I was not pressing hard on the accelerator. It turns out that the engine spits out power effortlessly. However, the ride is still easy to control and stable even at relatively high speeds with such road patterns. I also hope this SUV doesn’t “squeak so much” when driving on hilly roads.
What caught my attention the most this time is the level of NVH X70 fantastic and deserves praise. It is better than the previous engine. It turns out that this more refined I-GT engine makes noise and vibration levels much lower. Even when the engine is fully throttled (full throttle), it remains quiet. The noise of tire friction and wind noise that penetrates the cabin when this SUV is driving is also minimal.
What Proton claims, that the NVH level of this SUV has been reduced by 4.5% and is 25.24% quieter, turns out to be no nonsense.
However, performance is somewhat ‘spoiled’ by the relatively slow response of the DCT transmission. It seems to start from second gear before taking its time dropping back to first gear causing a tire screech that produces a rather loud grinding noise. Tires also need time to fully gain traction. It is common if this SUV suddenly starts moving or suddenly continues to accelerate. This kind of situation has been happening since the previous X70 version.
In short, from a mechanical point of view, the changes made coincide with the i-GT engine being more ‘ngam ho’ compared to the previous power generator. This improved NVH level is also a bonus for the X70.
In addition, more economical fuel consumption as Proton claims, with the X70 2026 achieving a fuel consumption of approximately 6.9 liters per 100 km. Proton also claims that matching the new engine with this transmission has reduced this SUV’s fuel consumption by 5.5% compared to the previous model.
With all kinds of ‘jajan’ (equipment features), it is certainly one of the biggest bets to make the X70 2026 the ‘king’ among the SUVs in the C-segment. Forget it. The on-road price, which is discounted by RM7,000 for the first 1,500 units alone, is also turning heads. With the discount offer, the price for the 1.5TD Executive variant is RM99,800 and the full-spec 1.5TD Premium model is priced at RM112,800. Both are on-the-go prices and without insurance. However, after March 31, 2026 (or after the first 1,500 buyers join the reservation list), the price will be RM106,800 for Executive and RM119,800 for Premium.
GALLERY: Proton X70 MC3 2026 Premium variant
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