Peter Lyon
December 19, 2023
As of October this year, production of the Proton X70 1.8 Premium AWD has stopped, according to a report from the Malaysia Automotive Association. The variation is still offered for RM128,800 (OTR, without insurance) on the manufacturer’s website, although supplies may run out quickly.
The national automaker has not yet formally announced that the 1.8-litre model will no longer be produced, but it will happen.
Since the X70’s introduction in Malaysia, a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi engine has been a popular choice in its lineup. It generates 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque and sends that power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT).
Curiously, the X70 is the only vehicle in Proton’s lineup that still uses the 1.8-liter TGDi engine. All other models, including the other X70 variations, have switched to the more modern, more efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine from 2022.
Proton’s abrupt decision to stop producing its 1.8-litre engine may indicate that only the smaller three-cylinder engine will be available for the soon-to-come X70 facelift.
Even though purists might not agree with the decision, Proton will benefit financially from the decision to reduce costs and streamline its powertrain offerings, which could then be passed down to customers.
There are now six different models of the X70 available ranging from a base price of RM98,800 for the 1.5 Standard to the 1.8 Premium 2WD which costs RM128,800.
OUR THOUGHTS
It sounds like it’s high time that Proton phased out the Proton’s aging 1.8L engine, finally swapping it for the newer, more fuel-efficient, 3-cylinder 1.5L turbo. This decision will not please everyone, with some purists definitely missing the 1.8L. But on the positive side, this engine streamlining will drive costs down, and so should eventually satisfy buyers’ pockets.
