Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to test the Proton X70, which is said to have revolutionised the Malaysian premium SUV segment and become the top choice for customers with over 100,000 units sold.

Although we generally enjoyed our time with it, we did wish that the X70 would receive much-needed upgrades and a facelift in its next iteration. This is due to its lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, outdated cabin and dashboard, disproportionately high fuel consumption and lack of autonomous features.

Fortunately, Proton seems to have taken in the suggestions of Malaysians and addressed all of our concerns and more via the new 2025 Proton X70, which was launched this year and features revised exterior styling, new interior equipment, upgraded ADAS level 2 safety technology, and, for the first time on a Proton model, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

After having driven it all the way to Kelantan during the Deepavali period for a week, here’s what we thought of the brand-new Proton X70.

Looks certainly matter

For the review, we received the 2025 1.5 TGDi Premium X version in the new Marine Blue colourway.

Exterior-wise, the biggest changes come in the additions of a new grille with the brand’s Infinite Weave design, a restyled front bumper, slimmer full-LED reflector headlights, new front fenders, and a more sculpted hood.

The back was also not left untouched; it underwent a redesign, including horizontal reflectors and fake corner air outlets on the bumper.

The 2025 version looks much sportier and sleeker than its previous version, particularly thanks to the restyled front and rear bumpers and the new grille, which offers a more premium-like finish.

On the other hand, on the inside, one of the biggest gripes we had with the older version was how the dashboard and instrument cluster looked dated and reminded us of expensive cars from the 90s.

The interior of the 2025 Proton X70 features a much more modernistic and tech-savvy dashboard and instrument cluster. The instrument cluster has been updated to a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, which is much more minimalistic and does not have as much clutter as its predecessor.

Meanwhile, the car's jewel is undoubtedly the 12.3-inch floating touchscreen display centrepiece. This gives the SUV a much more modern look that keeps up with today’s high-tech world and is not just a joy to look at but also to operate and use.

One feature we’re unsure of whether or not we love is the new dashboard decor panel, which features a gloss black insert and 72-colour ambient lighting that changes with the music played.

Although it was a cool feature that we were excited to play around with in the beginning, it ended up feeling a little gimmicky and unnecessary. The design didn’t pair well with the overall look and feel of the 2025 X70, which was meant to exude the feel of a more premium and classy SUV.

Hence, we think that maybe leaving it out entirely and shaving a little off the car’s price would have been the better move. However, it’s certainly not a dealbreaker as the lights could just be turned off via the infotainment screen.

Features packed to the brim

One highly requested feature from the previous iteration was Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Thankfully, Proton has officially answered our prayers with proper smartphone integration.

The infotainment display is powered by ATLAS 2.0, Proton’s upgraded infotainment system. This system is a noticeable step up as it is incredibly fast, buttery smooth, and packed with features.

The interface feels modern and well-planned, and whether you’re changing the colours of the dashboard’s LEDs, navigating with the built-in system, or tweaking your car’s settings, the display is simply a joy to use.

Besides the new infotainment system, there is a host of brand-new smart functions and safety features, including:

Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) level 2,
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB),
Forward Collision Warning (FCW),
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC),
Lane Departure Warning (LDW),
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP),
Lane Centering Control (LCC),
Lane Change Assist (LCA),
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA),
Rear Collison Warning (RCW),
Door Opening Warning (DOW),
Traffic Sign Information (TSI), and
Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC).

Although we didn’t have the chance to experience and test out all of these features, we particularly loved experimenting around with level 2 ADAS, ICC, LDP and LCC, which meant that you could essentially drive the car without even touching the steering wheel.

This was super handy during the long and monotonous drive on the East Coast Expressway towards Terengganu. We also appreciated the DOW, RCTA, and RCW features, which helped to avoid any collisions or unwanted accidents while opening doors, and more.

Furthermore, despite all of the major changes it has undergone, we appreciated how the X70 has kept some of its well-loved features, such as:

Auto wipers,
Front welcome lamps,
“Hi Proton”, voice command,
Remote control via the Proton Link app,
Electronic parking brake with auto hold,
360-degree camera with 3D display,
Tyre pressure monitoring,

A beast in the wild

In the previous iteration, we loved how the car felt on the road: steady, confident, and almost completely silent.

Similarly, with the new version, we were impressed with the handling and feel of the 2025 X70 on the road. Under the hood, the facelifted X70 packs a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, which produces 177PS of power and 255Nm of torque.

It is paired with a state-of-the-art 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which ensures swift and smooth gear shifts and improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels.

On the road, the X70 feels solid and stable even at high speeds, and the suspension soaks up bumps with ease, absorbing any bumps and humps from city potholes and uneven highways with no trouble at all.

The steering feels exceptionally light and responsive to the touch, perfect for manoeuvring through busy city traffic or long clear stretches on highways. However, we didn’t feel much of a difference flipping to Sport mode, which is said to provide a little more power.

Meanwhile, Proton claims the new model is 4% more fuel-efficient than its older counterpart, with a fuel economy of 7.3 litres per 100 km, equivalent to 13.69 kmpl.

While we didn’t clock exact numbers during our drive, it didn’t seem like the 7.3L/100 km figure was attainable while driving through busy cities. However, we feel that the figure is achievable when driving on highways.

Overall, in terms of the drive, the Proton X70 facelift is a remarkable improvement in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels, and the SUV feels impressively solid and composed to drive.

How does it live up to its counterpart?

At the end of our review of the pre-facelift X70, we stated that Malaysians should consider waiting for the facelift before calling your dealer. Well, we can say that you can start dialling up your dealer, as this is the upgrade we’ve all been waiting for.

In terms of the drive, the X70 still serves its function as a decent-sized car at an affordable price in the midrange SUV segment. It’s certainly fun to drive and simply a pleasure worth fighting traffic jams to drive in.

We love how Proton has included so many new features that are both cool and provide additional safety. The facelift polished an already solid and well-loved SUV.

From the exterior and interior upgrades to the additional safety and tech upgrades, the 2025 X70 feels like the complete mid-range SUV that is luxurious, comfortable, and pretty affordable.

At RM126,800 for its highest-range model, which includes a panoramic sunroof, the 2025 X70 certainly offers decent value for money.

However, suppose you don’t care about having a sunroof. In that case, we think that either the 1.5 TGDi Executive (RM110,800) or the 1.5 TGDi Premium (RM123,800) are better options for the same-ish SUV that looks premium, drives comfortably, and is packed with tech and safety features.

For more information on the 2025 Proton X70 or to book online, visit Proton’s website or authorised PROTON showrooms.

2025 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium X Specifications
Engine: TGDI 1.5-litre, three cylinders
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Power: 177 PS @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 255 Nm @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
Seats: 5
Safety Features: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Assist (HHA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): AEB, ACC with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and more, 360-degree camera with 3D display, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Price: RM126,800

Featured Image Credit: Rojak Daily