Is The Proton X70 Set To Drop Its 1.8 TGDi 4-cyl Engine Option?

Major revisions are coming for the X70  as early as 1H 2024, and the 1.8 TGDi 4-cyl engine option could be dropped.

Loyal followers and readers of CariCarz.com ought to know by now that a major update for the Proton X70 crossover SUV model is set to happen, perhaps as early as the first half (1H) of 2024. And based on prototypes spied testing out in the wild of late, a major styling update is expected.

Apart from new looks, it seems the revised Proton X70 range is also set to see a major revision to its powertrain choices, or lack thereof. That’s because reports have surfaced online suggesting that Proton is set to scrap the 1.8 TGDi 4-cyl powertrain option for the X70 model.

Presently, Proton fields the 1.8 TGDi 4-cyl unit solely in the X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD variant only.

Much of this speculation is fuelled by recent new data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) indicating that Proton’s Tanjung Malim production hub has ceased producing the Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD variant specifically since Oct this year.

Proton has yet to announce this, but we reckon it will issue a statement regarding which as soon as existing stocks at dealers have depleted. Based on this, it appears the X70 will only feature the 1.5-litre TGDi 3-cyl turbo mill instead – the same mill that powers the X50 Flagship variant.

Soon, the X70 could see its entire line-up powered by the X50 Flagship-derived 1.5-litre TGDi 3-cyl unit. The same currently powers other models like the newly launched X90 and S70.

Beyond the sole X70 variant mentioned, Proton does NOT field this 1.8-litre 4-cyl unit in any of its other models. All other X70 variants harnesses said X50 Flagship-derived three-banger. As a refresher, l boasts 174 HP and 255 NM. In contrast, the 1.8 TGDi 4-cyl mill has marginally higher power at 181 HP, but it is torqueier too at 300 NM.

Nevertheless, the smaller and lighter 3-cyl unit does possess huge benefits for consumers, namely in terms of fuel efficiency – Proton claims a 7% improvement for which in this three-banger compared to the 4-cyl unit. There’s also the lower annual road tax costs borne out of its smaller displacement too.

Unlike the 1.8-litre TGDi 4-cyl unit, this 1.5-litre TGDi 3-cyl is lighter and smaller, and it also delivers 7% better fuel efficiency.

Above all else, there’s a strong business case for Proton to scrap this larger and arguably peppier but now seemingly ‘older’ 4-cyl powerplant. This largely stems from the fact that Proton had established a dedicated facility in Tanjung Malim last year to produce said 3-cyl mill en masse.

Apart from legacy products like the Saga Iriz, and Persona, the fact that the bulk of Proton’s other core products – X50, X90, and new S70 – all use this same 3-cyl mill is yet another driver towards scrapping this 1.8-litre 4-cyl mill from the X70.

We’ll have more on the matter once more details surface. In the meantime, if you’ve been eyeing up the Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD model specifically, this might be your last chance to snap one up. Said variant currently stands as the X70’s range-topper and is priced from RM128,800 onwards.