Just like the Proton X50, the Proton X70 is also facing new competitors creeping into the market and attempting to claim part of its market share. To give the X70 a fighting chance, Proton decided to refresh it and draw attention back to their brand. When the X70 was launched in 2018, it managed to attract a wave of new buyers to Proton, helping the company become profitable with this model alone. Proton achieved this by undercutting more established brands with a well-rounded product that met the needs of many Malaysians. With the 2025 update, the X70 is expected to not only receive a fresh look but also new features to make it more appealing. In this review, I’ll be taking a closer look at the updated Proton X70 to see if the enhancements make it more attractive than before.
While the overall shape of the X70 remains the same, Proton has refreshed the exterior to differentiate it from the pre-facelift version. At the front, it features an updated design that closely resembles its larger sibling, the Proton X90. The headlights have a new, muscular design that integrates seamlessly with the redesigned front grille, giving the car a more imposing road presence. Additionally, the front bumper has been redesigned to complement the updated headlights and grille. The hood now features two power bulges, adding a muscular aesthetic that’s particularly noticeable from the driver’s seat. 
At the rear, changes are more subtle, but Proton has added some refinements to modernize the look. The rear bumper has been slightly redesigned, although the changes are mainly to the plastic components, requiring a sharp eye to notice. A facelift wouldn’t be complete without updated rims, and the X70 gets a fresh design while retaining the 19-inch size and 225/55 R19 tires. 
The interior updates are subtle but effective. While the overall dashboard layout remains unchanged, Proton has added thoughtful touches to align it with their other models. One noticeable change is the new grey seat upholstery, replacing the brown leather from the pre-facelift version. While I personally preferred the premium look of the brown leather, the grey color is likely a response to customer feedback favoring a more neutral tone. 
The most significant update inside is the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, the same unit found in the Proton X90 and S70. It comes with a faster processor, more RAM, and updated software, promising quicker boot times and reduced lag. During my experience, the user interface felt smooth, although I didn’t time the boot-up duration compared to the previous model. The system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay, though Android Auto is still unavailable. Additionally, Proton has added ambient lighting to the dashboard, but it’s limited to that area. 
The 9-inch instrument cluster remains the same size but now features cleaner, more modern graphics that are easier to read. Lastly, the gear lever has been updated to an electronic unit resembling those in the X90 and S70, aligning the X70’s operation with its siblings. 
The powertrain remains largely unchanged, featuring the 1.5L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, Proton seems to have refined the software, resulting in smoother throttle response and reduced lag. The updated tuning provides a more pleasant driving experience, especially in city conditions where the clutch engagement feels more in sync with the driver.
Fuel economy, however, remains a weak point, particularly in urban settings. During my time with the vehicle, I averaged 9.9 L/100 km, which is on the higher side for a 1.5L engine. The efficiency improves during highway cruising but remains less competitive overall.
The updated X70 retains similar handling characteristics to the pre-facelift model. The vehicle’s weight is noticeable in corners, but most X70 owners aren’t likely to push it to its limits. On the plus side, the taller hood improves confidence when navigating tight spaces by providing better visibility of the front end.
Despite the numerous updates, Proton has maintained the X70 Flagship X price at RM126,800. These changes breathe new life into the X70, making it a strong contender against its competitors in an increasingly crowded segment. While Proton still faces stiff competition, this update signals the company’s commitment to staying ahead in the game. If you’ve been considering the X70, there’s no better time to make your decision. Hopefully, Proton will extend these updates to the X50, as it’s likely the next model to receive a major facelift.
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