National automaker Proton in a statement said that its X-Series SUV lineup remains resilient in the market despite facing stiff competition from other brands vying for the same customer base.
X50
According to the automaker, the X50 has emerged as its best-selling SUV, with total sales of 23,647 units last year. The 2024 version, launched on 4 June, received an overwhelming response with a total of 8,000 bookings in the first month. A total of 13,780 units of the 2024 X50 were sold last year, accounting for 58.3% of the model’s total sales.
Meanwhile, the X50 Sport Edition (SE) received 941 orders, with 299 units registered in less than a month after its debut.
A recent survey of over 1,300 customers revealed that X50 owners were drawn to the vehicle primarily due to its combination of features, engine performance and spacious cabin.
X70
Proton’s first SUV, the X70, recorded sales of 5,628 units for the 2025 version. This makes up 62.6% of the total 8,992 units sold in 2024.
From the same recent survey, key reasons for purchase included fuel efficiency, features and engine performance.
Launched in August last year, the 2025 X70 is a comprehensive update to its predecessor, featuring revised exterior styling, new interior equipment and upgraded ADAS level 2 safety technology.
X90
The X90, Proton’s entrant in the D-segment SUV space, ended 2024 with 3,553 units delivered, maintaining its position as a market leader since its launch two years ago.
Proton reported that buyers were drawn to the X90’s driving performance, storage capacity and value for money. About 30% of buyers preferred the car for its strong driving performance, while 27% liked it because of its large storage compartments, good value for money and number of features compared to competitors.
The automaker added that X90 owners have families with children with a similar buying profile as X50.
“Thanks to our intelligent models, we have managed to raise the overall level of sophistication in cars offered to Malaysian buyers and while the strong market response to our current model lineup is testament to the trust and loyalty we have earned from our customers. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to delivering vehicles that offer outstanding performance, features, and value,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
Proton has announced that Apple CarPlay is now available for owners of the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched back in August. This makes the X70 the first Proton model to receive the highly popular connectivity feature.
According to the national automotive brand, Apple CarPlay for the 2025 X70 will be available via over-the-air (OTA) update effective from 16th October 2024.
Starting from that date, owners will receive the OTA notifications in batches, and they only need to follow these steps to download it to their vehicle:
Step 1: Download and install
The software update package will be downloaded once it is available for customer vehicle. User needs to keep the engine running until the download is complete.
Upon completion, user may begin installation anytime at their convenience. Once installation has begun, user needs to keep the engine running until the software update is complete.
Step 2: Verify software version
A successful software update can be verified in the Vehicle Settings under [System Information] > [About IHU]. The latest system version is SW3RBA10925H1141.
This version contains Apple CarPlay, improved system performance and various bug fixes for an enhanced user experience.
Step 3: Start to use
With the latest software update installed, user can enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay by pairing a compatible iPhone either via USB or wireless (Bluetooth) connection.
Once an iPhone is successfully paired to the system, users can launch the Apple CarPlay interface by tapping on the icon highlighted above.
I personally like the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched to the market back in August. It is more than just a mere facelift; the changes introduced are extensive, covering both the exterior and interior.
Firstly, the C-segment SUV now features a more appealing front design compared to its predecessor. Secondly, a recent media test drive in Kota Kinabalu demonstrated that it is a notably comfortable SUV. Not the best in the market but it’s certainly up there.
The suspension feels slightly firmer than that of the original CBU version but it soaks up bumpy roads and uneven surfaces en route to Kundasang really well.
Moreover, the low-speed rumble of the three-cylinder engine is less pronounced than before and the noise from the many trucks and lorries on the roads around KK and Kundasang is also well suppressed.
However, there are still a few aspects of the car that I did not favour:
Identical rear design
As mentioned, the 2025 X70 boasts a more attractive front end carried over from the Geely Boyue facelift released two years ago. One might argue that it is already outdated but in the eyes of this writer, the front fascia still looks fresh.
Unfortunately, the rear of this SUV appears untouched. While Proton has added horizontal reflectors (which were previously vertical) and fake air vents to make it appear wider, the tailgate and lights remain unchanged, quite possibly due to constraints from Geely.
That being so, whenever you see the new X70 on the road, you are likely to mistake it for the old version.
Odd gear shift pattern
In addition to the Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting system, another new feature in the 2025 X70 cabin is the gear lever.
The design remains the same; however, in this facelift model, the ‘P’ button has been repositioned. This is not an issue though and, in my opinion, makes it even easier to use.
What is rather peculiar, however, is the new shift pattern for the manual mode. Typically, you would pull the gear shift down to upshift and push it up to downshift.
In the X70 facelift, the ‘-’ and ‘+’ symbols are positioned to the left and right, meaning you must push the gear lever left to downshift and right to upshift in manual mode.
There’s a new Auto Open function for the tailgate but…
To enhance user convenience, Proton has added an Auto Open feature to the tailgate. This means you no longer need to press a button or kick your foot under the bumper to open it.
All you need to do is stand near the tailgate (with the key in your pocket, of course), and it will open automatically. This feature is indeed very practical, especially when your hands are full.
However, in my opinion, it could be improved further, as the tailgate takes a noticeably long time—over five seconds—to open.
The X70 may not be a bread-and-butter model like the Saga, but it will forever be remembered as the vehicle that arguably played the most significant role in Proton’s transformation.
As you may already know, the X70 is the first vehicle conceived under the Proton-Geely partnership that started back in 2017.
Not only that, the X70 is also responsible for leading Proton into the a new battleground that is the SUV segment. Therefore, it can be said that the car holds a special place in the history of the national car manufacturer.
The X70 has been on the Malaysian market for almost six years now, during which the C-segment SUV underwent one update in 2022, where it gained the three-cylinder engine from the X50 and a handful new features to stay relevant.
Now, nearly two years after said update, the X70 has once again been given a makeover but this time around, the changes are more comprehensive as it involves both exterior and interior.
The facelifted version of the X70 showcases a new face carried over from the Geely Boyue facelift released two years ago. One might argue that it is already outdated but in the eyes of this writer, the front fascia still looks fresh.
With sharper and sleeker LED headlights and a wider grille adorned with Mercedes-Benz-style diamond-shaped chrome pins, the X70 now looks far more alluring than before.
You will have no trouble identifying the facelifted model on the road. However, it may be a bit challenging to pick it out from the rear, as aside from slight modifications to the rear bumper, the rear of the new X70 is virtually unchanged.
The interior has also received a fresher look. The first thing you’ll notice is the Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery wrapping the seats, door panels, and armrest.
Although it’s not as luxurious as the brown leather upholstery offered previously, the lighter shade does offer a more spacious feeling.
Additionally, the X70 gains an ambient lighting system with 72 colour options and a rhythmic function that changes the colours according to the beat of the music played. Although quite unfortunately, the X70 no longer comes with the nine-speaker Kenwood audio system.
The most significant change, in my opinion, is the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the X70 Proton’s first vehicle to offer this system.
However, the feature will not be available from launch. Proton stated that when it does become available, it will be integrated into the 12.3-inch touchscreen via over-the-air (OTA) update.
In addition to new looks and features, many other improvements have been incorporated into the new X70. According to the automaker, the SUV features 360 new components, with R&D taking a total of 290,000 man hours.
This is probably why Proton held a media test drive session in Kota Kinabalu. The diverse terrain and road conditions, which are reportedly not as good as those in Peninsular Malaysia, make KK the ideal location to test the overall performance of the X70.
First things first, comfort. I can confidently say that the X70 is a comfortable SUV. The suspension feels slightly firmer than that of the original CBU version but it soaks up bumpy roads and uneven surfaces en route to Kundasang really well.
The handling also feels more responsive compared to before, but it is somewhat disappointing that the steering remains relatively light. Strangely, switching the EPS mode from Comfort to Sport does not yield a noticeable change in feel.
Nonetheless, I was quite satisfied with the car’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness). Not only is the rumble of the three-cylinder engine less pronounced at low speeds, but the noise from the many trucks and lorries on the roads around KK and Kundasang is also well suppressed.
Those expecting increased performance from the new X70 may be disappointed, as the 1.5-litre three-cylinder TGDI engine still produces the same output of 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
However, this does not mean the engine has been left untouched. According to Proton, several aspects such as combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction have been improved.
As a result, the engine is now capable of achieving a fuel consumption figure that is 4% lower than before, at 7.3 litres per 100 km. No matter how you slice it, a 4% reduction is minimal but for this writer, it’s certainly better than nothing.
In terms of power, the X70 successfully demonstrates that it has no trouble accelerating and overtaking other vehicles even when climbing steep hills with four adult passengers onboard.
There are still no paddle shifters available, so to shift gears manually, you need to use the gear lever. But this will take some getting used to as you will need to push the level to the left or right rather than up or down like most other cars.
In my opinion, the X70 is far from perfect but thanks to the more attractive exterior design and various new features introduced in the latest update, it has grown to be a much a better offering than before.
After being introduced to the public on August 15, the Proton X70 2025 has been launched in Sabah and Sarawak as well. This also marks the first time Proton has held separate launches for its SUV model specifically for customers in this part of Malaysia.
The X70 2025 comes with a fresher exterior style, upgraded interior equipment, and the latest ADAS level 2 safety technology.
“We are very excited to introduce the Proton X70 2025 to Sabah and Sarawak, two states that are increasingly important for Proton,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
“This event is more than just introducing a new vehicle; it is about strengthening our commitment to Sabah and Sarawak. The unique needs of buyers here and their strong relationship with the brand always drive us to deliver the best products and services. With updated features and enhanced style, we hope the X70 2025 will propel Proton to the top position in the premium SUV market in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
According to Proton, this X70 facelift has 360 new components, and the R&D process took 290,000 hours. Road testing covered a distance of 4.2 million km.
The Proton X70 2025 received a fresher look taken from the 2022 Geely Boyue facelift. In addition to new LED lights, it features a larger grille with diamond-like details, as well as a redesigned hood, bumper, and tailgate.
For the rear, there is a new bumper with horizontal reflectors. The alloy rims also have a new design, with a size of 18 inches for the Executive and 19 inches for other variants.
Five colors are available for this new X70: Snow White, Armous Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.
The dashboard has been redesigned, now featuring piano black trim and ambient lighting with 72 color options that change according to music. At the center of the dashboard is the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. In addition, the X70 2025 has a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey.
In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while its power tailgate now has a Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation.
The ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants. It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-liter TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 175hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
Here are the prices for the Proton X70 2025 in Sabah and Sarawak:
Each purchase of the X70 2025 comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 5-year data package with a capacity of 1GB/month, six free services, financing benefits as low as 2.4 per cent, and the Proton Insurance program.
Additionally, there are Early Birds packages with a cash rebate of RM7,000, trade-in overtrade support worth RM2,800, and an upgraded Proton Insurance program.
All of these are valid for the first 3,000 customers who register their vehicles. According to Proton, this X70 facelift features 360 new components, with the R&D process taking 290,000 hours. Road tests have covered a distance of 4.2 million km.
The Proton X70 2025 showcases a fresher look inspired by the Geely Boyue facelift 2022. In addition to new LED lights, it sports a larger grille with diamond-cut details, as well as a redesigned hood, bumper, and tailgate.
At the rear, there is a new bumper with horizontal reflectors. The alloy rims also feature a modern design, with sizes of 18 inches for the Executive and 19 inches. Five colors are available for this new X70: Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.
The dashboard has been redesigned, now featuring piano black trims and ambient lighting with 72 color options that change according to music. In the middle of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Furthermore, the X70 2025 features a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey color.
In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while the power tailgate now has a Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation. ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants.
It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-liter TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 175hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission.
With improvements involving combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction, this engine achieves a fuel consumption of 7.3 liters/100 km, which is 4 percent better than the X70 2022.
The word “rebadge” has quite a negative connotation among car enthusiasts in Malaysia. For them, rebadging is considered a somewhat shameful practice that should not be done by any aspiring car manufacturer.
But little do they know that rebadging has certain advantages that can help a company grow in the early stages of its business.
The main upside of rebadging is that it helps companies save on R&D costs. Developing a vehicle from scratch requires massive investment, and not all brands, especially new ones, are willing to break the bank as they do not want to face the risk of heavy losses.
So thanks to the magic of rebadging, companies not only can reduce R&D expenses but they are also able to sell their products at a much more affordable price to entice their target market.
For Proton, this has been the path taken since its inception in 1983. With Mitsubishi as a technical partner at that time, the national car manufacturer finally launched its first car, the Proton Saga, just two years after it was founded.
Fast forward today after nearly 40 years since the first Proton car was introduced, Proton is still in the business of rebadging cars but its involvement in the entire process is more profound, with the company taking part not only in design but vehicle tuning as well.
So without further ado, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at the seven most iconic rebadged Proton models ever offered:
Saga
The car that started it all for Proton. Launched by Tun Mahathir, the Saga was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore and sold until 1992 before being replaced by the Saga Iswara. It is currently in its third generation but now uses Proton’s very own platform.
Wira
The second rebadged model from Proton, which was produced for 16 years from 1993 to 2009. Based on the 1991 Lancer, it was available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback known as the Aeroback. It had several notable versions like 1.8 EXI Limited (C99) and the ultra-rare Sembilu, which sadly never saw the light of day.
Satria
The first-generation Satria was produced from 1994 to 2006 using the Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg as its base. This hatchback spawned two highly sought-after, performance-oriented versions co-developed with Lotus, namely the Satria GTi and Satria R3. It was later replaced by the Satria Neo, which was sold until 2015.
Putra
Photo: Wikipedia
The Putra was a surprise addition to Proton’s lineup because at that time nobody thought a newcomer like Proton had the cojones to offer a coupe. It was based on the Mitsubishi Mirage Asti and was only available with the 1.8-litre 4G93P engine that was also used in the Wira 1.8 EXI Limited and Satria GTi.
Arena
Photo: wheel-size.my
Also known as Jumbuck in international markets, the Arena was essentially a Wira that was cut in half and joined by a pickup truck cargo bed. In Malaysia, the Arena was offered in three variants – Freestyle, Sportdeck, and Fastback, each with different specifications to meet various customer needs.
Juara
Photo: ProtonPro Facebook
Another rebadged model produced in collaboration with Mitsubishi, the Juara was a microvan based on the Mitsubishi Town Box Wide. Marketed as a lifestyle vehicle, it received a lukewarm reception leading Proton to halt sales in 2004, just three years after its launch.
X70
Launched at the end of 2018, the X70 is a crucial model in Proton’s history as it is the first product to emerge after the merger with Geely, and also the first-ever SUV for Proton. Fair to say that the X70 is single-handedly responsible for restoring customer confidence in the national car manufacturer.
PROTON has announced its sales performance for April 2023, which saw the national car manufacturer recording sales of 11,025 units for the domestic and export markets.
The figure represents a 17.1% increase compared to the 9,415 units achieved in April last year.
Sales for the first four months of 2024 have also increased to 50,175 units, higher than the 49,702 units sold from January to April 2023.
Total industry volume (TIV) for the Malaysian automotive market meanwhile also grew for the same period to an estimated 59,100 units and a cumulative total of 261,345 units for the year.
Proton’s market share is estimated at 18.7% in April alone while year-to-date market share is forecast to be at 19.2%, maintaining its second position in the overall national automotive sales ranking.
According to national automaker, the X50 years, regained the top spot for B-segment SUVs despite growing competition from the market with 1,642 units sold in April.
Meanwhile, the S70 continues to lead the C-segment sedan sales with 1,635 units sold last month, resulting in cumulative sales of 7,463 units for 2024.
The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model, recording sales of 5,031 units in April, with year-to-date sales up 8.8% to 23,278 units.
The X70 came in at 552 units, while the Persona and X90 recorded sales of 1,429 units and 312 units, respectively. Iriz added 424 units to its April sales volume, making the total sales to date1,958 units.
“The slowdown in automotive sales in April, where TIV shrank by 16.8% compared to March 2024, can be attributed to the long holiday period as OEMs, dealerships and other members of the local automotive ecosystem took time off to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
Year to date, Proton export sales volume has surged 38.5% to 835 units as compared to 603 units registered in the same period last year.
Leading the export sales chart is the Saga with 427 units sold year-to-date, an increase of 16% from 368 units from the same period last year. The X50 came in second with 176 units sold while the S70 recorded 89 units in Brunei, its only export market.
The owners of Proton X70 are generally surprised to find that the resale value of their cars is less than 50 percent only after three years of purchase.
Screenshots from the vehicle sales website are being shared on several forums and Facebook groups. A brief survey by Engear also discovered that the 2018 Proton X70 is being resold at prices below RM50,000, approximately RM47,800.
The 2019 model, on the other hand, is advertised at around RM59,000, with a range between 50,000 and 94,000. For us, this depreciation is not too severe, it’s still quite normal. However, only some units of the 2020 Proton X70 are being sold for as low as RM56,700 for the 1.8 Executive AWD variant.
This model was priced at RM115,800 at launch, so indeed its value has depreciated by less than 50 percent over three years. But not all units are the same, as there are still 2020 models priced at over RM80,000.
In reality, the depreciation of a vehicle depends on many factors, including the vehicle’s age, condition, accident records, service history, mileage, and perhaps accessories.
Prices also vary between direct sales from owners and used car dealerships. Another thing to consider is, even if the depreciation value is significant, why? Did you buy the car solely for resale?
If the purchased car serves us well, is enjoyable to drive, and we are satisfied with the purchase, then that should be enough. Not everyone buys a car for resale.
PROTON ended 2023 with 12,711 units sold in December, bring its year-end total sales figure to 154,611 units for domestic and export markets.
The sales figure represents a 9.3% increase compared to the 141,432 units recorded in 2022.
That being so, Proton has successfully achieved its best sales performance since 2012 and a fifth consecutive year of sales growth.
The company’s overall market share is calculated to be 19.4% of the estimated total industry volume of 794,948 units, approximately 10.3% than the previous year.
This positions Proton in the second place in overall sales for the fifth consecutive year.
According to the company, the the rebound in demand for the PIES models (Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga) powered its sales growth in 2023.
The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model with 70,184 units sold, its best performance since 2012 and placing it as the fourth best-selling vehicle in Malaysia for 2023.
The Persona saw the most significant growth as sales rose by 48.9% to 24,362 units. The Iriz, which also suffered delays due to last year’s chip shortage, posted a tidy 33.8% increase in sales to 7,639 units in 2023.
The Exora signed off with a sales increase of 4.6%, ending the year with 4,473 units sold. Since its launch in 2009, Proton has sold over 194,000 units of the Exora, making it the most successful C-segment MPV in Malaysia’s automotive history.
Proton’s SUV lineup also ended the year on a positive note. Demand for the X50 remains strong with 31,829 units sold in Malaysia and overseas throughout the past year. Following this is the X70 with 11,200 units and the X90 with 4,815 units sold.
As for the S70, customer deliveries will begin in 2024 and to date, more than 5,000 bookings have been received.
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