Don't know about the 700 but it is a hell of a lot quieter than my old 650.
The air intake is not in the front. It is where it has always been. It does have a more sealed cockpit with the addition of a divider right behind the seats. It keeps dust and noise down by sealing the cab off from the bed and underside area..........................Is the noise reduction from the motor or insulation around the motor? Does moving the air intake to the front make that much of a difference?