On November 13, we reported that the Proton S70 had just started production with the first new model having left the assembly line at its Tanjong Malim facility. We can now report that the 2024 model S70 has been officially launched ahead of its anticipated early December debut.
The new sedan had a relatively short gestation period, in contrast to earlier Geely-Proton models. On November 1, the first official information and photos were released. We can now tell you about the specs and pricing.
There are four different versions of the Proton S70: Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X. The base Executive model costs RM73,800, while the Premium model costs RM79,800. For the vast majority of potential buyers, the Flagship, which retails for RM89,800, is where the S70 series really starts. The Flagship X costs RM94,800 if you want a sunroof, a dashcam, and the unique Quartz Black colour.
Proton has fitted a 1.5-litre turbo and dual-clutch gearbox
The S70’s price range naturally places it squarely in the domain of the well-known B-segment sedan competitors, like the Honda City and Toyota Vios. But is the S70 a sedan in the B or C segment? It’s based on a Geely Emgrand, which rides on the X50’s BMA platform. Proton has fitted a 1.5 litre turbo engine and dual-clutch gearbox replacing the 1.5L NA CVT that powers the Emgrand in China and the Philippines.
So, it turns out to be a B. However, Proton adds more complexity to the situation by naming the sedan the ’70.’ The company is referring to this car as a C-segment sedan officially, and the number “70” corresponds with the X70, a C-SUV. In addition, the automaker swapped out the 1.5L NA CVT engine and dual-clutch gearbox that powers the Emgrand in China and the Philippines with a 1.5L turbo engine. Therefore you could say its rival is not a Honda City but a Civic.
Instead of the 1.5L NA engine found in the Emgrand, the S70 is powered by a 1.5-liter port-injected three-cylinder turbo engine. This engine is different from the 1.5L TGDi engine found in the X50 Flagship and X70 MC, which produces 177 PS and 255 Nm. The 1.5L MPI engine in the S70 produces 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm, much like in the non-Flagship X50. What about TGDi or 1.5 NA? This is Proton’s response.
OUR THOUGHTS
With its ‘Infinite Weave’ grille design cues from past Geely-Proton models, the S70 is, as we called it back in mid-November, one of the prettiest cars entering the Malaysian market. And with such competitive prices, it’s sure to hit a nerve in the marketplace.