At long last, the 2023 Proton S70 has finally launched in Malaysia! Locally assembled (CKD Tanjung Malim), the new sedan has four variants and is priced from RM 73,800.

Here’s the variant breakdown and prices, OTR without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia only:

• 1.5 Executive - RM 73,800
• 1.5 Premium - RM 79,800
• 1.5 Flagship - RM 89,800
• 1.5 Flagship X - RM 94,800

Proton S70 powertrain

As detailed in prior reports, all variants of the sedan – which is C-segment sedan that's marketed to compete against lower-priced B-segment cars, just like the Proton Preve once did – are unified by a single powertrain: a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine making 150 PS and 226 Nm.

Also read: No more Photoshops, this is the actual Proton S70 you can now buy - 150 PS/226 Nm 1.5L 3-cyl, full ADAS and more

This is the same engine that’s in non-Flagship variants of the Proton X50, meaning to say this is the multi port-injected (MPI) mill, and not the more powerful direct-injection (TGDi) one. Still, this engine is locally produced at the Tanjung Malim engine plant.

The S70 is also front-wheel drive, and the engine is linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that also sees use in the X-series SUVs. The S70 has three drive modes too: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

Proton S70 suspension

Underneath the skin, the S70 comes with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam setup at the back; on par with the Geely Emgrand sold elsewhere. It rests on the BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) platform that's also shared with the X50.

Also read: Proton S70: Is it a B- or C-segment sedan? This is Proton's answer on whether you should compare it with Toyota Vios or a Honda Civic

Like the engine, the steering can also be attuned to either Normal, Sport, and Comfort modes.

Turning radius for the S70 is 5.5 metres; and all variants get four disc brakes, in addition to an electric parking brake (EPB).

Proton S70 specs and features

Beyond the hardware under the hood, the greater differentiator is in the features. The no-frills S70 Executive comes with halogen headlamps (but with LED DRLs), and 16-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, every variant above Premium gain auto LED headlamps and a rear LED light bar, while the Flagship and Flagship X cars add 17-inch wheels to that.

That said, note that all colours are extended to all variants. Check this table out to make choosing easier:

Meanwhile, here's the dimensions of the Proton S70:

The Executive variant keeps the cabin simple with fabric seats, urethane steering wheel, a monochrome instrument cluster, 8-inch infotainment headunit, 4 speakers, 5 USB ports, and rear air-conditioning vents. These features are carried over to the Premium variant, except that it gains leatherette seats and a leather steering wheel, as well as auto air-conditioning.

Also read: Why is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto still not offered in the 2023 Proton S70? This is Proton's response

For the Flagship and Flagship X variants, the kit count increases with the inclusion of steering mode (Normal, Comfort, Sport), 6-way powered driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with voice command, online navigation, weather forecast, among others. These variants also get a wireless charger, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

The main difference then between the Flagship and Flagship X is then the sunroof - a latter-variant exclusive.

Safety-wise, the S70 gets a standard 6 airbags across the range, as well as all the usual active safety kit. Meanwhile there's also Level 2 ADAS, but this is limited to the Flagship cars. Here's a handy table to illustrate which gets what:

There’s also Level 2 ADAS, limited to the Flagship cars. A handy table shows you which gets what:

Aftersales, warranty, and deliveries

The Proton S70 is backed with the corporate 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty, and comes with 6 times free labour during service. Customers who have booked for the car can expect to receive theirs soon, as deliveries begin immediately.

Offers include for buyers include a 5-year data package at 1GB/month, interest rates from 2.34% and Proton insurance programme.

The first 3,000 buyers will also get an aerokit worth RM 3,130 (Flagship X only), an RM 500 service voucher (Premium and Flagship, Flagship X only), and Upgraded Proton Insurance Programme (complimentary 1st year special perils coverage).

Also read: Proton Deputy CEO on the Proton S70's launch: We have enough SUVs in the market