Proton S70

The 2023 Proton S70, launched in November 2023, marks Proton’s return to the C-segment sedan market as the spiritual successor to the Proton Preve, which was discontinued in 2020. Positioned to compete against lower-priced B-segment sedans, the Proton S70 is available in four well-equipped variants: Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X with prices ranging between RM 73,800 and RM 94,800

All variants are powered by a locally produced 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 150 PS and 226 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). 

The S70 offers a range of features, depending on the variant, it features LED head and tail lights, rear air-conditioning vents, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and the top-tier Flagship and Flagship X variants come with advanced safety features through Proton’s Level 2 ADAS suite.

The Proton S70 is based on the Geely Emgrand with several redesigned elements, including a distinctive front grille and a refreshed rear fascia. This smooth and refined look of the S70 departs from the angular design of the previous Preve. 

Dimensions

The new Proton S70 measures 4,602 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width, and 1,466 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,627 mm. Kerb weight ranges between 1,300 kg to 1,319 kg. 

Colours

The S70 is available in 7 colours, depending on variant: Snow White, Space Gray, Armour Silver Passion Red, Marine Blue, Teal Bayou Green, and Quartz Black.

Lighting

All variants of the Proton S70 come equipped with LED DRLs at the front. The Executive receives halogen front headlights whereas the Premium, Flagship and Flagship X all receive LED headlights. Round the back, all variants get LED combination tail lights. All variants except the base Executive also get a rear light bar. 

Wheels

The S70 Executive and Premium variants get 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/55 R16 tyres, whilst the Flagship and Flagship X get 17-inch wheels wrapped in 205/50 R17 tyres. 

Centre Console

The Proton S70 comes standard with a thoughtfully designed cabin, the overall layout of the centre console is simplistic, offering decent space for your phone, and wallet as well as two cupholders, ensuring convenience during your drive. All variants also offer rear AC vents. 

Dashboard

The dashboard of the Proton S70 is ergonomic and well laid out. The Executive and Premium variants feature an 8-inch touchsreen infotainment unit, while the Flagship and Flagship X variants come with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen unit.

Space

The Proton S70 is designed will fit 4 adults comfortably (5 with a bit of squeezing) and delivers a suitably comfortable driving experience. Seating position and overall head and shoulder room both at the front and back are adequate. 

Boot

Though exact capacity details aren't specified, the S70's boot offers adequate space for several luggage bags and features a rather wide boot apperture.

In terms of features and creature comforts, The Executive variant keeps the cabin simple with fabric seats, a urethane steering wheel, a monochrome instrument cluster, an 8-inch infotainment head unit, 4 speakers, 5 USB ports, and rear air-conditioning vents. 

The upper 3 variants gain leatherette seats and a leather steering wheel, as well as auto air-conditioning.

For the Flagship and Flagship X variants, the kit count increases with the inclusion of steering mode (Normal, Comfort, Sport), a 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, 6 speakers among others. 

These variants also get a wireless charger, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Additionally, a wireless charger also features in the Flagship and Flagship X variants. 

As for safety, all variants of the S70 get a standard 6 airbags across the range, as well as all the usual passive safety kit. Meanwhile, the Executive and Premium variants also offer Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Lane Change Assis (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Door Opening Warning (DOW). 

The upper two variants bring additional features to offer full Level 2 ADAS capability, these include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Lane Centering Control amongst others. 

The Proton S70 marks a strong return for Proton in the C-segment sedan market after the discontinuation of the Preve. The initial sales response indicates that Proton is on the right track, offering a stylish and well-equipped sedan at a competitive price point, rivaling B-segment options. 

Offering the most power and performance in its class, along with a competitive ADAS feature list, the S70 stands out as a compelling choice in its segment.