Thanks to a photo posted in the ‘Proton S70 malaysia’ Facebook page, we now have more details of the upcoming Proton S70 facelift (referred to as ‘MC’ or ‘minor change’). This comes a few months after a prototype was sighted here and several days after the company confirmed the refreshed sedan is on its way.
The first update for the S70 will come over two years after it was launched in November 2023 and looks to adopt the design changes seen on the fourth-generation Emgrand, which got facelifted in July 2024. We should point out that the Emgrand did enter its fifth generation in November this year but that’s not coming our way, at least in the foreseeable future.
In terms of visual changes, the S70’s headlamps have been redesigned with new integrated turn signals, while the multi-spoke wheels appear identical to those fitted to the Emgrand. The sedan will also get a new Ruby Red metallic exterior to replace the current Passion Red solid paint finish.
Proton has already said the S70 MC1 will be powered by a new 1.5 litre i-GT turbocharged inline-four petrol engine from the heavily updated X50, with the BHE15TD also set to enter the X70 and X90. In the X50, the turbo-direct injection mill makes 181 PS (178 hp or 133 kW) and 290 Nm of torque, which is more than the S70’s current 1.5 litre turbo inline-three with 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) and 226 Nm.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels has been the default for the S70 since its launch and this will most likely continue for the facelift as well. It has been rumoured that Proton will add a naturally-aspirated engine option to lower the S70’s entry price and create what is effectively a replacement for the Persona that will be discontinued.
In China, the fourth-generation Emgrand facelift is offered with just such an engine, a 1.5 litre unit making 126 PS (125 hp or 93 kW) and 152 Nm paired with a CVT. These figures are an improvement over the Persona’s CVT-mated 1.6 litre NA inline-four making 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) and 150 Nm. Another possibility is the Saga MC3’s BHE15PFI, a version of the X50 facelift’s engine with natural aspiration, port fuel injection, 120 PS, 150 Nm and a Punch CVT.
The word on social media suggests the S70 MC1 will be launched next month, although the company isn’t teasing the refreshed sedan just yet. Hopefully we’ll get more official details in the coming weeks.
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I’m really hoping that those ‘design updates’ are for the rumored entry-level NA, and that they have better updates for the Turbo. Because that’s underwhelming to be honest. I have been shopping around for a sedan for about a year now (no rush), and the only things that have held me back from the S70 was the lack of AA/CP and the frankly basic looks. I would have immediately jumped into an MG5, if not for the fact that its issues are the polar opposite: very good looks, subpar engine.
Give me a reason, Proton.
Nahh….not the MG5. It’s basically a different brand of Persona. Good design with horrible proportions. It shape always look incorrect and weird other than from other’s rearview mirror. At least the S70 look balanced from every angle, other than mild looking front end design.
Used S70 trade-in tolak 30K
Mg5 looks way worse compared to s70 bruh
looks are subjective, but for me MG5 looks superbd from front and side angles.
I thought Paultan avoids images leaked from factory?
this neo S70 will be more powerful athletic more fuel frugal than 2.5L sedans, enjoying same road-tax fee as myvi hehehehe
s70 can smoke the mazda cx5 2.5 which costs double the price
Too bad persona no more, just fit in igt engine, aisin 4at, and adjustable rear headrest will do.
S70 with 1.5na + torque converter cvt all black leatherette seat, analogue meter, standard reverse camera sell under rm70k maybe I’ll buy.
What for make turbo and dct raise selling price and maintenance cost, to speed 180km/hr at highway?
complain so much, why not you buy proton saga. saga has all your wishlist – 1.5na + torque converter cvt all black leatherette seat, analogue meter, standard reverse camera s
Hush..Black interior??? Come On Hot Like Hell under Malaysia weather..Dark.Grey interior be nicer. 360 degree Camera A Must for such a big car. ADAS also important to prevent Frontal Collision & Lane keep Assist.
this has more torque than honda civic? fuyyooh!!!!
I hope Proton will come out with a 1.5NA for a budget S70.cars for the acerage income family man with oversized family… Please dont skimp on the Safety while doinyso..
I hope Proton will come out a S70 1.5L An engine with a better gearbox for fiel economy. However Proton should not skimp upon the Airbags and Adas System..Poir doesn’t mean Life is Cheap…Best is to remove the useless Sunroof…