Proton S70

2026 Proton S70 MC1 – 2,254 units sold in March, highest since Feb 2024; outsold B-seg sedan rivals too

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Mick Chan / 2 April 2026 7:00 pm / 4 comments

The Proton S70 MC1 update that was launched in February this year has reached sales of 2,254 units in the month of March, which has brought the highest monthly sales volume for the sedan model since February 2024, according to the company.

The sales performance achieved by the S70 MC1 last month also meant that the sedan outsold other B-segment models. This MC1 update for the Proton S70 saw the introduction of the BHE15-EFZ i-GT 1.5 litre turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine that replaces the GEP3 three-cylinder unit in the sedan’s previous iteration.

This engine equips all four variants of the S70, the Executive, Premium, Flagship and Flagship X, for which the engine outputs 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm from 2,900 rpm to 3,500 rpm, bringing increases of 31 PS and 64 Nm over the previous three-cylinder engine.

Infotainment on the S70 MC1 consists of 10.25-inch TFT instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Flagship and Flagship X; the Executive and Premium make do with an eight-inch screen without AACP.

In terms of safety kit, the S70 MC1 gets lane change assist, door opening warning, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert as standard on the Executive and Premium, while the Flagship and Flagship X gain Level 2 ADAS including adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist and autonomous emergency braking.

Priced at RM68,800 for the Executive, RM74,800 for the Premium, RM84,800 for the Flagship and RM89,800 for the Flagship X, the 2026 Proton S70 MC1 is sold with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and six times free labour for servicing.

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1 colour options at Sepang Track Day

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Flagship X

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2026 Proton S70 MC1 gets 7,157 bookings, total S70 deliveries now over 40,000 units since November 2023

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Mick Chan / 13 March 2026 12:29 pm / 11 comments

Proton has amassed 7,157 bookings for the 2026 Proton S70 MC1 since the order books for the updated sedan opened in February, the carmaker has revealed. Overall, 40,111 units of the Proton S70 have been delivered since the model made its debut in November 2023.

“Surpassing the 40,000-unit milestone since its debut is a significant achievement for Proton and demonstrates the continued confidence Malaysians have in the model. We will remain committed to build on this momentum while ensuring customers continue to benefit from the strong ownership experience supported by Proton’s nationwide network,” said Proton Edar CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa.

From launch, the S70 MC1 is offered in four variants – the S70 1.5TD Executive at RM68,800, the S70 1.5TD Premium at RM74,800, the S70 1.5TD Flagship at RM84,800, and the S70 1.5TD Flagship X at RM89,800.

The biggest update in the revised S70 is the 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine that outputs 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm from 2,000 rpm to 3,500 rpm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain succeeds the previous GEP3 three-cylinder unit, which was paired with the same transmission.

The new engine brings both stronger performance as well as improved fuel economy, according to Proton; the 0-100 km/h run is elapsed in 7.5 seconds, improved from the 9.6-second time of the original S70, while fuel consumption is now a claimed 5.7 litres per 100 km, or 8.1% improved from before.

Safety kit on the S70 MC1 consists of six airbags, lane change assist, door opening warning, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert as standard on the Standard and Premium variants. Level 3 ADAS is limited to the Flagship and Flagship X, which get adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist and autonomous emergency braking.

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Flagship X

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2026 Proton S70 MC1 launched – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, 0-100 km/h 7.5 secs, new bodykit, fr. RM69k to RM90k

In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Proton / By Anthony Lim / 11 February 2026 9:15 pm / 51 comments
Having opened the order books for it last week, Proton has officially launched the 2026 Proton S70 MC1, doing so earlier this evening. The facelifted sedan arrives in the same four variant forms as when it was when it was introduced in November 2023, these being the Executive, Premium, Flagship and Flagship X

Let’s get to the pricing first. The four variants of the 2026 Proton MC1 are priced as follows (all on-the-road, without insurance):
- S70 1.5TD Executive – RM68,800
- S70 1.5TD Premium – RM74,800
- S70 1.5TD Flagship – RM84,800
- S70 1.5TD Flagship X – RM89,800
The above prices are with a RM5,000 early bird rebate being offered for the car. The actual pricing is identical to pre-facelift, which was priced at RM73,800 for the Executive, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship and RM94,800 for the Flagship X.

The 2026 Proton S70 MC1 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and six times free labour for servicing. It also comes with a five-year in-car data package with 2GB of data per month.

Away from one huge change, which is with the engine, the rest of the rework on the 2026 S70 is relatively minor, with minimal revisions being done to the exterior and interior. As reported previously, the changes outside are essentially lifted from the 2025 Geely Emgrand. This brings about new LED headlights, but without the flashy start-up sequence from before.

Additionally, the turn signal indicators are now bulb units, having previously being integrated into the eyebrow-like LED daytime running lights. Essentially, the turn signals take the place of the old high beams near the inner edge, so the high beam is now integrated into the main projector unit.

Other new bits include 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels for the Flagship, and these are almost identical to the outgoing unit, but with a more blade-like design for the spokes.

As for the tyres, the S70 MC1 is now shod with GitiComfort F22 tyres across the entire variant range. The Giti rubbers take over from the previous Kumho Ecowing ES31, which replaced the Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2s that were dropped when the Goodyear plant in Shah Alam shut down in 2024. According to Proton, the tyre choice is based on maintaining the cost, because there were no locally-made choices priced in the same range as a replacement for the Goodyear.

Elsewhere, the Flagship X gets a new black bodykit. Designed by Proton, based on local taste, this brings about a distinct accent framing the air intake, a more aggressive diffuser-like rear skirt, a boot lid lip spoiler with a sizeable centre cutout and red highlight accents, which can be found on the black and white coloured versions of the car. The red finish – which the company calls Storm Red – is actually quite dark and subtle, and nowhere as garish as in the AI official pics have rendered it.

The big news is of course with the powertrain, with the S70 now featuring a 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which replaces the GEP3 three-pot. The unit, which features a part-time Miller cycle, DVVT and an electric water pump, will equip all four variants available for the car.

With 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, the new unit offers a considerable 31 PS/64 Nm jump over the old port-injected mill. The seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission has been retained, but the new engine allows the 2026 car to do the 0-100 km/h run in 7.5 seconds, which is a significant improvement from the 9.6 seconds for the same on the original S70.

Proton says this boost in performance comes at no expense to fuel economy. In fact, FC has improved, with the claimed 5.7 litres per 100 km (17.5 km per litre) consumption of the new mill representing an 8.1% improvement from before.

You get the same three drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) as before, without the adaptive mode like on the X50 facelift. The automaker says that there’s no adaptive driving mode because it is still evaluating customer response and acceptance to it.

Proton S70 MC1 Flagship interior.

The company adds that running costs will lower thanks of a switch to a toothed timing chain, and recalibration work to the DCT means smoother gearshifts, with a better initial response, on the new car. Elsewhere, the suspension has been retuned to adapt to the new engine weight, but the ride and handling package is unchanged. No changes to the steering.

Inside, the cabin remains unchanged from the current S70, with only the headliner switching to black on the Flagship X (it remains beige for the rest of the range), and so you’ll find the familiar horizontal dashboard with a full-width air vent design and broad centre console topped by a T-shaped gear lever.

Standard fit items on the Executive include fabric seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment head unit, five USB ports, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloys (with 205/55 tyres), and the window switchgear is now illuminated. Move up to the Premium and you get auto LED headlamps, a rear tail light bar, leatherette seats and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel as well as auto air-conditioning, front parking sensors and a reverse camera.

Proton S70 MC1 Premium interior.

While the 8.0-inch screen means that the Executive and Premium don’t feature AACP, it’s perhaps more curious that both continue to feature analogue meters for its instrument display. This is an odd choice, given that X50 facelift went full digital, and even the Saga MC3 in its base form has that.

Move up to the Flagship and that’s where the goodies come in, starting with a switch to the 17-inch rollers, which are wrapped with 205/50 profile tyres. The 10.25-inch TFT instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen from before continues on unchanged, but buyers of the variant (and the X, of course) can finaly look forward to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Speaking of this, it has been confirmed that this AACP update will not make its way on to older cars.

The Flagship also adds on a wireless mobile charger, 360-degree HD camera with 3D display, a six-way powered driver’s seat and security window film from the Premium. However, there are still no paddle shifters, despite the automaker billing the car as a “sport sedan.” The company says that is because paddle shifters are not available on the Emgrand in China.

2026 Proton S70 MC1 specification sheet, Click to enlarge.

As for the Flagship X, aside from the bodykit and black headliner, the add-ons are minimal, with a sunroof and a front DVR being the extra items.

Safety-wise, the S70 comes equipped with six airbags and items such as lane change assist, door opening warning, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert as standard. That’s for the Executive and Premium. As before, only the Flagship (and X) get Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist and autonomous emergency braking.

In terms of exterior colours, the choices available for the S70 MC1 are Quartz Black, Snow White, Space Grey, Marine Blue, Armour Silver and Ruby Red, the latter replacing the previous Passion Red. The Teal Bayou Green shade has been dropped from the palette.

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1 official images, technical slides and price list

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1 colour options at Sepang Track Day

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Flagship X

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Flagship

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Premium
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2026 Proton S70 MC1 – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, AACP, four variants, first look at the Flagship and Flagship X

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Anthony Lim / 7 February 2026 1:05 pm / 13 comments

Ahead of its launch on February 11, Proton has opened the order books for the 2026 Proton S70 at all 3S and 4S centres nationwide starting from today. The refreshed sedan is also making a special appearance at showrooms across the country this February 7-8 weekend, and it is at one of these that we caught up with the Flagship and Flagship X examples, effectively offering a full visual preview of the S70 MC1.

The rework on the S70 brings about minor exterior and interior revisions. On the outside, the changes are essentially lifted from the 2025 Geely Emgrand, as reported previously. The car gets new LED headlights, but gone is the flashy start-up sequence, and the turn signal indicators are now bulb units, having previously being integrated into the eyebrow-like LED daytime running lights. The turn signals take the place of the old high beams near the inner edge, so the high beam is now integrated into the main projector unit.

Other new bits include 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels for the Flagship, and these are almost identical to the outgoing unit, but with a more blade-like design for the spokes. As for the tyres, both the Flagship and X are shod with GitiComfort F22 tyres. These replace the previous Kumho Ecowing ES31, which took over from the Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2s that were dropped when the Goodyear plant in Shah Alam closed in 2024.

As indicated by the earlier studio shots of the car, there’s a new bodykit, and here it can be seen on the Flagship X here. Design cues include a distinct accent framing the air intake, a more aggressive diffuser-like rear skirt and a boot lid lip spoiler with a sizeable centre cutout. Oh, and there are red accents too, although it’s only for black and white versions of the car, and so it’s not on the blue display example.

The big news is with the powertrain, with the S70 now featuring a 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which replaces the GEP3 three-pot. This will equip all four variants available for the car, which are the base 1.5TD Executive, mid 1.5TD Premium, high 1.5TD Flagship and range-topping 1.5TD Flagship X.

With 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, the new unit offers a considerable 31 PS/64 Nm jump over the old port-injected mill. The seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission has been retained, but the new engine allows the 2026 car to do the 0-100 km/h run in 7.5 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds faster than before.

Proton says this boost in performance comes at no expense to fuel economy, which is rated at 5.7 litres per 100 km (17.5 km per litre). The company says that running costs will lower thanks of a switch to a toothed timing chain, and recalibration work to the transmission means smoother gearshifts on the new car.

Inside, the cabin remains unchanged from the current S70, with only the headliner switching to black on the Flagship X (it remains beige for the rest of the range), and so you’ll find the familiar horizontal dashboard with a full-width air vent design and broad centre console topped by a T-shaped gear lever.

Standard fit items on the Executive include fabric seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment head unit, five USB ports, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloys. The Premium adds on auto LED headlamps, a rear tail light bar, leatherette seats and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, auto air-conditioning, front parking sensors and a reverse camera.

Move up to the Flagship and that’s where the 17-inch rollers come in. The 10.25-inch TFT instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen from before continues on unchanged, but there’s now wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The variant also adds on a wireless mobile charger, 360-degree HD camera with 3D display, a six-way powered driver’s seat and security window film from the Premium. As for the Flagship X, aside from the bodykit and black headliner, you get a sunroof and a front DVR.

Safety-wise, the S70 comes equipped with six airbags and items such as lane change assist, door opening warning, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert as standard. That’s for the Executive and Premium. As before, only the Flagship (and X) get Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist and autonomous emergency braking.

No prices as yet, but this – along with full specification – will come later this week when the car is launched. For reference, the current S70 is priced at RM73,800 for the Executive, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship and RM94,800 for the sunroof-equipped Flagship X.

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Flagship X

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 MC1, Flagship

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2026 Proton S70 MC1 open for booking – 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, 0-100 km/h 7.5 secs, 17.5 km/l, AACP, launch 11 Feb

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Jonathan Lee / 6 February 2026 12:11 pm / 22 comments

Right on cue, Proton has previewed the 2026 S70, which will be open for booking at all 3S and 4S centres nationwide starting tomorrow, February 7, ahead of its launch of February 11. The segment-straddling sedan receives minor exterior and interior tweaks that belie a big change under the bonnet.

That change is a 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which replaces the GEP3 three-pot. Outputs are rated at 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, a considerable 31 PS/64 Nm jump over the old port-injected mill. Equipped with the same seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission as before, the new engine takes a second and a half out of the zero-to-100 km/h sprint, completing it in 7.5 seconds.

This boost in performance comes at no expense to fuel economy – in fact, shorn of the X70‘s heft, the S70 consumes much less petrol at 5.7 litres per 100 km (17.5 km per litre), which is only slightly more than the Saga with a naturally-aspirated engine and a four-speed auto (5.1 litres per 100 km, or 19.6 km per litre). Proton also promises lower running costs thanks to a switch to a toothed timing chain, along with smoother gearshifts from a recalibrated gearbox.

Speaking of the NA engine, Proton made no mention of such a version for the S70, despite earlier rumours. Perhaps the less powerful four-pot, which makes 120 PS and 150 Nm, will be offered at a later date to coincide with the Persona’s eventual discontinuation, acting as an indirect replacement with a lower price.

Beyond that, the changes are as previously reported, lifted from the 2025 Geely Emgrand. The LED headlights have been very slightly tweaked, and they are actually a downgrade from the previous model’s, equipped with halogen reflector indicators. These were previously integrated into the eyebrow-like LED daytime running lights, which have been retained. The turn signals take the place of the old high beams near the inner edge, so the projectors are likely doing double duty now, integrating both the low and high beams.

Also new are the Flagship’s 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, again almost identical to the outgoing ones but with a more blade-like design for the spokes. It’s here where you’ll find another downgrade, as the Kumho Ecowing ES31 tyres have been swapped out for GitiComfort F22 rubber. This is the third tyre choice for the S70, which originally ran Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2s before the Goodyear plant in Shah Alam was closed – a similar swap was performed for the 2026 X70 after the Continental plant closure.

Lastly, the 2026 S70 will see the debut of a new bodykit, featuring “fangs” framing the air intake, red highlights all around, a more aggressive diffuser-like rear skirt and a boot lid lip spoiler with a sizeable centre cutout. It remains to be seen if this will be fitted as standard on the top variants (at least for a limited time, as was the case for the current car) or offered as a cost option.

The interior is virtually unchanged from the current S70, retaining the horizontal dashboard with a full-width air vent design, broad centre console topped by a T-shaped gearlever, the 10.25-inch instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and even the black faux leather seats.

Curiously, the car continues to lack a speed limiter button on the steering wheel, different from every other Proton model with adaptive cruise control. The good news is that Proton has finally given the S70 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, having snubbed owners of the current model.

The S70 continues to be offered with a wide range of driver assists, including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as the aforementioned adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, plus autonomous emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. As yet, it is unclear if these will continue to be fitted only to the top-spec Flagship variants, but judging by the latest X50 and X70, this will likely be unfortunately still the case.

Proton has yet to provide any details on pricing, but for reference, the current S70 is priced at RM73,800 for the Executive, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship and RM94,800 for the sunroof-equipped Flagship X.

GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 at Proton CS Prima Auto

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2026 Proton S70 MC1 shown – i-GT 4-cyl, new headlights and wheels, bodykit with red lines, Giti tyres

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Jonathan Lee / 6 February 2026 10:43 am / 7 comments

The slow trickle of information of the 2026 Proton S70 continues, with dealer CS Prima Auto in Georgetown posting the first images of the mildly updated sedan. The photos give us a detailed look at the few changes coming ahead of the car’s launch.

As expected, the car looks almost identical to the old one, echoing a similarly minor refresh for the Geely Emgrand in 2024. The LED headlights have been very slightly tweaked, and they are actually a downgrade from the previous model‘s, equipped with halogen reflector indicators.

These were previously integrated into the eyebrow-like LED daytime running lights, which have been retained. The turn signals take the place of the old high beams near the inner edge, so the projectors are likely doing double duty now, integrating both the low and high beams.

Also new are the Flagship’s 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, again almost identical to the outgoing ones but with a more blade-like design for the spokes. It’s here where you’ll find another downgrade, as the Kumho Ecowing ES31 tyres have been swapped out for GitiComfort F22 rubber. This is the third tyre choice for the S70, which originally ran Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2s before the Goodyear plant in Shah Alam was closed – a similar swap was performed for the 2026 X70 after the Continental plant closure.

Lastly, the 2026 S70 will see the debut of a new bodykit, featuring “fangs” framing the air intake, red highlights all around and a boot lid lip spoiler with a sizeable centre cutout. It remains to be seen if this will be fitted as standard on the top variants (at least for a limited time, as was the case for the current car) or offered as a cost option.

The interior is virtually unchanged from the current S70, retaining the horizontal dashboard with a full-width air vent design, broad centre console topped by a T-shaped gearlever, the 10.25-inch instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and even the black faux leather seats. Curiously, the car continues to lack a speed limiter button on the steering wheel, different from every other Proton model with adaptive cruise control. Buyers can also expect wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be added (finally).

The biggest change is actually something you can’t see in these images – a 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder engine. In turbo direct-injected BHE15-EFZ guise, it makes 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, a considerable 31 PS/64 Nm jump over the previous port-injected GEP3 three-cylinder. A seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is set to return.

In addition, rumours suggest that entry-level variants are set to receive the Saga‘s 120 PS/150 Nm naturally-aspirated and port-injected BHE15-CFN mill, similar to what was introduced to the Chinese-market Emgrand last year. This is expected to lower the starting price, enabling the S70 to indirectly replace the Persona, which will bow out this year.

Whereas the Emgrand pairs this engine with a CVT with eight virtual ratios, the S70 will likely come with the Saga’s Punch CVT with no such function, although it may gain a torque converter for a smoother and more instant power delivery. Similar to the 2026 X70, the S70 could also be on the receiving end of some Proton ride and handling tweaks – even if it will still come with torsion beam rear suspension.

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2026 Proton S70 teased – 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl sedan on display in showrooms Feb 7-8, NA version also?

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Jonathan Lee / 4 February 2026 3:08 pm / 7 comments

Proton is justifiably proud of its achievements in January, having sold 19,833 vehicles (its highest in 15 years) and 10,285 units of the Saga (supposedly its highest ever) in the first month of the year. To commemorate the milestone, the company is holding a celebration at all its showrooms this weekend, February 7 and 8 – and there’s a “special guest” in store.

The company announced it will be previewing the 2026 S70 – the first update for the segment-straddling sedan ever since it was launched in 2023 – at the event. Not much can be gleaned from the teaser, but we already know what the car will look like, as it was papped at the factory in December.

We can see that the S70 will gain a couple of new design cues from the 2025 Geely Emgrand, such as mildly revised headlights with inner indicator spars and a very slightly tweaked look for the Flagship trim’s 17-inch alloy wheels. No L-shaped front bumper corner trims, however; we stick with the old triangular inserts.

One notable revision is the switch from the solid Passion Red paint to metallic Ruby Red, leading to a less taxi-like appearance. It also appears that Proton will again offer a bodykit, with a re-profiled boot lid lip spoiler compared to the original appearance package.

There are also no changes expected for the interior, which is set to retain its linear horizontal dashboard design, T-shaped gearlever, 10.25-inch instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen – although we do expect wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be added this time around.

Most of the attention has instead been paid under the bonnet. Out goes the old 1.5 litre GEP3 port-injected turbo three-cylinder, replaced by the latest BHE15-EFZ i-GT four-cylinder from the facelifted X50. This will provide a serious boost of power – 31 PS and 64 Nm worth – to 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, along with reduced maintenance and fuel consumption. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is set to soldier on.

The S70 is expected to receive the Saga’s NA engine

The S70 is still unique in that it’s the only version of the Emgrand to get the turbo engine and DCT combo, but rumours suggest that base variants of the new version will also come with the Saga’s naturally-aspirated BHE15-CFN, producing 120 PS and 150 Nm. This would help lower the starting price and enable the car to act as an indirect replacement for the Persona.

The Emgrand has used this mill in China – replacing the old direct-injected unit – since last year, but it pairs it with a CVT with an eight virtual ratios (there’s also a five-speed manual, but there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell of that coming here). We expect the S70 to instead get the Saga’s simpler Punch CVT, as the stepless transmission is already assembled locally – perhaps with a torque converter for a smoother driving experience.

The upcoming update would provide a welcome boost for the S70, which hasn’t exactly set the sales table alight – even if it did achieve its best monthly sales since May with 1,604 units sold in January. With additional volume from the soon-to-be-discontinued Persona and a lower starting price, the car could give its B-segment rivals a run for their money.

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2026 Proton S70 MC1 spied – new 1.5L i-GT 4-cylinder engine; Ruby Red colour; updated wheels, headlamps

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Gerard Lye / 16 December 2025 10:11 am / 15 comments

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.

2023 Proton S70 Flagship X (left); 2025 Geely Emgrand facelift (right)

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.

2023 Proton S70 Flagship X

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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Proton X70 MC3, X90 MC and S70 MC facelifts confirmed to get 1.5 i-GT turbo 4-cyl from X50 facelift

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Jonathan James Tan / 4 December 2025 12:34 pm / 9 comments

Also revealed at the Proton Tech Showcase launch today at Proton’s Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam were future models. We’ll detail the AMA models in a separate story soon; this story focuses on the upcoming X/S models, namely the X70 MC3, X90 MC and S70 MC facelifts.

Born in 2018, the X70 was Proton-Geely’s first child. In 2022 the SUV changed from a four- to a three-cylinder engine (MC1), and 2024 saw the launch of the MC2, with a new face and bigger screen. This appears to have done little to boost the ageing SUV’s sales (it’s not even in the top 20 year-to-date table) and the ‘MC3’ designation suggests yet another facelift rather than an all-new model.

Moving on to the X90 and S70, both of which are waiting impatiently for their first facelifts. The latest Geely Haoyue/Okavango facelift looks quite garang, and like the X50 facelift, has LED projector headlamps and end-to-end tail lamps. Here’s hoping. No more 48-volt mild-hybrid system, though. The S70 MC, you’ve seen testing on the road.

Proton has also pretty much confirmed that all three models will, like the X50 facelift, go from three to four cylinders. Once the old GEP3 TGDi engines run out, the X50 facelift’s new i-GT BHE15TD mill, which the Tanjong Malim plant is already churning out at full steam, will go into the engine bays of these three models, as well as the seven-speed DCT, by 2026. Bye bye GEP3, bye bye Campro VVT.

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Proton S70 R&D car spotted testing – new update with 1.5L i-GT four-cylinder turbo engine coming soon?

In Cars, Local News, Proton, Spyshots / By Jonathan James Tan / 28 August 2025 10:44 am / 12 comments

A trade-plated Proton S70 has been spotted on the Klang-Banting Highway by Khairul Adelee Mangadi, who shared the photo on the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Facebook Group. Is Proton testing an S70 equipped with the new 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder turbo engine from the X50 facelift?

This new BHE15TD (‘TD’ for turbo-direct injection, not turbodiesel) engine is widely expected to eventually go to the S70, X70 and X90, while the upcoming Saga MC3 will get a non-turbo port-injected BHE15PFI version of the engine.

The S70 is currently powered by a 150 PS/226 Nm 1.5 litre GEP3 port-injected three-cylinder turbo engine (left). The new direct-injected i-GT engine in the X50 facelift (right) develops 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, so if it isn’t down-tuned in any way for the S70, that’s a considerable 31 PS/64 Nm jump.

Can we expect the updated S70 to launch this year? Engine aside, which of the X50 facelift’s many new features would you like to see in this sleek sedan?

Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X

Proton S70 1.5T Flagship

Proton S70 1.5T Premium

Proton S70 1.5T Executive

Proton S70 brochure and price lists

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Proton S70 presented to Miss Asia (SE Asia) 2024

In Cars, Local News, Proton, Videos / By Jonathan James Tan / 24 February 2025 3:26 pm / 3 comments

Proton has presented a new S70 to Miss Asia (Southeast Asia) 2024 winner Janice Chian Yan Tong, 24, of Ipoh, at its Centre of Excellence HQ.

In a Facebook post, Proton said Janice was impressed by the S70’s modern design, intelligent technology and excellent performance.

Organised by Hong Kong’s Asia Television Limited, the pageant saw entrants from Malaysia (which hosted the final last September in Setia Alam), Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Myanmar.

Launched in November 2023, the Proton S70 comes in RM74k Executive, RM80k Premium, RM90k Flagship and RM95k Flagship X variants. It’s got a 150 PS/226 Nm 1.5 litre turbo three-potter and a seven-speed twin-clutcher. Read and/or watch our review here.

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Premium

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Executive

GALLERY: Proton S70 brochure and price lists

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Geely opens Egypt plant to make Emgrand (S70), Coolray (X50); Proton limited to budget cars in MENA?

In Cars, Geely, International News, Proton / By Jonathan James Tan / 17 January 2025 11:09 am / 17 comments

Geely has inaugurated a new plant in Egypt’s 6 October City that will produce the Emgrand sedan (on which the Proton S70 is based) and Coolray SUV (on which the Proton X50 is based), Ahram Online reports.

Done in collaboration with Auto Mobility (Geely Egypt), the plant is Geely’s first industrial venture in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East. Its two production lines can together push out up to 10,000 Geely-badged vehicles a year for domestic consumption and to facilitate export of around 30,000 vehicles to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Proton and Geely have both been in Egypt for some time, with different local partners. The Malaysian brand started its CKD plant there (currently only making the Saga) two months ago, and it also has MENA export plans, so what gives?

Now, we know there’s an LHD Proton X50, because 200 of them have been exported to Vietnam, but with Geely now assembling their own cars for the MENA markets, it looks like Proton will focus on, or be limited to selling budget cars – such as the Saga and other future AMA products – over there.

However, it’s claimed that Proton’s Egypt plant has an annual production capacity of 50,000 (a third of total current production in Malaysia – ambitious, no?) while the new Geely plant is set for only 30,000 units. If the target numbers are to be believed, Proton has the potential to be a bigger volume player in MENA compared to Geely.

On a separate note, Proton is already in South Africa, where it sells right-hand drive (RHD) Geely-based models such as the X50, X70 and X90. The S70 has been delayed, though – business partners were invited to the S70 launch there in end-2023, but there has been no news since. There are rumours that Geely is going to enter South Africa soon with the EX5 (eMas 7).

We reported in November on Geely entering Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand – all major RHD markets – as Geely instead of Proton, seemingly reneging on the promise made earlier. The Chinese giant responded by reiterating its commitment to Malaysia as its regional production and R&D hub, specifically Tanjung Malim’s Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV).

“Geely will enter and establish dealer networks in Proton’s non-existent markets, starting with new energy vehicle products, to build brand reputation, which will be complementary to Proton’s existing products,” Geely Holding Group PR director Ash Sutcliffe told paultan.org last month, which we take to mean that Proton and Geely will not be in the same markets together.

“Geely will leverage its resources in these markets, either to assist Proton’s future entry or to export products from Malaysia using AHTV as a production hub, maximising synergies with Proton and our partner DRB-Hicom,” he added.

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Proton S70 R3 achieves 5th in class at Sepang 1,000 km (S1K) – race car to be displayed at KLIMS

In Cars, Local News, Motorsports, Proton / By Jonathan Lee / 26 November 2024 7:41 pm / 5 comments

Last weekend saw the 2024 Sepang 1,000 km (S1K) endurance race being won by a privateer as all three works entries hit trouble. Amidst all the chaos, the Proton R3 team managed to salvage a respectable fifth in class in the new S70 R3 Malaysian Touring Car (MTC), the #82 entry driven by Ariff Azmi and Alister Yoong being its sole finisher.

The national carmaker had high hopes for its sedan leading into the race, even though it did not feature anywhere in the top four in qualifying. The lead #81 car was taken out of the race early doors, however, as Syafiq Ali was spun from behind and crashed into a wall on lap 8, forcing him into retirement.

Worse was to hit the #82 car, which was sidelined due to a technical issue, losing over 40 minutes in the pits and dropping down the order as a result. Yoong – son of former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong – and Ariff fought back valiantly to finish in 27th overall and fifth in the top MTC class, an encouraging result after a five-year hiatus.

“Team Proton R3, its drivers and the Proton S70 R3 have added to Proton’s proud racing heritage by delivering a strong performance at the 2024 S1K race. While we targeted another overall win, the team was aware of the daunting task that lay ahead to compete with a brand new car against teams who had competed in races for the last three years and were much further ahead on the vehicle development curve.

“Ultimately, we have no complaints although an accident early in the race caused the retirement of car 81 while a technical issue in car 82 caused it to lose time in the pits and dropped it out of overall contention. So while the final result could have been better, a lot of data was collected over the weekend and finishing fifth in the MTC class has set a baseline for R3 to launch its assault on the 2025 racing season,” said Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah.

Proton says it has not decided on the S70 R3’s next competitive appearance; however, the #82 car will be displayed at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) from December 5 to 11.

The 2024 race was won by Hirev Dream Chaser in the #1 Suzuki Swift Sport ZC32S driven by Hayden Haikal, Rahul Raj Meyer dan Daim Hishamudin. Starting from fourth on the grid, the trio was consistently in the fight at the top as the larger carmaker-backed teams faced technical troubles. Nailed-on favourites Honda Malaysia Racing Team (HMRT) suffered a double retirement, the #27 City Sedan grinding to a heartbreaking halt while leading late on, just ten laps from the end.

Meanwhile, the #37 Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Vios was scuppered by an even longer stoppage than the #82 car, eventually finishing 53rd and seventh in class. Out in front, the #1 car completed the 181 laps in eight hours 14 minutes, over two and a half minutes ahead of the #38 Wing Hin Motorsports Toyota Yaris; the #96 Tedco Racing Honda Fit RS GK5 completed the podium.

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Proton S70 meets 2k units monthly sales target in Q1 2024, production ramped up to meet higher demand

In Cars, Local News, Proton / By Danny Tan / 4 April 2024 2:21 pm / 8 comments

Proton sold a total of 39,150 units in the first quarter of 2024, including domestic and export shipments. Based on Malaysia’s estimated total industry volume (TIV) of 202,492 units for the first three months of the year, Proton’s market share is estimated at 19.3%, which is a 5.1% growth and good for second place overall behind Perodua.

In this period, Proton shifted 5,828 units of the new S70, including 2,072 units in March. “While production volume is still catching up to demand as close attention is being paid to product quality, the C-segment sedan class leader is now the second best selling model in the Proton range,” the company said in a statement.

“Production is not slow, but what we’re maintaining is ensuring the quality, because this is a new model for us, and we have to ensure parts quality maturity, as well as our process – assembly maturity. The stock is being produced, but we’re checking thoroughly to ensure that we don’t face the similar problems as when we were so eager to deliver the car to the market,” Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said earlier this year.

“We had a good lesson learned in the past and we won’t make the same mistake, but we’re increasing deliveries starting this month,” he added, without naming the previous model.

Proton’s claim of the S70 being the best-selling C-segment sedan in Malaysia isn’t a surprise, as the plan was to offer a ‘C-segment sedan’ (’70’ name instead of ’50’ to align it with the X70) at the price of B-segment incumbents Honda City and Toyota Vios.

The segment of the S70 has been a subject of debate. It’s based on the Geely Emgrand, which sits on the X50’s BMA platform, and the car has a 1.5 litre NA engine/CVT combo elsewhere – 1.5L CVT is of course the ASEAN B-segment default set by the Vios and City. The pricing of the S70 is also squarely within the City-Vios space, and the two class stalwarts were chosen as rivals in the media preview.

However, Proton has plonked in a 1.5-litre turbo engine and dual-clutch gearbox in place of the 1.5L NA CVT that powers the Emgrand in China and the Philippines. Think 1.5T, think Civic, but Honda’s C-segment flag-bearer has one-cylinder, 32 PS and 14 Nm more than the S70’s 150 PS/226 Nm 1.5L port-injected three-cylinder engine that also powers the X50 Standard to Premium (the X50 Flagship and X70 MC get a 177 PS/255 Nm 1.5L TGDi unit).

As for dimensions, the Civic is 76 mm longer than the S70, and the Honda’s 2,735 mm wheelbase is a whopping 108 mm longer. In fact, going by the numbers, the S70 is actually closer to the City than the Civic in size. And all of the Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are also lower slung than the S70, giving them sportier proportions that are more inline with the C-segment. We’ll leave it up to you to place the S70, as it’s a bit of a mishmash.

Check out our comprehensive review of the Proton S70 in the video above.

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X

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Proton S70 review – better buy vs City and Vios?

In Car Reviews, Cars, Proton, Video Reviews, Videos / By Hafriz Shah / 29 February 2024 9:49 am / 29 comments

Here it is, my full in-depth review of the new Proton S70. As usual it’s very long – though my initial X50 review was even longer – but it covers all you need to know about Proton’s latest sedan – everything that is good and bad, plus how it compares against the X50, Honda City and Toyota Vios.

The review covers the segment confusion (whether it’s a B or C, and if that’s even relevant – short answer, no), variant/price breakdown, interior quality and space, fit and finish issues, spec levels, equipment omissions, performance, fuel economy, refinement, ride and handling, ADAS, the lot. It’s purely intended for those looking to buy the S70, hence the detail and length.

As a quick recap, the Proton S70 comes in four variants: Executive for RM73,800, Premium for RM79,800, Flagship for RM89,800 and Flagship X for RM94,800. My take is, do ignore the first two for their complete lack any form of ADAS active safety features – AEB at least should be a bare-minimum essential item for any new car in 2024, and I don’t buy Proton’s reasoning for this omission one bit.

All variants get the same 1.5 litre three-cylinder MPI turbo engine with 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed wet dual clutch transmission. The combo is a big upgrade over the base Geely Emgrand’s 1.5 NA and CVT package, but Proton’s locally-led transplant job leaves a lot to be desired. More on the poorly calibrated transmission/throttle in the video above.

Do leave a comment below on your thoughts on the Proton S70 and my review of it. Was I too harsh on it, or appropriately so?

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Premium

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Executive

GALLERY: Proton S70 brochure and price lists

Are you planning to buy a Proton S70? You can place a booking for RM500 now with our partners Proton PJ Regal Motors. If you have a car to trade in, get a quote from myTukar.

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