The 2024 Proton S70 is now formally launched, sooner than the anticipated December date. In contrast to earlier Geely-Proton fashions, the gestation interval for the brand new sedan was fairly brief. First official particulars and pictures surfaced on November 1, and the media preview occurred shortly after that. From that session, we gave you all you wanted to know in regards to the S70 apart from the value, so right here we go.

The Proton S70 is available in 4 variants, and they’re the Government, Premium, Flagship and Flagship X (Commonplace variant identify dropped). The entry-level Government kicks off the vary at RM73,800, whereas the Premium sells for RM79,800. For a lot of, the Flagship is the place the S70 vary really begins, and it’s yours for RM89,800. If you need a sunroof, dashcam and the unique Quartz Black paint, the Flagship X is priced at RM94,800. All are on-the-road with out insurance coverage.

As anticipated, the S70’s value vary places in proper smack in Honda Metropolis and Toyota Vios territory, and people two are family names within the B-segment sedan market. However Proton is asking the S70 a C-segment sedan, with a ’70’ badge to match. By the best way, if you wish to soar straight to the specs, we’ve listed all of it down in level type – scroll down.

The Nice Debate

So, is the S70 a B- or C-segment sedan? Effectively, it’s based mostly on the Geely Emgrand, which sits on the X50’s BMA platform, and the automobile has a 1.5 litre NA engine/CVT combo elsewhere – 1.5L CVT is in fact the ASEAN B-segment default set by the Toyota Vios and Honda Metropolis.

In actual fact, everybody thought that automobile codenamed SS11 could be known as ‘Proton S50’ until we noticed spyshots of the S70 badge final month. The pricing of the S70 can also be squarely inside the Metropolis-Vios house, and the 2 class stalwarts had been chosen as rivals within the media preview acceleration check.

It’s a B then. However Proton complicates issues (by design, I’m positive) by giving the sedan the ’70’ identify. Formally, Proton is asking this a C-segment sedan, and ’70’ ties in with the X70, a C-SUV. The carmaker has additionally plonked in a 1.5 litre turbo engine and dual-clutch gearbox rather than the 1.5L NA CVT that powers the Emgrand in China and the Philippines. Suppose 1.5T, suppose Honda Civic, proper?

What about dimensions? Glad you requested. In line with the brochure, the S70 is 4,602 mm lengthy and 1,809 mm broad, with a 2,627 mm wheelbase. Unusually, these are decrease than the Emgrand’s numbers. Based mostly on Proton’s figures, the S70 is simply 13 mm longer than the Honda Metropolis RS and 61 mm wider, with a wheelbase that’s 27 mm longer.

By the best way, the S70 is longer and wider than the Preve and Mitsubishi Lancer-based Inspira, Proton’s earlier two C-segment sedans. Talking of these fashions, Proton says that the S70 follows the lineage of the Wira, Waja and Preve.

It’s a C then. However vehicles develop in measurement, and a Civic then isn’t the identical as a Civic now. On that notice, immediately’s Civic FE is 76 mm longer than the S70, and the Honda’s 2,735 mm wheelbase is a whopping 108 mm longer. In actual fact, going by the numbers, the S70 is definitely nearer to the Metropolis than the Civic in measurement. And the entire Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are additionally decrease slung than the S70, giving them sportier proportions which are extra inline with the C-segment.

We’ll depart it as much as you to put the S70, because it’s a little bit of a mishmash. Exterior of automobile man circles, Proton calling their new sedan C-segment will allow salesmen to make use of the “Civic rival at Metropolis value” good worth pitch, similar to what they did with the X70 (CR-V measurement and specs at HR-V value).

Turbo-DCT from X50

The S70 will get turbo energy as a substitute of the Emgrand’s customary 1.5L NA unit, and the turbo engine in query is the 1.5-litre port-injected three-cylinder engine that powers the X50 Commonplace to Premium, and never the 177 PS/255 Nm 1.5L TGDi unit within the X50 Flagship and X70 MC. Like within the non-Flagship X50, the 1.5L MPI unit’s output is 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm within the S70. Why no 1.5 NA or TGDi? Proton’s reply right here.

For these retaining rely, the Civic’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC turbo engine makes 182 PS and 240 Nm, which is 32 PS and 14 Nm greater than the S70. As for the NA B-segment duo, the Metropolis has 121 PS/145 Nm (S70 +29 PS, +81 Nm) and the Vios’ 2NR-VE has 106 PS/138 Nm (S70 +44 PS, +88 Nm). Proton claims 0-100 km/h in round 9 seconds.

Moreover the purpose {that a} turbo engine would make the S70 a extra convincing C-segment sedan, it additionally makes excellent enterprise sense for Proton because the engine is already made in Tanjong Malim for the X50, whereas Geely’s 1.5L NA shouldn’t be utilized in any present Proton. Utilizing the engine in two fashions offers Proton higher economies of scale, and on this case, the patron advantages too. Ditto the seven-speed wet-clutch DCT.

Native enter, deluxe Emgrand

Within the swap from left- to right-hand drive (steering now completely centred in entrance of the driving force by the best way, now not offset like in X50/X70), the S70 mission noticed the event of 453 new elements with the involvement of 283 native suppliers, Proton says. The sedan has 145 knocked down (KD) elements and 24 in-house Proton developed elements. After all, the engine is made in Malaysia. A complete of 260,000 man hours had been utilised.

Nonetheless, the goal is to succeed in 70% native content material in a few years, deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah revealed on the media preview. That’s nowhere close to the over 90% native content material of Perodua fashions from launch, and non-national fashions in all probability supply extra from Malaysia. This isn’t of concern to the shopper, in fact, and we solely noticed one Geely emblem on the fleet of pre-production vehicles – on the sunroof.

The obvious change from the Emgrand is the S70’s grille, which mixes the ‘Infinite Weave’ and ‘Ethereal Bow’ cues from previous Geely-Protons to type an elaborate but neat grille with pins. The facet edges of the grille are blacked out to stress the Ethereal Bow (decrease border), and Proton’s new spherical tiger badge floats within the center. To us, it’s a good-looking face and one which’s significantly better trying than the Emgrand, which has vertical strains in its grille.

All the things else is as per the Geely, together with G20 BMW 3 Collection-style ‘facet intakes’, the two-tone 17-inch wheels, the marginally jarring protrusion of chrome from the A pillars and the flamboyant rear LED full-width signatures.

Talking of the taillights, they carry out a present once you unlock the automobile and seem like naturally ‘smoked’ even in daylight. We’re additionally questioning why the good entry button on the driving force’s door deal with is in chrome, and never hidden away in physique color. There’s no button on the passenger facet by the best way, and it’s a downgrade from the contact sensor on Proton’s SUVs.

If the outside is basically Emgrand bar the grille and rear Proton badge, the inside is a deluxe model of the sedan in comparison with what’s out there within the Philippines, and to a lesser diploma, China. The default gear lever is a standard tall stick, however Proton is providing the stubby ‘T-design’ digital shifter from the X90, which appears far more superior and premium.

Extra elements sharing with current Protons (which aren’t from the unique Emgrand) could be seen within the steering wheel from the X50. Additionally, the sedan’s cabin is peppered with a delicate materials that has a songket-inspired sample. Yow will discover this S70-exclusive trim on the dashboard and door armrests – it’s a pleasant contact.

An important side of the native enter is none aside from the well-regarded ‘Proton journey and dealing with’. The carmaker says that the S70 is tuned for Malaysian roads and the R&D workforce spent 75,000 man hours and drove a mixed 1.2 million km of improvement miles. Sometimes, Chinese language vehicles are softly sprung and comfort-oriented to swimsuit the native palate, however Malaysians drive sooner and require extra management, extra dynamics. As regards to journey and dealing with, Proton engineers declare that they managed to improved each consolation and stability.

Nevertheless, Proton stoped in need of altering the Emgrand’s rear suspension from a torsion beam to multi-links like they did with the X90. Unbiased rear suspension is a norm within the C-segment, whereas the Metropolis/Vios have a torsion beam. They did nonetheless improve the dimensions of the entrance brakes to match the heavier turbo engine.

A lot of equipment, on the prime

The S70 will are available in 4 variants, however we’ll name it ‘3+’. In contrast to the X50, there’s no Commonplace variant, and the sedan’s vary begins from Government. The mid-level spec is Premium and the highest one is the Flagship. The Flagship X makes it 4, however the one distinction the ‘X’ brings is a sunroof and an unique Quartz Black paint possibility.

Is the S70 effectively outfitted? Sure, however the entry-level Government is certain to look vastly totally different from the Flagship/Flagship X vehicles that had been on responsibility on the media preview. A lot of the outside and inside bits that make the S70 look fancy (LED headlamps, rear LED signatures, 17-inch wheels that look nearly massive sufficient, digital meter panel, infotainment touchscreen) should not current within the Government. A low entry value will get extra eyeballs. Some would say that the Exec’s equipment listing is extra ‘Commonplace’.

All variants have the identical 1.5T 7DCT powertrain, six airbags, lane change help and an digital parking brake with auto maintain. The Government comes with cloth seats, halogen headlamps, 16-inch wheels and an 8.0-inch head unit. To get LED headlamps (projectors) and hind lights, you’ll have to purchase the Premium, which additionally provides on leatherette upholstery, auto air-con and a reverse digital camera.

LED headlamps have been customary on the Perodua Myvi since 2017, and even a RM40k Axia will get them, so the bottom S70 is nowhere close to C-segment by way of tools. We’ll see what the value hole is between variants, but it surely appears just like the Premium is the place the vary really begins. Even so, there’s no full ADAS and AEB on the midpoint – Lane Change Help (blind spot warning), Door Opening Warning, Rear Collision Warning and Rear Cross Visitors Alert are customary throughout the board.

Proton is as soon as once more reserving the total driver help pack for the Flagship. The great ADAS suite provides on Autonomous Emergency Braking with Ahead Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Management with Cease & Go, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Lane Centring Management, Visitors Signal Info and Clever Excessive Beam Management. By the best way, ADAS shouldn’t be out there on the Emgrand, so that is yet one more Proton-exclusive function. 5 stars within the ASEAN NCAP crash check, by the best way.

The Flagship additionally will get a tyre stress monitoring system, the 17-inch two-tone alloys you see right here, the cockpit’s twin display setup (10.3-inch meter, 12.3-inch infotainment with Hello Proton), wi-fi charger, powered driver’s seat (not one of the B-segment gamers have this) and 360-degree digital camera with 3D show.

As talked about, the Premium X’s solely further items of equipment are the sunroof and dashcam, however the vary topper does get an unique Quartz Black paint possibility. Black isn’t a standard color for Protons – will this automobile be provided to the federal government? The Flagship X will also be had in Snow White, Area Gray, Marine Blue and Teal Bayou Inexperienced – the latter is a new-to-Proton color impressed by our tropical seashores.

The signature inexperienced and Marine Blue, that are the colors you see within the studio pics right here, are reserved for the Flagship and above. The darkish blue automobile has a five-piece bodykit consisting of a entrance lip, facet skirts, rear bumper extension and a boot spoiler. No R3 logos on the equipment, by the best way. The bodykit is, for now, a freebie for Flagship X early birds – extra on this later.

There’s all the time a unique sort of buzz once we’re seeing a Proton/Perodua for the primary time. Extra anticipation and extra stress too, as a result of it looks like nationwide vehicles are effectively, of nationwide curiosity – everybody talks about it, all people needs to find out about it, not simply automobile individuals. We genuinely need to see the vehicles do effectively, but in addition have the responsibility to report as it’s.

Kudos to Proton for having a few vehicles that it sees because the S70’s rivals on the preview. So assured they’re that it wasn’t simply the Vios and Metropolis current – we had been all shocked to see the BMW 2 Collection Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan parked alongside for static comparability. Absolutely not ‘Asia’s reply to BMW’ once more? Extra on that later.

Our first impression of the S70 is an effective one. This can be a three-box sedan that’s good-looking in a barely old-fashioned approach, and it jogs my memory of the third-generation Subaru Legacy (B4 RSK!). Proton may need simply modified the grille of the Emgrand, but it surely’s a change for the higher – the S70 appears extra premium than the Geely. SUVs rule the market as of late, however many guys nonetheless like sedans, and we expect that the S70 will seize the creativeness of many bros on the market.

Step in and also you’re greeted by a throughly modern cockpit with three of the preferred parts checked – horizontal sprint structure (all the time emphasised by full-width look AC vents), a excessive centre console, and two screens (meter and central). The latter offers off a high-tech, superior really feel that goes effectively with (and is integral to) the minimalist design. Loads of X90 parts, however the S70’s cockpit is far more trendy.

Look nearer and also you’ll discover a pleasant native contact – the passenger-facing piece of trim beneath the AC vents is delicate to the contact and has a pleasant songket-inspired sample. This materials is repeated on the door armrests. This and the sprint prime each move the knock-knock Malaysian showroom check – the sprint prime, which has stitching on the sting, feels stable. Additionally good is the stitched sample on the door playing cards, which jogs my memory of Asics’ Tiger Stripes.

This optimistic really feel doesn’t movement into the centre console and doorways; the latter is roofed in scratchy arduous plastic and the door handles, whereas properly built-in design-wise, has a lacquer-like silver end that feels low-cost. So, total perceived high quality is a combined bag, and sitting within the BMW 2GC after the S70 merely emphasised the gulf in premiumness.

To be truthful, arduous plastics are frequent within the B-segment, which the S70 shall be priced in opposition to. But it surely’s Proton who’s calling it a C (Civic cabin feels extra premium in contact and really feel) and introduced a BMW alongside. As talked about, we just like the design and superior really feel, and the IP is high quality.

At the media preview, we pushed the S70 alongside a brief course in Proton’s Shah Alam proving floor and in addition had it in a drag race with the Metropolis and Vios. It didn’t take lengthy to infer that the S70 is tuned for consolation somewhat than sport, as a sub-RM100k household sedan must be – it’s straightforward to drive with mild and easy steering, and first journey consolation must be good, based mostly on its calm, composed response to a dip within the course.

We didn’t attempt the sedan on tough surfaces, however based mostly on development and Proton’s well-proven capabilities in journey and dealing with, the S70 must be a well-damped, forgiving journey. Count on some lean on steady-state cornering from this comparatively tall sedan, however nothing too disconcerting.

It relies on what your expectations are, however for those who hear 1.5T DCT and suppose ‘VW TSI DSG’ or ‘Civic-beater’, be ready to be upset. There’s a big delay between your proper foot asking for full throttle and the powertrain getting the message, a lot in order that the Metropolis persistently beats the S70 off the road.

However give the Proton sufficient highway and it’ll finally overtake and draw back from the Honda, because it ought to, being turbocharged. The Vios? Fairly a distance away from the opposite two, actually. Away from the drag strip’s standing begin, the in-gear acceleration of a turbocharged automobile could be helpful in lower and thrust day by day driving.

Talking of the day by day grind, we observed that the S70’s transmission swaps gears fairly leisurely for a dual-clutch unit, and its engine is extra audible than the Vios at idle and low speeds, whereas sounding coarser. In the case of isolation, Toyota is tops – even the previous-generation Vios/present Yaris is extra refined on the transfer. Personally, I really feel that the dearth of powertrain refinement is at odds with the premium messaging.

Transferring to the again seat, we are able to report that the bench is properly formed and the seat base peak is adequate. The size is of the seat base is nearly proper for my 175 cm body. The S70’s rear headroom betters the Metropolis and Vios – it was my first time within the Toyota and I used to be shocked that they signed this off, and I’m not even that tall.

Probably the most layman approach of measuring rear house is legroom, and also you’ll count on the ‘C-segment’ automobile to romp house. As an alternative, if stretching your rear legs is a crucial consideration, the Metropolis and Vios have extra acreage. Thoughts you, the S70 isn’t cramped by any means, however rear legroom is in need of the ASEAN B-segment’s abnormally excessive bar. Additionally, if the driving force’s seat is about to the bottom place, there’s not a lot room underneath it for toes to tuck into.

Anyhow, it’s respectable on the again, and passengers get to get pleasure from AC vents (they appear surprisingly ‘bare’ although), a centre armrest, and two USB ports (1x A, 1x C). As with the entrance doorways, there are stitched stripes on the door playing cards and songket-patterned delicate materials on the facet armrests. Boot quantity is 500 litres and there’s an area saver spare wheel underneath the ground.

So, how does the S70 evaluate with its rivals, you ask. The reply relies on who you take into account its rivals to be, as mentioned above in The Nice Debate. Proton is asking the S70 a C-segment sedan, however fact be instructed, the Honda Civic has it simply beat in contact, really feel, drive and desirability. As such, there’s no want to debate the BMW 2GC.

Nevertheless, the S70 is priced squarely within the Metropolis and Vios vary. And in opposition to these two, there’s actually a case for the Proton, which is loads of automobile for the cash – you’ll get a much bigger physique, a turbo engine, a number of toys and a few feel-good options which are first-in-class reminiscent of electrical seat adjustment. The S70 is an honest drive and it appears good out and in, too. Nevertheless, there’s no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help, not but at the least.

It should be famous although that a lot of the great things you see listed below are reserved for the Flagship. Additionally, Proton has introduced a ‘customary bundle’ for the S70, which consists of a five-year limitless mileage guarantee, a five-year knowledge bundle (1GB per thirty days, just for the Flagship and above), six occasions free labour service and financing charges from 2.34%.

There’s extra. The primary 3,000 bookings will get the aerokit you see on the blue automobile right here, price RM3,130. That’s just for the Flagship X although – early birds for the opposite variants get RM500 service vouchers and upgraded Proton Insurance coverage Programme. To benefit from the early fowl perks, you should register your S70 by February 29, 2024.

For now, what do you consider the Proton S70 as it’s, and vis-à-vis the Honda Metropolis and Toyota Vios? Take a look at the listing of specs beneath and when you’re achieved, be a part of Hafriz on an in depth video tour of the S70. We’ve up to date the gallery beneath with stay pics of all 4 variants, together with the bottom Government and mid-level Premium.

Are you planning to purchase a Proton S70? You possibly can place a reserving for RM500 now with our companions Proton PJ Regal Motors. When you’ve got a automobile to commerce in, get a quote from myTukar.

2024 Proton S70 Government – RM73,800

Will get as customary:

Mechanicals

• 1.5 litre DOHC MPI turbocharged three-cylinder engine
• 150 PS at 5,500 rpm, 226 Nm at 1,750 to 4,000 rpm
• 7-speed moist dual-clutch computerized transmission with handbook mode
• Electrical energy steering (EPS)
• Digital parking brake with auto maintain
• MacPherson strut suspension (entrance), torsion beam (rear)
• Ventilated disc brakes (entrance), stable discs (rear)
• 50-litre gas tank

Exterior

• Halogen projector headlamps
• LED daytime operating lights
• 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 205/55 Giti GitiComfort F22 tyres
• Energy adjustable facet mirrors, handbook fold

Inside

• Good entry with push-start button
• Distant engine begin
• Cruise management
• Drive mode choice – Eco, Consolation, Sport
• Urethane steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• Steering wheel audio controls
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth
• 4 audio system
• 5x USB ports – 3x entrance, 2x rear
• Analogue meter panel
• Guide air-conditioning with N95 cabin filter and rear vents
• Material upholstery
• Auto-down energy home windows – all

Security

• Six airbags (entrance, facet, facet curtain)
• VSA, ABS, EBD, brake help
• Hill maintain help
• Rear collision warning
• Lane change help
• Rear cross visitors alert
• Door opening warning
• Reverse sensors, three-eye

2024 Proton S70 Premium – RM79,800

Provides on:

Exterior

• Computerized LED headlamps
• Rear LED mild bar
• Auto folding facet mirrors

Inside

• Leatherette steering wheel
• Leatherette seats
• Computerized air conditioning, single-zone
• Rear centre armrest
• Anti-trap energy home windows

Security

• Reverse digital camera
• Entrance parking sensors, two-eye

2024 Proton S70 Flagship – RM89,800

Provides on:

Exterior

• 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 205/50 Goodyear Assurance tyres
• Auto close by trunk unlock

Inside

• Steering mode choice – Consolation, Regular, Sport
• Full LCD digital meter panel
• Safety window tint
• Powered driver’s seat, six-way
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 4G and WiFi
• Voice command, navigation, music streaming, climate forecast
• Proton Hyperlink app with car standing, distant management
• Wi-fi charger
• Six audio system

Security

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Ahead collision warning
• Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
• Clever cruise management
• Lane departure warning
• Lane departure prevention
• Lane centering management
• Visitors signal info
• Auto excessive beam
• Tyre stress monitoring system
• 360-degree digital camera with 3D show

2024 Proton S70 Flagship X – RM94,800

Provides on:

Exterior

Security

Are you planning to purchase a Proton S70? You possibly can place a reserving for RM500 now with our companions Proton PJ Regal Motors. When you’ve got a automobile to commerce in, get a quote from myTukar.

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Premium

GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Government

GALLERY: Proton S70 brochure and tariffs

GALLERY: Proton S70 presentation

GALLERY: Proton S70 official photos

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