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 aside from the worth, so right here we go.

The Proton S70 is available in 4 variants, and they’re the Govt, Premium, Flagship and Flagship X (Customary variant identify dropped). The entry-level Govt 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 way in which, if you wish to bounce 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? Properly, it’s primarily based on the Geely Emgrand, which sits on the X50’s BMA platform, and the automotive 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 reality, everybody thought that automotive 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 throughout the Metropolis-Vios area, and the 2 class stalwarts have been chosen as rivals within the media preview acceleration check.

It’s a B then. However Proton complicates issues (by design, I’m certain) 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 instead of 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 vast, 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 way in which, 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 dimension, and a Civic then isn’t the identical as a Civic now. On that observe, at the moment’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 reality, going by the numbers, the S70 is definitely nearer to the Metropolis than the Civic in dimension. And all the Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are additionally decrease slung than the S70, giving them sportier proportions which might be 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. Outdoors of automotive 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, identical to what they did with the X70 (CR-V dimension and specs at HR-V value).

Turbo-DCT from X50

The S70 will get turbo energy as an alternative of the Emgrand’s normal 1.5L NA unit, and the turbo engine in query is the 1.5-litre port-injected three-cylinder engine that powers the X50 Customary 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 conserving depend, 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.

In addition to 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 provides 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 way in which, now not offset like in X50/X70), the S70 venture 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. In fact, the engine is made in Malaysia. A complete of 260,000 man hours have been utilised.

Nonetheless, the goal is to achieve 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 most likely supply extra from Malaysia. This isn’t of concern to the client, in fact, and we solely noticed one Geely brand 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 aspect edges of the grille are blacked out to emphasize 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 a lot better trying than the Emgrand, which has vertical traces in its grille.

Every thing else is as per the Geely, together with G20 BMW 3 Collection-style ‘aspect 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 back lights, they carry out a present whenever you unlock the automotive and seem like naturally ‘smoked’ even in daylight. We’re additionally questioning why the sensible 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 aspect by the way in which, 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 obtainable 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 to be like far more superior and premium.

Extra elements sharing with current Protons (which aren’t from the unique Emgrand) might 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. You’ll find this S70-exclusive trim on the dashboard and door armrests – it’s a pleasant contact.

An important facet of the native enter is none aside from the well-regarded ‘Proton trip and dealing with’. The carmaker says that the S70 is tuned for Malaysian roads and the R&D staff 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. Close to trip and dealing with, Proton engineers declare that they managed to improved each consolation and stability.

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

A number of equipment, on the high

The S70 will are available 4 variants, however we’ll name it ‘3+’. In contrast to the X50, there’s no Customary variant, and the sedan’s vary begins from Govt. 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 choice.

Is the S70 properly geared up? Sure, however the entry-level Govt is certain to look vastly completely different from the Flagship/Flagship X vehicles that have 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 Govt. A low entry value will get extra eyeballs. Some would say that the Exec’s equipment record is extra ‘Customary’.

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

LED headlamps have been normal on the Perodua Myvi since 2017, and even a RM40k Axia will get them, so the bottom S70 is nowhere close to C-segment when it comes to tools. We’ll see what the worth hole is between variants, nevertheless it appears to be like 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 normal throughout the board.

Proton is as soon as once more reserving the complete driver help pack for the Flagship. The excellent 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 way in which, ADAS shouldn’t be obtainable on the Emgrand, so that is yet one more Proton-exclusive function. 5 stars within the ASEAN NCAP crash check, by the way in which.

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 digicam with 3D show.

As talked about, the Premium X’s solely additional items of equipment are the sunroof and dashcam, however the vary topper does get an unique Quartz Black paint choice. Black isn’t a standard color for Protons – will this automotive be equipped to the federal government? The Flagship X can 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 automotive has a five-piece bodykit consisting of a entrance lip, aspect skirts, rear bumper extension and a boot spoiler. No R3 logos on the equipment, by the way in which. The bodykit is, for now, a freebie for Flagship X early birds – extra on this later.

There’s all the time a special 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 as if nationwide vehicles are properly, of nationwide curiosity – everybody talks about it, all people needs to learn about it, not simply automotive folks. We genuinely need to see the vehicles do properly, but additionally 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 have been all shocked to see the BMW 2 Collection Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan parked alongside for static comparability. Certainly not ‘Asia’s reply to BMW’ another time? Extra on that later.

Our first impression of the S70 is an efficient one. It is a three-box sedan that’s good-looking in a barely old-fashioned manner, and it jogs my memory of the third-generation Subaru Legacy (B4 RSK!). Proton may need simply modified the grille of the Emgrand, nevertheless it’s a change for the higher – the S70 appears to be like extra premium than the Geely. SUVs rule the market lately, 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 most well-liked components checked – horizontal sprint format (all the time emphasised by full-width look AC vents), a excessive centre console, and two screens (meter and central). The latter provides off a high-tech, superior really feel that goes properly with (and is integral to) the minimalist design. Loads of X90 components, 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 high each go the knock-knock Malaysian showroom check – the sprint high, which has stitching on the sting, feels strong. 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 move into the centre console and doorways; the latter is roofed in scratchy exhausting plastic and the door handles, whereas properly built-in design-wise, has a lacquer-like silver end that feels low-cost. So, general perceived high quality is a blended bag, and sitting within the BMW 2GC after the S70 merely emphasised the gulf in premiumness.

To be truthful, exhausting plastics are frequent within the B-segment, which the S70 will likely be priced towards. However it’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 likewise 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 slightly than sport, as a sub-RM100k household sedan ought to be – it’s straightforward to drive with gentle and easy steering, and first trip consolation ought to be good, primarily based on its calm, composed response to a dip within the course.

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

It is determined by what your expectations are, however when you hear 1.5T DCT and suppose ‘VW TSI DSG’ or ‘Civic-beater’, be ready to be disillusioned. There’s a major 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 street 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 automotive could be helpful in reduce and thrust each day driving.

Talking of the each 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. With regards to isolation, Toyota is tops – even the previous-generation Vios/present Yaris is extra refined on the transfer. Personally, I really feel that the shortage of powertrain refinement is at odds with the premium messaging.

Transferring to the again seat, we will report that the bench is properly formed and the seat base top is enough. 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.

Essentially the most layman manner of measuring rear area is legroom, and also you’ll count on the ‘C-segment’ automotive to romp dwelling. As a substitute, 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 below it for ft to tuck into.

Anyhow, it’s respectable on the again, and passengers get to take pleasure in AC vents (they give the impression of being 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 aspect armrests. Boot quantity is 500 litres and there’s an area saver spare wheel below the ground.

So, how does the S70 examine with its rivals, you ask. The reply is determined by who you think about its rivals to be, as mentioned above in The Nice Debate. Proton is asking the S70 a C-segment sedan, however reality be informed, 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.

Nonetheless, the S70 is priced squarely within the Metropolis and Vios vary. And towards these two, there’s actually a case for the Proton, which is loads of automotive for the cash – you’ll get an even bigger physique, a turbo engine, a lot of toys and a few feel-good options which might be first-in-class reminiscent of electrical seat adjustment. The S70 is a good drive and it appears to be like good out and in, too. Nonetheless, there’s no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help, not but no less than.

It have to be famous although that a lot of the great things you see listed here are reserved for the Flagship. Additionally, Proton has introduced a ‘normal bundle’ for the S70, which consists of a five-year limitless mileage guarantee, a five-year information bundle (1GB monthly, just for the Flagship and above), six instances 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 automotive 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 hen perks, you have to 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? Try the record of specs beneath and when you’re carried out, be 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 Govt and mid-level Premium.

Are you planning to purchase a Proton S70? You may place a reserving for RM500 now with our companions Proton PJ Regal Motors. In case you have a automotive to commerce in, get a quote from myTukar.

2024 Proton S70 Govt – RM73,800

Will get as normal:

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 guide mode
• Electrical energy steering (EPS)
• Digital parking brake with auto maintain
• MacPherson strut suspension (entrance), torsion beam (rear)
• Ventilated disc brakes (entrance), strong discs (rear)
• 50-litre gasoline tank

Exterior

• Halogen projector headlamps
• LED daytime operating lights
• 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 205/55 Giti GitiComfort F22 tyres
• Energy adjustable aspect mirrors, guide 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
• Cloth upholstery
• Auto-down energy home windows – all

Security

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

2024 Proton S70 Premium – RM79,800

Provides on:

Exterior

• Automated LED headlamps
• Rear LED gentle bar
• Auto folding aspect mirrors

Inside

• Leatherette steering wheel
• Leatherette seats
• Automated aircon, single-zone
• Rear centre armrest
• Anti-trap energy home windows

Security

• Reverse digicam
• 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 digicam with 3D show

2024 Proton S70 Flagship X – RM94,800

Provides on:

Exterior

Security

Are you planning to purchase a Proton S70? You may place a reserving for RM500 now with our companions Proton PJ Regal Motors. In case you have a automotive 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 Govt

GALLERY: Proton S70 brochure and tariffs

GALLERY: Proton S70 presentation

GALLERY: Proton S70 official photos

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