Proton S70 Lite, Prime Confirmed Below RM60K – Could It Start From RM55K?

Just days after details of a cheaper Proton S70 began circulating online, Proton has now made it official.

The national automaker today confirmed two new variants for its S70 range, the S70 Lite and S70 Prime, both powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

More importantly, Proton says the expanded range will give the S70 an estimated starting price below RM60,000, potentially making the sedan considerably more accessible to Malaysian buyers. Bookings for both variants are open nationwide from Sept 7.

Final prices, however, are being kept under wraps until the official launch. And that's where things get interesting.

Could The Proton S70 Lite Really Start From RM55K?

Ahead of Proton's announcement, a leaked presentation slide reported by Funtasticko suggested that the incoming S70 Lite could be priced between RM55,000 and RM59,000, while the S70 Prime could sit between RM65,000 and RM69,000.

The same leak claimed the two variants would use a 1.5-litre i-GT four-cylinder NA engine paired with a CVT,  exactly the powertrain configuration Proton has now officially confirmed.

It also correctly identified the Lite and Prime variant names before today's announcement.

That doesn't mean the leaked prices are confirmed, of course. Proton has only officially committed to an estimated starting price of below RM60,000.

Still, with several major details from the leak now matching Proton's announcement, its RM55,000 starting-price claim has suddenly become a lot more interesting.

The leak also points to an alleged Sept 22 launch date, as well as outputs of 120 PS and 150 Nm for the NA engine. Neither detail has been confirmed by Proton in today's announcement.

That's Nearly RM19K Below The Current S70 Executive

If the S70 Lite does eventually start at RM55,000, the difference compared to the current S70 range would be substantial.

The existing 2026 S70 starts at RM73,800 for the 1.5TD Executive in Peninsular Malaysia, followed by the Premium at RM79,800, Flagship at RM89,800 and Flagship X at RM94,800, all on-the-road without insurance.

That means a hypothetical RM55,000 S70 Lite would undercut the current Executive by RM18,800, or roughly 25%.

There is an obvious trade-off.

Instead of the existing S70's 181 PS and 290 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), Lite and Prime buyers get the simpler NA-CVT combination.

Proton describes the latter as being geared towards a smoother, more relaxed driving experience for daily commuting and family use.

In other words, these variants appear less interested in the S70's existing sporty positioning and more focused on bringing its space and equipment to buyers shopping at a lower price point.

What Do You Still Get For The Money?

Cheaper doesn't necessarily mean bare-bones either.

Proton says both variants retain Proton Ride & Handling and three selectable drive modes, while highlighting ten class-leading features spanning space, comfort, connectivity, convenience and safety.

Among the equipment confirmed are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, remote engine start, all-window Auto Up/Down with Anti-Trap and five USB ports, although equipment varies depending on variant.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and Rear Seat Reminder.

There's also a Rear Side Radar System incorporating Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning and Rear Collision Warning.

Don't confuse that with the more comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite available further up the existing S70 range, however. The latter includes front-facing assistance such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA).

Exactly how Proton separates Lite from Prime remains another detail worth waiting for.

The earlier leak claims the Lite gets 16-inch wheels and fabric upholstery, while Prime steps up to 17-inch wheels and leatherette seats. Again, Proton has yet to officially confirm that full variant breakdown.

A Much More Affordable Proton S70?

The timing is particularly interesting from a buyer's perspective.

Just last Friday, we broke down the minimum salary, real instalment and monthly ownership cost of the 2026 Proton S70, based on the existing turbocharged range starting at RM73,800.

An S70 entering below RM60,000, let alone RM55,000, could change that affordability calculation quite significantly.

We won't redo the numbers just yet. Until Proton announces the final prices, any monthly instalment or recommended salary figure would still be based on an unconfirmed price.

But if the RM55,000 figure proves accurate, the S70 could suddenly find itself being considered by a much wider pool of buyers who previously regarded the model's RM70,000-plus entry point as a stretch.

And Proton is expanding a model that already has momentum behind it. The automaker says the S70 has averaged more than 2,500 units per month in 2026.

Bookings for the S70 Lite and Prime are now open at authorised Proton outlets nationwide. Customers who book and register either variant by Dec 31, 2026 will also qualify for an early-bird reward, with details to be announced at launch.