Proton S70 Preview: SIX More Things We Learned

New Proton S70 previewed earlier this month. Pictured is the Flagship X variant.

Unless you’ve been living under a metaphorical rock lately, you'd know by now that that national carmaker Proton is set to introduce a brand new C-segment four-door sedan very soon.

Christened as the Proton S70, it’s ‘70’ naming should clue you in on its intended market segment, and that it’s yet another Geely-based product. With an embargo now lifted, we can finally share more details about the S70 after seeing it first hand during a press preview held earlier this month.

Aptly, there's a whole lot more to look forward to besides what we’ve already detailed prior, but we’ve narrowed things down to the following SIX facts…

Under the hood, the S70 employs the same GEP3 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo and 7-speed DCT pairing as seen in the non-flagship X50 variants.

Unsurprisingly, the X50-derived powertrain has X50-like outputs. It does however boast three selectable drive modes - Eco, Sport, and Comfort.

1. It Promises Peppy Performance

The S70 will employ the same GEP3 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol mill and 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic package as seen in the non-Flagship variants of the X50. Identical too are the 150 PS (148 HP) and 226 NM outputs, as well as the front-wheel-drive setup.

Though the S70 doesn’t get the peppier direct-injected (TGDi) mill as seen in the X50 Flagship and base-spec X70 variants, we reckon there’s enough here to better propel this ‘grounded’ sedan offering than it does in the lifted, high-riding crossover SUVs duo mentioned.

Also, three selectable drive modes will be available too. Each are self-explanatory – Eco, Sport, and Comfort – and should grant plenty of versatility, especially knowing that this promising pep is accompanied with the next fact…

Not only peppy, the S70 also promises driving dynamics to match that, as well as its good looks.

Besides locally-tuned suspension, the S70 will also offer three selectable electronic steering modes - Normal, Sport, and Comfort.

2. It Also Promises Good Handling

Like the X50 and X90, lessons from localising the X70 hasn’t been forgotten in this lower-riding sedan, namely in the ride and handling department. For this, Proton invested 75,000 man hours and up to 1.2 million KM testing mileage to tweak and tune the S70’s ride and handling.

In other words, unlike its Geely-badged twin, the S70 will ride on tuned springs and dampers that promises better comforts and just enough sharpness. Also, like the powertrain, the electric steering module also has three selectable and self-explaining modes on offer – Normal, Sport, Comfort. 

The results were very telling when we took the S70 for a quick spin through Proton’s in-house Shah Alam test track – banked oval section included. Though this stint was brief, it was enough for us to deduce that both drivers and passengers alike won’t have a lot to gripe about.

With a class-leading total of 12 sensors primed, the Flagship variants of the S70 will offer a full suite of ADAS features that grant Level 2 Semi-autonomous driving abilities.

Amongst the sensors primed include forward and rear monocular cameras, surround cameras, as well as ultrasonic sensors and radars.

3. Only Flagship Variants Get Full ADAS Package

Only the high-end Flagship and Flagship X variants are set to pack similar levels of active driver assist (ADAS) features as seen in the X90. Enabling this are 12 sensors in total, which also puts these versions of the S70 in particular at the top of its class on this front.

Key highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-Go function, Lane-Departure Warning and Prevention with Lane-Centering Control (LDW + LKAS) plus Lane-Change Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Detection, Door Opening Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Rear Collision Warning, as well as Intelligent High-Beam Control.

Yes, in short, the Flagship and Flagship X guises at least are fully-loaded in terms of active safety. As for key basics, you’ll be glad to know that six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESP), as well as ISOFIX childseat anchors, are all standard-kit across the board.

Not only respectably large with a 500-litre capacity, the S70's boot also houses a proper spare tyre underneath it.

Key conveniences primed on board also includes wireless charging pad and an array of both USB-C and USB-A charging ports.

4. It Has A Large Boot Plus Loads Of Convenience Too…

Fortunately, this Geely-based new Proton saloon has got practicality covered well thanks to its sizeable 500-litre boot capacity present. Though not the largest in class, this is indeed sufficient for most Malaysians for both the typical daily commute and occasional 'balik kampung' roadtrips.

Depending on variant, daily driving is made both comfier and more convenient through additions like an automatic climate control with rear vents, USB-A and USB-C charging ports plus a wireless charging pad, reverse camera or 360-degree 3D parking camera, as well as a power-adjustable driver seat.

With everything noted, it’s clear to see that the S70 promises to be quite the value-for-money proposition regardless of variant. However, we reckon the next fact might be the added incentive for many to opt for the higher-end guises of the S70…

A full-width LED taillight bar is present from the Premium variant onwards, and it a rather stylish feature of the S70.

More commonly found in larger and higher-end European sedans, this LED taillight bar arguably elevates the S70's stance with a more up-market look and appeal.

5. The LED Taillight Bar Looks Fantastic!

As far as styling goes, the light restyling done by Proton’s design team looks brilliant indeed. However, if there’s one element that sets the S70 off well, we’d have to  say it lies in its derriere, specifically with its LED taillight bar – present from the mid-spec Premium variant onwards.

A common touch in higher end – and larger – luxury European sedans, it is a rare novelty in both the B- and C-segment sedans space. In the flesh, the build quality and execution of this feature looks fantastic indeed, and it really gives a more upmarket touch to the S70’s stance here.

Whilst we’ve tried our best to demonstrate just how pretty the rear end looks through the photos featured, you can take our word that it really looks better when seen in the flesh. Should this not excite you, then perhaps the next fact will…

Whilst positioned as a C-segment fighter, the S70 promises to retail at more 'accessible' prices below the RM100,000 mark.

6. It Promises To Be Very Affordable

Like the Preve and Inspira models it succeeds, the Proton S70 is poised to be a very affordably  priced over segment rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3. This perhaps fuelled its healthy initial bookings reported recently too.

Proton execs remained tight-lipped about exact figures, but they did confirm things will not exceed the RM100,000 mark as far as nett prices go. For perspective, the turbocharged Preve variant commanded RM73,000 when launched, whilst the Inspira was tagged from RM79,000.

Your guess is as good as ours on this front, but what’s certain here is that the S70 is poised to be a solid value-for-money alternative against the usual Japanese C-segment fighters mentioned, as well as their counterparts one-rung below.

You can check out more images of the Proton S70 in Flagship/Flagship X guise from the official preview in the gallery prepared below.