This cheaper non-turbo S70 may just see Proton’s Conti killer now become a Myvi killer instead.
While the S70 may have only recently received a minor facelift to complement the introduction of Proton’s new four-cylinder engine under the hood, it nevertheless seems that the Malaysian automaker is already giving its B+ segment sedan another update. And perhaps the biggest news with this upcoming MC2 (Minor Change 2) model is the introduction of a brace of much cheaper variants, with prices apparently set to start from below RM 60,000!
Dubbed the S70 Lite and Prime, these Rahmah-spec S70s essentially serve to fill the gap left by the Persona. The naming convention still sounds more like something lifted off a smartphone lineup, but the idea behind these two variants is pretty straightforward: out goes the turbo and in comes a naturally aspirated engine and CVT for an S70 that could cost essentially the same as a Myvi.
For context here, the current turbocharged S70 range starts from RM 69,800 for the Executive and runs up to RM 89,800 for the Flagship X. These new Rahmah-spec NA variants will therefore sit beneath them, with Proton already teasing that the Lite will start from below RM 60,000… while leaked information has suggested it could potentially cost just over RM 55,000.
In detailing the elephant under the hood first, both variants of this cheaper S70 has since ditched the 1.5-litre turbo-four for the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder first seen in the new Saga. Gone too is the dual-clutch transmission paired to that boosted mill, with this naturally aspirated motor instead driving the S70’s front wheels via a CVT.
Now for those chasing power, the 120 PS and 150 Nm produced by this N/A mill is admittedly a fair chunk down from the 181 PS and 290 Nm of the current turbo-four. Though interestingly, it is not quite as big a downgrade as it sounds, given the outgoing three-cylinder turbo made 150 PS and 226 Nm.
And perhaps more pertinently to buyers, Proton does not appear to have gone completely wild with the cost-cutting on the kit list of these Rahmah-spec S70s either.
The sub-RM 60,000 Lite variant is still apparently set to feature an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and an electric parking brake, along with six airbags and the Rear Side Radar System. The latter brings Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning and Rear Collision Warning to the cheapest of S70s.
Stepping up to the Prime in turn adds automatic LED headlights over the Lite’s halogen units with LED daytime running lights, as well as leatherette seats and steering wheel over the Lite’s fabric upholstery. It also gets single-zone automatic climate control, as well as front parking sensors to augment the Lite’s rear units.
It is nevertheless worth noting though that there is no AEB or adaptive cruise control on either variant, with these more advanced Level 2 ADAS features remaining the preserve of the turbocharged Flagship and Flagship X.
Visually, Proton has also given these NA variants a few bits to differentiate them from their turbocharged brethren, with a full-black grille replacing the current chromed unit and an i-GT emblem on the boot. The Prime gets 17-inch alloys, while the Lite gets smaller 16-inch rollers.
Orders for the S70 Lite and Prime are now open, with final pricing to be announced at the official launch, apparently later this month. Those who book and register either variant by December 31, 2026 will also receive an exclusive early-bird reward.
