Proton trains its guns on the City and Vios with the rather attractive pricing of its new S70 sedan.
It has certainly been a long time coming, but Proton has finally officially launched its new S70 sedan. And of course after much speculation, this (self-proclaimed) C-segment sedan is indeed priced to compete directly with the (ever so slightly) smaller Honda City and Toyota Vios.
Now getting straight into the nitty-gritty here, the Proton S70 is priced from RM73,800 for the base Executive variant. There is then a slight jump to RM 79,800 for the better-equipped Premium trim, while the Flagship and Flagship X costs right about how much the aforementioned Japanese counterparts are positioned at RM 89,800 and RM 94,800.
Do note that all the aforementioned prices are listed as on-the-road prices without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia, with East Malaysian buyers needing to tack on an extra RM 2,000 for each of the above figures.
Just for ease of reference as well, it is worth highlighting that the local Honda City lineup starts from RM 84,900, before jumping to (a frankly astounding for a compact sedan) RM 111,900 for the hybrid e:HEV RS variant. Comparing apples to apples though, the V trim is equivalent equipment-wise to the S70 Flagship is RM 94,900. As for the Vios meanwhile, the local two-variant lineup locally starts at RM 89,600 for the E trim before jumping to RM 95,500 for the better-specced G variant.
Similarly for easy reference for those who haven’t seen the multiple leaks for its equipment list already, here is a variant-by-variant breakdown on the kit that comes with each Proton S70 trim:
1.5T Executive — RM 73,800
- 6 SRS airbags
- Lane Change Assist
- Electric Parking Brake
- 16-inch single-tone alloy wheels
- Fabric upholstery
- 8-inch central infotainment screen
- Halogen projector headlights with LED DRLs
- 4-speaker sound system
- Cruise control
- Drive mode selection: Eco, Comfort, Sport
1.5T Premium — RM 79,800 (+ RM6,000 from Executive)
Adds from Executive:
- LED headlights
- Rear LED tail light bar
- Leatherette upholstery and steering wheel
- Rear central armrest
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- Reverse camera
- Front parking sensors
- Auto folding side mirrors
1.5T Flagship — RM 89,800 (+ RM 10,000 from Premium)
Adds from Premium:
- Steering mode selection: Comfort, Normal, Sport
- Advanced Driver Assistance System: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Traffic Sign Information (TSI), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Auto High Beam (AHB)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- 360º Surround View Camera with 3D display
- 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
- Wireless charging pad
- Powered driver’s seat
- 10.3-inch LCD instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch central infotainment display
- 8-speaker sound system
1.5T Flagship X — RM 94,800 (+ RM 5,000 from Flagship)
Adds from Flagship:
- Sunroof
All Proton S70s net the same 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with MPI as found in the lower-end X50s, with its power and torque output being 150 PS and 226 Nm respectively. Much like the compact crossover too, drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. A full first drive impression (and further discussions regarding its price and size comparison) regarding this new Sino-Malaysian sedan can be found here.
Other details officially confirmed regarding this new S70 is for the debut of a ‘Standard Package’, which entitles every new owner of this sedan to a 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty and six complimentary labour services. Customers opting for the Flagship and Flagship X variants will also receive a 5-year 1GB/month data package to compliment their more sophisticated infotainment systems.
Additionally, the Malaysian automaker is promoting for its Proton Commerce branch to be offering low financing interest rates from 2.34% per annum. The Proton Insurance Program is also currently enticing new S70 owners to sign with them by offering a waiver of betterment cost for up to 10 years, agreed value coverage extending up to 12 years, comprehensive insurance for all authorised drivers, key care cover up to RM 1,000, flood relief insurance up to RM 1,000, personal accident coverage up to RM 15,000 and 24/7 roadside assistance and towing.
It has further been announced for the first 3,000 S70 owners who register their cars before the 29th of February 2024 will receive additional perks, with all these early birds netting an increased Proton Insurance Program benefit consisting of complimentary 1st Year Special Perils coverage. Flagship X owners will also be gifted the optional aerokit (as seen on the dark blue car) valued at RM 3,130 free of charge, while Premium and Flagship variant customers are eligible for a RM 500 service voucher.
“The Proton S70 is a testament of our commitment to listening and fulfilling the demand of Proton’s customers. In 2018, we entered the SUV market with the Proton X70 and today we are the best-selling SUV brand in Malaysia. So now, we want to replicate that success by returning to the C-segment sedan market with the Proton S70. Our goal is to set new benchmarks in this competitive segment while ensuring more Malaysian drivers get to experience our dynamic and intelligent products,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
