What more too is this latest update to the Geely Emgrand in China adds a massive 12.9-inch central screen.
While much noise has been made about the newly-launched Rahmah-spec naturally aspirated Proton S70, some may still say that this sedan is still somewhat expensive. And this rings especially true when comparing even its much-raved-about RM 59,900 starting price for the base Lite variant to its Chinese counterpart, which can be had for just a little over RM 36,000!
Yes, one could feasibly purchase a brand-new Geely Emgrand in China from just 59,900 yuan (RM 36,800). Though it should be noted that this rather headline-grabbing figure includes a 10,000-yuan early-bird promotion, with regular prices instead starting from 69,900 yuan (RM 42,200).
Also worth noting is that, despite still being sold brand-new and having just received another refresh from Geely, this Emgrand equivalent to Proton’s S70 is actually no longer the latest and greatest. Such is an all-new fifth-generation was just launched last year, featuring a larger body and even more technology.
In any case, there is still a fair bit to talk about with this latest update to the outgoing-generation model, as this Emgrand “Upward Series” has since gained a mildly refreshed exterior alongside a new 12.9-inch central touchscreen for this latest model year.
The 2027 refresh brings a more prominent front fascia, courtesy of a redesigned bulging bumper and a vertically-slatted grille. The rear gets a little more bling too, in the form of a new chrome accent strip spanning the lower bumper.
Moving inside meanwhile, the aforementioned 12.9-inch central touchscreen now runs Geely’s Flyme Auto infotainment system, with connectivity options including Huawei HiCar and Carlink. The climate vents and physical controls have also been repositioned lower down to make room for the enlarged floating display, while a wireless smartphone charging pad has been incorporated into the centre console.
On the propulsion front, the Emgrand retains its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 120 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Drive is then sent to the front wheels through a CVT that simulates eight forward ratios or, rather refreshingly, a five-speed manual transmission is also available for the base variant.
The Emgrand nameplate in China has recorded more than 3.8 million sales across four generations since its introduction in 2009, with over 56,000 units also sold under the Proton badge since 2023. The S70 lineup currently starts over here from RM 59,900 for the newly-launched naturally aspirated Lite variant, while those who want forced induction will have to fork out at least RM 69,900 instead.
Incidentally, there are also rumours on the grapevine that Proton could be updating the S70 yet again, even though the sedan only received its new four-cylinder turbocharged engine earlier this year. Whatever these changes may entail however, it is unlikely that they will bring the S70’s price anywhere close to Saga territory anytime soon.
