2026 Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 arrives in Sabah, East Malaysia prices start at RM58,800

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2026 Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 has made its Sabah debut, with prices starting from RM58,800 in East Malaysia. Offered in Lite and Prime variants, the naturally aspirated S70 was introduced at City Mall, Kota Kinabalu, during Proton’s roadshow from 2 to 4 October.

The Sabah introduction follows the model’s Peninsular Malaysia launch on 22 September, bringing the new engine and transmission combination to buyers in the state.

Also Read: First Impressions: Proton S70 Prime 1.5 NA first drive - Slow, smooth and still a lot of car for RM59,800

Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT engine paired with a CVT. There are also three selectable drive modes, with Proton retaining its familiar emphasis on ride and handling.

The biggest change from the turbocharged S70 is the powertrain. The Lite and Prime use a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT engine producing 120 PS and 150 Nm, paired with a CVT with a torque converter instead of the turbo model’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Compared with the current 2026 S70 turbo’s 181 PS and 290 Nm, that is a drop of 61 PS and 140 Nm, so buyers should expect considerably less punch when accelerating or overtaking.

This version puts the emphasis on everyday commuting and a lower entry price, while retaining the S70’s cabin space and familiar ride and handling.

For those considering the S70 as an everyday family car, cabin space is one of its main selling points. The rear bench accommodates three passengers, while an almost-flat rear floor gives the person in the middle more room for their feet. Both Lite and Prime variants also get a soft-touch dashboard.

Equipment includes an electric parking brake with Auto Brake Hold, remote engine start and one-touch up/down operation with anti-trap protection for all windows. According to Proton, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for both variants from October 2026.

The release also lists a five-function rear-side radar system covering Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning and Rear Collision Warning. A reverse camera and rear seat reminder are standard on both Lite and Prime.

Proton says the naturally aspirated powertrain completed more than 5,400 hours of dynamometer testing and 412,000 km of road testing during development. Those are validation figures supplied by the manufacturer; long-term ownership will provide a clearer picture of how the package holds up in daily use.

The company also reported more than 10,000 bookings for the S70 Lite and Prime within the first 14 days after orders opened on 7 September. These are bookings rather than completed sales or deliveries.

Sabah’s role in Proton’s business has grown considerably. The company’s release puts its sales volume in the state at 10,499 units in 2026, compared with 3,427 in 2018, an increase of 206.4%. It also says its market share has risen from 5% to 10%, although the release does not specify the reporting period for the 2026 sales figure.

“Sabah continues to be an important market for PROTON, and we are pleased to bring the 2026 PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 closer to the Sabah community. As our customer base continues to grow, we are also strengthening the network, people and after-sales capabilities that support the ownership experience.

“This introduction gives our customers in Sabah the opportunity to experience the 2026 PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 first-hand, while also reinforcing PROTON’s commitment to being closer to the community we serve,” said Dato’ Ir Abdul Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.

On the after-sales side, Proton currently has 12 authorised service centres across Sabah, supported by its Regional Parts Centre in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu. The company says the parts centre is designed to shorten spare-parts lead times by up to 30%.

That is a relevant part of the ownership equation for Sabah buyers. An appealing purchase price helps, but access to servicing and replacement parts will matter well beyond the showroom visit.

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