Proton S70 Lite and Prime launched, from RM56,800 after rebate

KUALA LUMPUR: The Proton S70 now starts below RM60,000 in Malaysia, with the newly launched 1.5 Lite and 1.5 Prime bringing a cheaper entry point to the sedan range.

While the price has come down, six airbags, blind spot detection and wireless smartphone connectivity are still part of the deal.

The bigger change is under the bonnet. These two variants use a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine and a CVT, giving buyers an alternative to the turbocharged S70 models.

At launch, the S70 Lite costs RM56,800, while the S70 Prime is RM59,800. Both figures include a RM3,000 launch rebate and are on-the-road prices without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.

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Variant	Price before rebate*	Launch price after RM3,000 rebate
Proton S70 1.5 Lite	RM59,800	RM56,800
Proton S70 1.5 Prime	RM62,800	RM59,800

Prices before rebate are calculated by adding the announced RM3,000 rebate to the launch prices. The rebate applies to vehicles registered by 31 December 2026.

That puts just RM3,000 between the two versions, making the equipment differences worth a closer look.

Both the S70 Lite and Prime are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-GT petrol engine producing 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT equipped with a torque converter.

Proton says the transmission is designed for smoother, more refined operation, giving these more affordable variants a different powertrain from the turbocharged engine and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox used further up the S70 range.

For buyers, the distinction is straightforward: this is the more affordable route into an S70, with a different engine and gearbox from the turbo models.

The Lite’s equipment list gives it a reasonable starting point. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights and fabric seats, alongside an 8-inch infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everyday conveniences include an electric parking brake, cruise control, remote engine start, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. So choosing the cheapest version still gets you several features that owners are likely to use regularly.

Safety equipment includes six airbags and electronic stability control, plus blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning and door opening warning.

The launch slide lists conventional cruise control. It does not list autonomous emergency braking or adaptive cruise control, so buyers should not confuse the rear-side warning features with a full suite of forward-facing driver assistance.

Spending another RM3,000 on the Prime brings the following upgrades:

Equipment	S70 Lite	S70 Prime
Headlights	Halogen	LED with automatic operation
Alloy wheels	16-inch	17-inch
Seats	Fabric	Leatherette
Steering wheel trim	Not specified in the slide	Leatherette
Air-conditioning	Automatic operation not listed	Automatic
Door mirrors	Auto-fold function not listed	Auto-fold
Parking sensors	Rear	Front and rear

 

The Prime’s extra money therefore goes mainly towards lighting, cabin trim and convenience. Automatic LED headlights, front parking sensors and automatic air-conditioning are useful additions, particularly for a car expected to handle the daily family routine.

Both variants come with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and six free labour services. The latter covers labour for the specified services, rather than six entirely free maintenance visits.

Proton also announced its after-sales commitments, including fast service for basic maintenance and one-day completion for normal servicing. For repairs taking more than three days, its work-in-progress guarantee provides a relief car and one free service, subject to terms and conditions.

The purchase packages include nine-year financing at rates from 2.35% per annum and trade-in overtrade support of up to RM2,000, valid for vehicles registered by 31 December 2026.

An upgraded Proton insurance programme was also presented, listing special perils and windscreen coverage, passenger personal accident coverage of up to RM15,000 per person, and flood relief coverage of up to RM2,000. The registration deadline shown for this package is also 31 December 2026.

On equipment alone, the Lite already covers plenty of the essentials. The Prime makes its case through a relatively small RM3,000 step up, with upgrades that should be easy to appreciate in daily use. The remaining question is how the naturally aspirated engine and CVT suit the S70 on the road.

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