PETALING JAYA: Proton's all new S70 — its first sedan made with Geely — is launched today and comes in four 1.5-litre turbocharged versions.
The Flagship X is RM94,800, Flagship is RM89,800, Premium at RM79,800 and Executive at RM73,800. Only the Flagship X has a retractable sunroof.
With prices as they are, the B+ segment model competes directly against the Honda City, Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera. However, Proton is marketing it as a C-segment sedan, arguing that it has a C-segment size with B-segment pricing, making it highly competitive across both segments.
Proton said it was able to reach such attractive prices by reducing its profit margin in pursuit of volume sales.
Like the X50's non-Flagship grades, the S70 will be solely powered by a 1.5-litre multi-port fuel injection (MPI) turbocharged engine producing 150ps at 5,500rpm and 226Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000rpm which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The Flagship X and Flagship are equipped with the “Hi Proton” voice command, providing features such as online navigation, online music streaming and weather forecasts via a 12.3-inch infotainment head unit.
Additionally, the Proton Link app allows for remotely starting the engine to cool down the cabin.
The S70 is equipped with LED headlamps and daytime running lights, stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and a rear tail light bar (only the base Executive variant doesn't have the light bar).
It comes with leatherette seats with driver power seat and rear air vents.
The sedan, which has been awarded a 5-Star safety rating by Asean NCAP, boasts a comprehensive list of safety features including six airbags, an extensive array of 13 Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features.
These include active and cognitive safety systems with notable features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Traffic Sign Information (TSI) and Lane Change Assist (LCA). The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ensures driver peace of mind and 360-degree camera with 3D Display offers parking convenience.
S70 buyers will receive an attractive package of benefits.
The Standard Package is inclusive of 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and six complimentary labour service. Customers opting for the Flagship and Flagship X variants will also receive a 5-year 1GB/month data package.
Additionally, low financing interest rates from 2.34% per annum are also offered via Proton Commerce and customers will receive a range of benefits if their S70 is insured with the Proton Insurance Program.
These benefits include 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 RM1,000, flood relief insurance up to RM1,000, personal accident coverage up to RM15,000, and 24/7 roadside assistance and towing.
Proton expects to sell 2,000 to 3,000 units of the S70 a month.
The first 3,000 customers who register their vehicles by Feb 29, 2024 will enjoy additional perks.
Those who opt for the Flagship X variant will receive an aerokit valued at RM3,130 while Premium and Flagship variant customers are eligible for a RM500 service voucher.
All buyers will also receive increased Proton Insurance Program benefits consisting of complimentary first-year special perils coverage.
The S70 is available in the following colours: Snow White, Armour Silver, Space Grey, Passion Red, Marine Blue, Quartz Black. A new colour, Teal Bayou Green, is reserved for the Flagship X and Flagship variants.
Proton said the development of the sedan took 260,000 man-hours to design and develop.
As the Preve replacement model, the S70 also underwent exhaustive testing by Proton’s engineers who together with their counterparts from Geely, covered 1.2 million kilometres of road testing. The S70 is based on Geely's Emgrand model.
Proton said the S70 will not have a mild hybrid variant like the X90 or one with the 177 PS 1.5-litre petrol direct-injected (GDI) turbocharged engine.
The S70 is the fourth all-new Proton model to be jointly developed together with Geely after the X70, X50 and X90.
It is also the second all-new Proton model to be offered in 2023. It is built at the national carmaker’s Tanjong Malim plant in Perak.
According to Proton, the popular variants since booking started in Nov 1 were the Premium and Flagship.
Given time, demand for the Flagship X may also rise in tandem, it said, adding that the S70 has achieved 1,200 bookings to date and expect the number to increase to 5,000 by the end of the year.
Of the 1,200 bookings, it was evenly split between the Premium and Flagship S70 at 40% each, while the Flagship X comprised the remaining 20%, it said.
Proton aims to export the S70 to Thailand and Indonesia and is seeking to expand its export market to 15 other countries worldwide.
In fact, Proton brought in its South African dealers to the S70 launch today.
One dealer told CarSifu that he was "very impressed" with the S70 pricing and packaging and predicted it would be a hit in his country. He said he expected the S70 to be ready for shipment and sales in South Africa in Q1 2024.
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz was invited to launch the S70 in Kuala Lumpur today.
Earlier this month, Proton provided the local motoring media a short test drive at its headquarters' test track in Subang Jaya.
PROTON S70 SPECIFICATIONS & BROCHURE
