National automaker Proton has expanded its S70 sedan lineup for 2026 with the introduction of two new entry-level variants—the Proton S70 Lite and S70 Prime.
Powered by the naturally-aspirated version of the 1.5-litre i-GT engine, these two new variants sit below their turbocharged variants, and they are now available for booking with an estimated price of below RM60,000.
Same i-GT Engine as Saga MC3?
Designed for “customers who value comfort, practicality and ease of everyday driving at an affordable price”, the new S70 Lite and Prime are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cyl naturally-aspirated i-GT engine, which we presume is the same one used on the Proton Saga MC3.
In the Saga, this four-pot mill delivers 120 PS and 150 Nm and is mated to either a CVT automatic gearbox from Punch Powertrain or a 4-speed conventional automatic transmission, depending on the variant.
As for both the S70 Lite and S70 Prime, Proton did say that they will also be equipped with a CVT transmission, although the automaker did not specifically mention whether it is the same Punch CVT unit used on the Saga MC3.
For reference, the Geely Emgrand (the original donor model for the S70) is also available with a six-speed automatic transmission option in some markets, while the turbocharged S70 variants in Malaysia are equipped with a 7-speed DCT unit instead.
Entry-Level Variants with 10 Class-Leading Features
Despite being billed as the two new entry-level variants for the S70, the new S70 Lite and Prime do come with 10 class-leading features, at least according to P1.
These include class-leading cabin space, rear passenger shoulder room, a soft-touch instrument panel, auto-up/down powered windows with anti-trap for all four windows, an electric parking brake (EPB) with auto brake hold, remote engine start, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear side radar system, a reverse camera, and a rear seat reminder.
Other key features that can be found here include a blacked-out front grille, an i-GT badge on the tailgate, 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery for all seats, five USB ports, six airbags, and front and rear parking sensors. Mind you, Proton did not specify whether these features will be available on both the Lite and Prime variants, although our money is on the latter.
Bookings for the new 2026 Proton S70 Lite and S70 Prime can now be made at any authorised Proton dealerships nationwide, and customers who book either model by Dec 31, 2026, will be eligible for an exclusive early bird reward.
