Proton has expanded its 2026 S70 sedan lineup with the introduction of two new variants, the Lite and Prime. Both are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), marking a significant change from the turbocharged powertrain used by the existing S70 variants.
Bookings for both variants are now open via the national automaker’s authorised dealers nationwide, with the final pricing to be announced at the official launch. Proton says the new additions are intended to make the S70 more accessible while retaining its existing ride and handling setup.
NA Versions Of The 1.5-Litre i-GT Four-Cylinder Engine
One of the biggest differences between the new S70 Lite and Prime and the existing lineup is their powertrain. Both use the naturally aspirated version of Proton’s 1.5-litre i-GT four-cylinder engine, paired with a CVT.
By comparison, the S70 MC1 launched earlier this year came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre i-GT four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7-DCT) with manual mode. Proton has yet to reveal the full specifications for the Lite and Prime, so the performance differences between the two powertrains are not known at this point.
The existing S70 MC1 range was launched in February, with prices starting from RM68,800. The estimated sub-RM60,000 price of the new variants therefore represents a sizeable reduction in the model’s entry point.
Key Features Retained
Despite their lower positioning, the S70 Lite and Prime will retain several features from the existing range. Both come with three selectable drive modes, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an electric parking brake with auto brake hold, remote engine start, a reverse camera and a rear seat reminder.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, as well as a rear-side radar system. The latter supports features including blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, door opening warning and rear collision warning, although equipment levels will differ between the Lite and Prime variants.
As mentioned earlier, bookings for both variants are now open at authorised Proton dealers nationwide. Customers who book and register either the S70 Lite or Prime by 31 December 2026 will also be eligible for an early-bird reward, with details to be announced at the launch. For now, Proton has yet to announce the official launch date or final pricing for the two new variants.
(Source: Proton, via Facebook)
