PROTON has launched two new naturally aspirated variants of the 2026 Proton S70 in Malaysia, introducing the entry-level Lite and Prime at RM57,800 and RM64,800 respectively.
The new variants sit below the existing turbocharged S70 range and effectively broaden the sedan’s reach towards buyers who would previously have considered the outgoing Persona.
They also bring the starting price of the S70 considerably closer to the Saga, with the top-spec Saga Premium currently priced at RM49,990.
Under the bonnet is the same BHE15-CFN 1.5-litre i-GT naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine used in the latest Saga.
The port-injected engine produces 120PS and 150Nm, representing quite a reduction from the 181PS and 290Nm offered by the turbocharged S70, but slightly more power than the Persona’s 1.6-litre CamPro VVT engine.
Instead of the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission used by the turbocharged variants, the S70 Lite and Prime use a CVT to send power to the front wheels.
Importantly, this is not the same Punch-supplied CVT used in the Saga. The S70’s transmission appears to use a torque converter for smoother initial acceleration and is believed to be the Wanliyang (WLY) unit found in the Chinese-market fourth-generation Geely Emgrand.
The CVT also features eight simulated ratios, something the Saga’s transmission does not offer, while the electronic gear selector from the turbocharged S70 is retained.
Both naturally aspirated variants form part of the S70 MC2 range, although visually they largely retain the familiar bodywork of the existing model.
Among the easiest ways to distinguish them are a black front grille without the silver trim used on higher-end S70 variants and the absence of the full-width light bar at the rear.
The entry-level Lite gets halogen headlights, black trim around the front bumper corner inlets, and 16-inch turbine-style alloy wheels.
The Prime upgrades these to automatic LED headlights, silver bumper trim, auto-folding side mirrors, and 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, both variants retain analogue instruments and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The updated infotainment system runs an interface derived from the latest Saga and now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A reverse camera is fitted as standard, together with auto up/down power windows, keyless entry with remote engine start, push-button start, fixed rear headrests, and rear parking sensors.
The Lite comes with fabric upholstery, a urethane steering wheel, and manual air-conditioning. Stepping up to the Prime adds leatherette upholstery, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning, and front parking sensors.
Safety equipment is largely shared between the two variants, with six airbags, electronic stability control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, door opening warning, and a rear seat reminder.
Neither the Lite nor Prime receives the more comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems available on higher-end Proton models. Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assistance are not offered on either variant.
