Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 Is Now Available In Sabah From RM58,800

The new Proton S70 i-GT with the 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine is now on sale in Sabah.

Following its official Peninsular Malaysia debut on 22 September, PROTON has officially introduced the 2026 Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 to the East Malaysian market, rolling out the new naturally aspirated sedan at City Mall in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Carrying an accessible East Malaysia starting price of RM58,800, the new S70 i-GT line arrives in the same two distinct trim levels within a fortnight of its introduction to Peninsular Malaysia.

The move brings the nameplate’s generous C-segment cabin footprint and ride compliance into a price band typically dominated by smaller, B-segment compact competitors, targeting buyers seeking a balanced blend of everyday practicality, robust mechanicals, and strong value.

Sabah Market Growth Backed by Strong Regional Infrastructure

The rollout highlights Sabah’s rising prominence in PROTON’s commercial growth strategy. Since 2018, the national carmaker’s annual sales volume in Sabah has jumped from 3,427 units to 10,499 units in 2026—a 206.4% surge—doubling its statewide market share from 5% to 10%.

To keep pace with the growing vehicle parc, PROTON has reinforced its regional ownership support:

• Service Footprint: Supported by 12 authorized service centers across the state, staffed by certified technicians and backed by genuine factory components.
• Regional Parts Centre (RPC) in Inanam: Serving as an inventory hub for Kota Kinabalu and wider districts, the facility cuts spare-parts fulfillment lead times by up to 30%, ensuring local owners face minimal downtime for routine servicing and repairs.

Tested Powertrain: Naturally Aspirated 1.5L Paired with CVT

Unlike the turbocharged 1.5-litre mill found in higher-tier S70 variants, the i-GT 1.5 utilizes a simple, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine engineered specifically for low maintenance requirements and steady fuel efficiency.

Power is directed to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) equipped with a dedicated torque converter, engineered to deliver smooth, jerk-free city creep and linear acceleration. Drivers can cycle between three selectable drive modes, while the chassis retains PROTON’s characteristic ride and handling balance, tuned to absorb rough asphalt surfaces while maintaining highway composure.

To ensure long-term durability in tropical conditions, the powertrain underwent an intensive validation protocol before entering volume production, logging over 5,400 hours of dynamometer testing alongside more than 412,000 kilometres of real-world road trials across Malaysian terrain.

Ten Class-Leading Features Across Space, Tech, and Safety

Positioned as an accessible family workhorse, the S70 i-GT brings 10 class-leading attributes across key ownership areas:

• Class-Leading Dimensions: Leads its price point in overall length and wheelbase while providing the widest body in its bracket. The layout accommodates three adults across the rear bench with generous shoulder room, bolstered by an almost-flat rear floor and a soft-touch dashboard finish on both Lite and Prime trims.
• Cabin Tech and Connectivity: Standard equipment includes an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold, Key Remote Engine Start, and one-touch Auto Up/Down power windows with anti-pinch across all four doors. Starting this month, both Lite and Prime trims support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• Rear Side Radar Safety Suite: Standard active driver aids feature a five-function Rear Side Radar system encompassing Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning, and Rear Collision Warning. A Reverse Camera and Rear Seat Reminder round out the safety kit.

Strong Nationwide Demand and East Malaysia Rollout

Consumer interest in the more attainable naturally aspirated S70 has grown rapidly since order books opened on 7 September 2026. Across its first 14 days, the S70 Lite and Prime variants accumulated more than 10,000 bookings nationwide, averaging nearly one reservation every two minutes.

The introduction at Kota Kinabalu’s City Mall gives East Malaysian motorists their first direct opportunity to sample the cabin space, evaluate the naturally aspirated drivetrain, and place reservations as customer deliveries begin spooling up across Sabah dealerships.