Proton S70 i-GT 1.5L Drive Impression To Sekinchan And Back

When Proton announced in July 2026 a taxi spec version of the S70 was coming we thought it would be this S70 i-GT variant, but it turned out to be the regular turbocharged S70. Wonder why?

Well, now just a week ago, Proton invited the media for a day drive to Sekinchan and back which was enough for us to understand why and how this latest normal aspirated (no turbocharger) Proton sedan will be a best seller for the brand.

First thing to note is this. Proton clearly is sending a message to current Perodua Myvi drivers to come in and trade-in their compact hatch for this mid-sized sedan. Yes, 5 years ago in November 2021 Perodua launched the MYVI with ASA 3.0 for a price from RM45k. It was a sales hit. Why? Price and features add to Perodua’s high reliability and after sales record, this Myvi was loved.

But now 5 years later, Proton wants to tickle 5 year old Myvi owners to upgrade to a sedan with more space and added features. It is an easy upgrade as the RM59k asking price for this S70 will only dent their monthly instalments a little. In case you are wondering, a Proton S70 9-year loan (108 months) repayment at 3.20% interest will be about RM633.00 a month with a RM5,900 downpayment. 

When considering an affordable daily driver in the local sedan market, this Proton S70 basic entry model stands out as a compelling choice for value-conscious drivers. Designed on Geely’s B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform, this variant offers the presence of a C-segment sedan at the price point of a traditional B-segment commuter.

Despite being the base tier, the entry-level S70 retains much of the clean, modern silhouette seen across the lineup. The basic model features halogen reflector headlamps and halogen daytime running lights rather than the full-width rear LED setup found on higher trims. It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-profile tires, which trade some visual aggression for added ride comfort on rough urban roads.

With a length of 4,602mm and width of 1,809mm, this S70 commands a strong road presence that feels substantial compared to standard city cars. Stepping inside, the cabin layout priorities ergonomics and usability.

The entry model features durable fabric seats that remain cool under hot sun exposures. The dashboard uses hard-touch plastics, but fit and finish remain tight with zero noticeable rattles during mixed driving. You get an 8-inch floating touchscreen paired with classic analog gauges and a monochrome digital multi-info display.

Rear legroom is adequate for daily commutes and easy for 3 average passengers and the boot offers 500 liters of boot space, easily accommodating luggage for outstation family trips.

The entry model is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) 4-cylinder engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Proton S70 i-GT 1.5L Specification

Engine Type 1.5L DOHC 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated

Max Power 120 PS @ 6,100 rpm

Max Torque 150 Nm @ 4,000–6,100 rpm

Gearbox CVT Automatic

Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

In stop-and-go urban traffic, power delivery is linear and smooth. The CVT operates quietly under light throttle inputs without sudden shifts. True to Proton’s ride and handling tuning, the S70 feels composed at highway speeds. Suspension dampening absorbs bumps smoothly, while body roll through highway off-ramps is well managed.

Cabin insulation is well optimised against wind and engine noise. Tire noise remains the primary sound entering the cabin on rough asphalt. Real-world fuel consumption for the 1.5L NA variant delivers reliable city-to-highway figures:

Highway Cruising (100 km/h): ~5.3 L to 6.0 L / 100 km

Mixed Urban Traffic: ~7.0 L to 8.5 L / 100 km

Heavy Peak Traffic: ~9.0 L to 10.5 L / 100 km

Final Verdict

The Proton S70 basic 1.5L model delivers an ideal balance for drivers prioritising space, structural rigidity, highway stability and comfort for a family. It serves as a sensible option for daily commuters seeking a stable chassis and modern design without pushing past entry-level pricing.