Zakirin
Proton is preparing to officially launch the S70 Lite and Prime in late September 2026, expanding the four-door sedan lineup with an entry-level powertrain that pairs an i-GT 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Proton expands the S70 range with the Lite and Prime variants, featuring a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (120 PS / 150 Nm) paired with a CVT ahead of a late-September 2026 commercial debut.
- The naturally aspirated CVT pairing represents the chassis’ native factory engineering setup from the donor Geely Emgrand, whereas the 181 PS four-cylinder turbocharged unit and dual-clutch transmission were added specifically for Malaysia.
- Previewed in an all-black specification, the baseline Lite variant features halogen headlamps and a chrome-free black grille, while the Prime adds automatic LED lighting, power-folding side mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
While moving away from the existing 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may appear to be a mechanical downgrade, the naturally aspirated four-cylinder and CVT configuration represents the platform’s original factory engineering baseline. The donor architecture—the fourth-generation Geely Emgrand sold in China and the Philippines—was developed from the outset around this atmospheric engine and CVT layout. The higher-output turbocharged powertrain and dual-clutch transmission were engineered specifically as an upgraded specification for the Malaysian market.
| Powertrain / Model | Engine Configuration | Displacement | Max Power | Peak Torque | Transmission |
| Proton S70 Lite / Prime (NA) | 1.5L Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated (i-GT) | 1,499 cc | 120 PS | 150 Nm | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Proton S70 Turbo (Existing) | 1.5L Inline-4 Turbocharged (i-GT 1.5TD) | 1,499 cc | 181 PS | 290 Nm | 7-speed wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) |
| Honda City 1.5L (Segment Benchmark) | 1.5L Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated (i-VTEC) | 1,498 cc | 121 PS | 145 Nm | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Toyota Vios 1.5L (Segment Benchmark) | 1.5L Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated (Dual VVT-i) | 1,496 cc | 106 PS | 138 Nm | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
In naturally aspirated guise, the i-GT four-cylinder engine produces 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque. While this is a reduction of 61 PS and 140 Nm compared to the four-cylinder turbocharged S70 models, the output characteristics align directly with traditional B-segment sedans, offering linear power delivery and commuter fuel economy comparable to Japanese segment benchmarks.
Recently previewed in an all-black exterior specification, the two new variants are differentiated through their exterior lighting and trim appointments:
- S70 Lite:Functions as the entry point, distinguished by a solid black front grille without chrome surrounds, reflector halogen headlamps, and standard exterior trim.
- S70 Prime: Positions above the Lite, adding automatic LED headlamps, power-folding side mirrors, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels.
- Standard Cabin & Parking Equipment:Both variants come factory-equipped with a reversing camera, ultrasonic parking sensors, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, and six SRS airbags.
Neither the Lite nor the Prime is fitted with an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) active safety suite, omitting features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to maintain a lower pricing structure.
With indicative pricing estimated below the RM60,000 threshold, the S70 Lite and Prime place the nameplate into direct price and powertrain contention with mainstream B-segment alternatives ahead of their formal market introduction at the end of the month.
