Proton S70: What to expect?

Proton is set to expand its lineup with the introduction of a new sedan, the S70. The upcoming sedan is based on the fourth-generation Geely Emgrand and is said to be the successor to the Proton Preve. The automaker has rolled off the first unit of the Proton S70 from the production line alongside spilling out some preliminary details of the car. The bookings of the sedan are also underway with the customer preview session scheduled to begin next weekend.

Well, before the arrival of the Proton S70, we can explore its China-spec version and discover the things it might get.

Platform 

Just like the Geely Emgrand, the Proton S70 is based on the B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform, independently developed by Geely. The said platform uses 70 percent high-strength steel and 20 percent hot-formed steel, with a design that meets European 5-star safety standards. It is also engineered for compatibility with both L2 and future L3 autonomous driving capabilities. Additionally, the BMA platform allows for widened front and rear tracks with enhanced grip levels, promising stability and good handling.

Dimensions

Proton calls the S70 a C-segment sedan, which means it is positioned above the B-segment Persona in the brand’s lineup. In terms of dimensions, it is most likely to remain identical to the donor model, which measures 4,638 mm in length, 1,822 mm in width, 1,460 mm in height, and carries a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. According to this, the Proton S70 is set to lock horns with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Design

Design-wise, the upcoming sedan looks almost the same as the Geely model with Proton-specific touches like a slightly redesigned grille on the front and the distinctive script on the rear. The car sports projector headlights with triple LED daytime running lights and a strong shoulder line. Towards the rear, we can also find full-width tail lights featuring N-shaped graphics.

Engine

While the automaker has disclosed that the car will come equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it has remained tight-lipped about the power figures. However, in light of the revealed info, it is highly expected that the S70 will borrow the 1.5-litre mill from the X70, which is capable of delivering 177 PS of maximum power and 255 Nm of peak torque.

Features

Proton introduced the sedan with the “intelligent safety technology” tagline and confirmed that it will have the latest safety technology. As per that, it is presumed that the sedan will come with the ADAS suite, which may include advanced driver-assistance gears like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention and Warning, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Information, and others.

The revealed images tell us that the car will have 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, a wide touchscreen infotainment system, Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Brake Hold, dedicated aircon vents for rear passengers, and a sunroof.

Other features that we may see on the upcoming Proton sedan are - a fully digital instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning, power-adjustable driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 360-degree camera system, and a wireless phone charging pad. 

The launch of the Proton S70 in Malaysia is expected by the end of the year. Are you excited about it? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Proton HQ gets a new DC fast charger ahead of smart #1 EV launch