Ever since Proton and Geely inked a strategic partnership again in 2017, the corporate’s vary of all-new fashions have all been SUVs derived from current Geely fashions. Consistent with the SUV pattern, first got here the X70, then the X50 and X90, all of which have helped the carmaker pad its backside line with sturdy gross sales figures and shake up the market by placing established nameplates on discover.
For Proton’s subsequent trick to shake issues up, it launched the S70 in November 2023, which is critical because the carmaker pronounces its return to the C-segment sedan area. The worth proposition is a pretty one. With a value vary from RM73,800 to RM94,800 (OTR with out insurance coverage) throughout 4 variants, the S70 barely undercuts in style automobiles such because the Honda Metropolis and Toyota Vios whereas promising an identical or higher characteristic set.
Does the S70 ship sufficient to make sedan patrons with a finances of beneath RM100,000 need to contemplate it? Judging by the variety of bookings Proton have acquired since its launch, this definitely seems to be case, even when deliveries are solely now trickling out.
So, must you be part of the bandwagon? Nicely, when you’re nonetheless unsure and need to know extra in regards to the S70, right here’s our first impressions after a brief journey to Penang with the top-of-the-line Flagship X variant. A separate assessment the place we’ve got extra time with the automotive is coming quickly, however for now, right here’s what we consider Proton’s all-new sedan.
Measurement and section confusion
The entire debate on whether or not the S70 is a correct C-segment sedan stems from a couple of key factors. Firstly, the S70 relies on the Emgrand, which is underpinned by Geely’s B-segment Modular Structure (BMA) platform that can also be utilized by the very B-segment X50. Nonetheless, Proton opted to make use of the ‘70’ title, which denotes a C-segment mannequin, as is the case with the X70.
We’ve coated this subject in our complete launch story months in the past, so let’s summarise with uncooked information. At 4,602 mm lengthy, 1,809 mm extensive, 1,466 mm tall and with a wheelbase of two,627 mm, the S70 is bigger than the Preve and Mitsubishi Lancer-based Inspira, that are Proton’s earlier two C-segment sedans – automobiles have typically gone up in measurement through the years.
The S70 can also be bigger than each the Metropolis and Vios, however is smaller when in comparison with the Civic and Corolla. As my colleague Danny put forth beforehand, “it’s a little bit of mishmash” and the talk will doubtless proceed amongst potential legal professionals. For the common shopper, gross sales brokers are very happy to pitch the Proton as a “C-segment sedan at B-segment costs,” so mark it down as an in-betweener.
Not only a easy rebadge
Whereas the S70 relies on the Emgrand, Proton didn’t simply change the badges and switched it from left- to right-hand drive and referred to as it a day, though some would possibly proclaim precisely that. At first look, the outside of the S70 appears to be like just about an identical to the Emgrand other than the brand new grille and tiger logos. It’s an inoffensive design, and there are some good touches like the sunshine dance that performs every time you lock and unlock the automotive, with some business colleagues even mentioning it has an Audi A3 look about it.
The numbers present that the S70 is definitely barely smaller than to the Emgrand, which measures 4,638 mm lengthy, 1,820 mm extensive, 1,460 mm tall and has a wheelbase that spans 2,650 mm. That is simply the beginning of many different variations that make the S70 slightly distinctive in comparison with its “donor.”
One other notable change is the engine. The place the Emgrand in its residence nation and the Philippines is powered by a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making between 102-114 PS (101-113 hp) and 142-147 Nm of torque, we get the MPI model of 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-three additionally utilized by the X50.
The a lot beefier turbo mill makes 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) and 226 Nm, just about an identical to the X50, however whereas peak horsepower arrives as the identical 5,500 rpm, the S70’s peak torque comes on a little bit later at 1,750 rpm as an alternative of 1,500 rpm within the X50. Each the Metropolis and Vios have decrease outputs by comparability.
The figures are definitely encouraging, particularly when contemplating the S70 is lighter (1,300-1,319 kg) than the X50 (1,325-1,370 kg), indicating a greater power-to-weight ratio. The S70 additionally will get a seven-speed moist dual-clutch transmission just like the X50, which is extra superior than the Emgrand’s CVT.
This 1.5T/DCT setup is exclusive to our market, and together with the RHD conversion, Proton says it invested 260,000 man-hours for R&D, design and engineering to deliver the S70 to market. The corporate additionally provides that it needed to develop 453 new elements, a few of which aren’t even made/out there in China.
A few of the man-hours had been additionally spent on the inside, which like the outside, appears to be like just about an identical to the Emgrand at first look, together with the dual-screen setup (10.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen right here). Once more, there are variations distinctive to our market, together with the the steering wheel (from the X50) and ‘T-design’ digital shifter (from the S90).
One factor that’s maintained from the Emgrand is the suspension setup, which consists of entrance MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, the latter being one other level of competition of its “C-segment cred.” For the report, the X90, which relies on the Haoyue/Okavango, will get a rear multi-link as an alternative of a torsion beam like in China and the Philippines.
What’s the S70 prefer to dwell with?
While you’re contained in the S70, you’ll discover it to be slightly spacious. The traditional three-box design is nice for headroom (the Vios’ fastback form is a detriment on this regard), whereas the lengthy wheelbase means there’s fairly a little bit of legroom within the rear. I’m 170 cm tall and had sufficient room to stretch out within the again whereas my two co-drivers on the entrance had their seats adjusted to their desire.
There’s additionally an abundance of storage areas to maintain objects. The shift-by-wire system means there’s a big spot beneath the centre console for a small- to medium-sized bag, whereas beneath the armrest, the storage “gap” is deep sufficient to swallow up a number of small water bottles. If that isn’t sufficient, you’ll discover beneficiant storage within the door playing cards as properly.
No scarcity of choices on the subject of charging your units both, with the entrance having three USB ports, together with one to energy a dashcam (normal on the Flagship X), together with a wi-fi charger. On the rear, there are two extra USB ports which can be joined by a small slot to stow your telephone.
To additional add to the practicality, the boot quantity is a powerful 500 litres, even with an area saver spare wheel beneath the ground, and you’ll broaden this additional with the 60:40 split-folding bench folded all the way down to kind a sizeable passthrough – they don’t fold fully flat.
Cabin supplies are a half and half scenario, with some areas like the highest of the dashboard that includes a soft-touch floor, whereas others are scratchy plastic. Makes an attempt have been made to provide the inside a extra premium feel and look (corresponding to the Vios and seems higher than the Metropolis), they usually embrace the soft-touch surfacing on the highest of the dashboard in addition to textured/patterned/stitched trim.
Elsewhere, the seats are decently padded and cozy to be in, with light bolsters that don’t dig an excessive amount of into your sides. On the Flagship X variant we tried, the driving force’s seat is energy adjustable, though there’s no approach to tilt the seat backside up from the entrance when you want extra thigh assist. Minor niggles apart, the S70 is a slightly nice place to be in.
As for accessing automobile capabilities, the central touchscreen is the first means of doing so, as there are only a few bodily buttons to make use of. Is it inconvenient to some? Sure, however it does turn out to be considerably extra intuitive as you familiarise your self with the place issues are.
For example, when you wished to regulate the media quantity, you are able to do so through the steering wheel however the passenger doesn’t have a dial or buttons to do the identical. As an alternative, she or he might want to swipe down from the highest (very like a smartphone) to make the adjustment. Mentioned swipe-down menu can also be the place you select your drive modes (Consolation, Eco and Sport) – no devoted drive mode selector swap in sight – in addition to to open the sunroof, which additionally lacks bodily controls and also you’ll must manually open and shut the sunshade. So as to add, the sunroof is small compared to the panoramic ones discovered on the X SUVs.
Proton has been leaning into the entire voice management factor for a while, and that is notably useful when you favor to not distract your self whereas driving by tapping on a display. With fairly constant pure language understanding, you merely utter “Hello, Proton” to manage the AC (“I’m sizzling/chilly”), home windows, sunroof and media quantity. Enjoyable reality: you may change the title within the system to have it tackle you in humorous methods.
For extra settings, you’ll want to enter the infotainment to, say, disable different ADAS (superior driver help techniques) capabilities. There’s a studying curve right here, and whereas some will finally to this technique, others will query why there aren’t a couple of extra buttons for generally used capabilities like quantity adjustment or to interact the spectacular (and high-res) 360-degree digital camera – the latter comes on when indicating proper.
One other query that might be introduced up is why there isn’t assist for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? The onboard navigation system is respectable (albeit laggy), however the ease of getting AA/AC is plain. Fortunately, that is anticipated to reach this yr, as Proton confirmed lately.
Turning our consideration to the opposite display within the S70, the digital instrument cluster gives restricted customisability, as you may solely change the look of the journey pc on the left, with the ADAS visualisation taking centre stage. You possibly can placed on a full map view a la Audi digital cockpit, however that is tied to the navigation system, so if it isn’t built-in with future AA/AC assist, it sort of turns into redundant.
What’s the S70 prefer to drive?
Whereas some would possibly lament on the thought of a torsion beam, this shouldn’t be a difficulty if it’s arrange correct, and Proton believes it received proper by tuning the S70 particularly for Malaysia’s usually occasions bumpy roads. The corporate notes it devoted 75,000 man-hours to testing the sedan over 1.2 million km to nail the experience and dealing with down. Have these efforts paid off?
On our drive up north and round Penang, the S70 delivered a compliant experience that soaked up street imperfections slightly properly for a great secondary experience. The automotive’s softly sprung nature helps on this regard, with physique roll being managed albeit nonetheless noticeable by tighter corners. It isn’t the sportiest drive however it’s a relaxed one which didn’t go away my co-drivers and I worn out by the point we reached our lodging in Penang.
The steering is electrically assisted and lacks really feel however has respectable precision to make the drive by the twisty roads from Batu Ferringhi to Balik Pulau by Teluk Bahang a enjoyable one. You even get to regulate the steering weight really feel, which may be performed in conjunction or impartial of the chosen drive mode, with the disparity between Consolation and Sport being noticeable sufficient. So as to add, the best way the drive modes have an effect on energy supply is restricted to holding onto gears for longer and barely growing/reducing throttle response.
On that point out, the engine is punchy as soon as the turbo kicks in and delivers sufficient mid-range torque to make round city driving easy. Acceleration isn’t tremendous fast – Proton claims a 0-100 km/h time of 9 seconds – however there’s little wrestle in getting as much as freeway speeds. Moreover, engine noise and vibration from the three-potter isn’t overly intrusive both whereas on the freeway or pottering round city, though tyre noise is a really noteworthy (maybe because of the Goodyear Assurance rubbers).
Likewise, the 7DCT is easy though utilizing the handbook mode will want some rethinking: you progress the lever left or proper to vary gears slightly than the standard up/down, precisely such as you would within the X90 – paddle shifters could be good. Interested by upkeep prices? Proper this manner.
One difficulty that was highlighted by different members of the media on the drive was unintended “wheel spin” when setting off. The declare was a noticeable delay in throttle enter and the automotive truly shifting, with some considering they wanted to depress the pedal additional, leading to a screech from the entrance wheels. I didn’t expertise this personally, however there have been some situations the place my co-drivers did “wheel spin” off the road, extra so when the brake auto maintain is engaged.
One other matter that was mentioned throughout a Q&A was the brake chunk, which comes on sturdy and early with the left pedal depressed barely. This caught me off guard initially, which required a extra acutely aware effort to be extra delicate when making use of the brakes.
As for ADAS options, the S70’s adaptive cruise management labored decently on highways however felt a little bit aggressive in slowing down when trying to take care of a set distance when a automotive entered the identical lane. Equally, the lane departure prevention and centring techniques are adamant in doing their jobs in odd moments after we neglect to placed on the indicator.
Must you purchase the S70?
With good street manners, a succesful (albeit buggy) powertrain, a roomy inside, good practicality and aggressive pricing, the S70 makes a robust case for itself when you’re tied to a B-segment finances however need one thing bodily bigger and “extra superior” than the standard suspects.
The shortage of buttons may be irritating to some preferring to not fiddle with a touchscreen – notably whereas driving – and the dearth of AA/AC (for now) may be off-putting to those that swear by this characteristic (like me). Aside from the entire HMI factor, there’s a lot going for the S70, which, like its different Geely-derived siblings, has managed to shake issues up and fear in style nameplates once more, this time in one other section, whichever one you suppose it belongs in.
GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X
Seeking to promote your automotive? Promote it with myTukar.