2026 Proton S70 Lite, Prime Open for Booking – NA i-GT, CVT, Estimated Below RM60k

Proton is expanding the S70 range with two new variants aimed at buyers who want the space and features of a larger sedan without stepping into the turbocharged model’s higher price bracket.

The 2026 Proton S70 Lite and S70 Prime are now open for booking nationwide, with both variants powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-GT petrol engine paired with a CVT.

Most importantly, Proton estimates that pricing for the new variants will start from below RM60,000, although the final prices will only be revealed at the official launch.

That puts the S70 in an interesting position. Instead of competing purely as a more affordable alternative to the existing turbocharged S70, the new NA variants could effectively become Proton’s answer for buyers who previously looked at models such as the Persona, Honda City or Toyota Vios.

NA engine and CVT replace the turbo-DCT combination

The biggest difference between the new S70 Lite and Prime and the existing S70 range is what sits underneath the bonnet.

While the current turbocharged S70 uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged i-GT four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the new Lite and Prime variants switch to a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT engine with a CVT.

Proton has yet to officially publish the final power and torque figures for the S70 NA.

However, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT engine currently used in the Proton Saga produces 120 PS and 150 Nm. Proton has not confirmed whether the S70 will use exactly the same specification or receive a different calibration.

Either way, buyers should not expect the performance of the turbocharged S70.

The existing turbocharged S70 produces 181 PS and 290 Nm, with the new NA variants instead designed around smoothness, comfort and everyday usability.

The CVT should also suit the positioning of the new variants, particularly for buyers who spend most of their time commuting in urban traffic.

Bigger sedan, smaller price tag

The most interesting part of the new S70 Lite and Prime may actually be their positioning.

With an estimated starting price below RM60,000, the S70 will enter territory traditionally occupied by smaller B-segment sedans.

The S70 itself remains a relatively large sedan, measuring 4,602 mm long with a 2,627 mm wheelbase and 1,809 mm width.

That means buyers could potentially get a larger cabin and more road presence without paying significantly more than they would for a smaller sedan.

Proton is also highlighting cabin space and rear passenger shoulder room as among the model’s class-leading attributes.

For families, ride-hailing drivers and buyers who regularly carry passengers in the rear, this could become one of the S70 NA’s biggest selling points.

The S70 Lite is not exactly a stripped-down model

Despite being positioned as the entry-level variant, the S70 Lite comes with a surprisingly substantial equipment list.

According to the available specification information, the Lite gets six airbags and Proton’s Rear Side Radar System (RSRS) as standard.

The RSRS package provides several rear and side monitoring functions, including:

• Blind spot detection
• Lane change assist
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Door opening warning
• Rear collision warning

The Lite also gets an electric parking brake with auto brake hold, cruise control, remote engine start, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors.

There are also five USB ports and a rear seat reminder.

In terms of exterior equipment, however, the Lite is more basic, with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlamps and LED daytime running lamps.

The cabin uses fabric seats and an 8.0-inch infotainment system.

S70 Prime adds more premium equipment

For buyers willing to spend more, the S70 Prime adds several upgrades over the Lite.

The Prime gets 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, automatic headlamps and auto-folding side mirrors.

Inside, the seats and steering wheel are upgraded to leatherette, while the air-conditioning system gets automatic climate control.

Front parking sensors are also added.

The Prime therefore appears to be the more balanced choice for buyers who want the S70’s larger body and features while still keeping the price significantly below the turbocharged range.

The five available colours are Quartz Black, Space Grey, Snow White, Marine Blue and Armour Silver.

Safety: plenty of side and rear assistance, but no AEB

One interesting aspect of the new S70 variants is how Proton has distributed its safety equipment.

The Lite and Prime receive six airbags, front and rear parking sensors and the RSRS system.

However, more advanced forward-facing driver assistance features remain associated with the higher-end variants.

This means buyers should not expect features such as autonomous emergency braking or adaptive cruise control on the new NA variants based on the currently announced specifications.

For many buyers, the RSRS system will still be useful in everyday driving, particularly when changing lanes, reversing out of parking spaces or opening doors in busy roadside environments.

How different is the Prime from the turbocharged S70?

Interestingly, the equipment gap between the new S70 NA variants and the turbocharged range may not be as large as expected.

The S70 Prime gets 17-inch wheels, for example, which are only offered from the Flagship variant upwards in the turbocharged range.

Even the entry-level Lite gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay together with a reverse camera, features that are not available on the Executive turbo variant.

This could eventually lead Proton to realign the S70 range, particularly if the company wants the NA and turbocharged variants to have clearer differences in design, equipment and positioning.

For buyers, however, the important question will be simple: how much will the Lite and Prime actually cost?

Below RM60,000 could make the S70 very interesting

At this point, Proton has only confirmed an estimated starting price of below RM60,000.

The final price and full specifications will be announced at the official launch, which means there are still several important details left unanswered.

The exact engine output, fuel consumption, acceleration performance and final equipment list are among the details buyers will want to know.

There is also the question of how large the price gap will be between the Lite and Prime.

If the difference is around RM10,000, buyers may have to decide whether the Prime’s additional equipment justifies the extra expenditure, particularly when the entry-level Lite already comes with six airbags, RSRS, wireless smartphone connectivity, reverse camera and remote engine start.

Proton S70 NA: a potential Persona replacement?

The arrival of the S70 Lite and Prime is particularly interesting because Proton is effectively putting a larger sedan into a price bracket previously associated with the Persona.

Rather than simply being cheaper versions of the S70, the new variants could represent a shift in Proton’s sedan strategy.

The S70 offers a larger body, generous cabin space and a more modern equipment package, while the naturally aspirated engine and CVT combination should make it more approachable for buyers who prioritise relaxed everyday driving over outright performance.

It could therefore become a very different proposition from the 181 PS turbocharged S70.

And with the starting price expected to fall below RM60,000, the biggest question is no longer whether the S70 NA makes sense.

It is how close Proton can get to RM55,000–RM59,000 without compromising the equipment that makes the car attractive in the first place.

Bookings are now open

Bookings for the Proton S70 Lite and S70 Prime are now open at authorised Proton dealers nationwide.

Customers who book and register either variant by 31 December 2026 will also qualify for an exclusive early-bird reward, with the details set to be announced at the official launch.

For now, the final pricing and launch date remain under wraps.

But one thing is already clear: with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine, CVT and an estimated price below RM60,000, the new S70 Lite and Prime could become one of the more interesting value propositions in Malaysia’s sedan market.

Would you choose the cheaper S70 NA over the turbocharged S70, or would you rather spend more for the extra performance?