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 proclaims its return to the C-segment sedan house. The worth proposition is a gorgeous 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 analogous or higher characteristic set.
Does the S70 ship sufficient to make sedan consumers with a finances of below RM100,000 need to take into account 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, do you have to be a part of the bandwagon? Effectively, if you happen to’re nonetheless unsure and need to know extra concerning 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 evaluation the place now we have extra time with the automobile 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. Nevertheless, Proton opted to make use of the ‘70’ identify, which denotes a C-segment mannequin, as is the case with the X70.
We’ve lined this matter 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 dimension 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 typical client, 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 known as it a day, though some may proclaim precisely that. At first look, the outside of the S70 seems just about an identical to the Emgrand aside from 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 automobile, with some trade 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 somewhat 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 bit of later at 1,750 rpm as a substitute 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 carry the S70 to market. The corporate additionally provides that it needed to develop 453 new components, a few of which aren’t even made/accessible in China.
A few of the man-hours have been additionally spent on the inside, which like the outside, seems 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 rivalry of its “C-segment cred.” For the report, the X90, which relies on the Haoyue/Okavango, will get a rear multi-link as a substitute of a torsion beam like in China and the Philippines.
What’s the S70 wish to stay with?
If you’re contained in the S70, you’ll discover it to be somewhat spacious. The standard 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 below the centre console for a small- to medium-sized bag, whereas below 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 in terms of charging your gadgets both, with the entrance having three USB ports, together with one to energy a dashcam (customary on the Flagship X), together with a wi-fi charger. On the rear, there are two extra USB ports which are joined by a small slot to stow your telephone.
To additional add to the practicality, the boot quantity is a formidable 500 litres, even with an area saver spare wheel below the ground, and you may develop this additional with the 60:40 split-folding bench folded right down to type a sizeable passthrough – they don’t fold utterly 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 appear (akin 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 motive force’s seat is energy adjustable, though there’s no technique to tilt the seat backside up from the entrance if you happen to want extra thigh help. Minor niggles apart, the S70 is a somewhat nice place to be in.
As for accessing car features, the central touchscreen is the first method 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 instance, if you happen to 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 a substitute, 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 have to 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 significantly useful if you happen to choose to not distract your self whereas driving by tapping on a display screen. With fairly constant pure language understanding, you merely utter “Hello, Proton” to regulate the AC (“I’m scorching/chilly”), home windows, sunroof and media quantity. Enjoyable truth: you possibly can change the identify 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 programs) features. There’s a studying curve right here, and whereas some will ultimately to this technique, others will query why there aren’t a couple of extra buttons for generally used features like quantity adjustment or to interact the spectacular (and high-res) 360-degree digicam – the latter comes on when indicating proper.
One other query that will probably be introduced up is why there isn’t help for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? The onboard navigation system is first rate (albeit laggy), however the ease of getting AA/AC is plain. Fortunately, that is anticipated to reach this 12 months, as Proton confirmed lately.
Turning our consideration to the opposite display screen within the S70, the digital instrument cluster affords restricted customisability, as you possibly can solely change the look of the journey pc on the left, with the ADAS visualisation taking centre stage. You may 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 help, it sort of turns into redundant.
What’s the S70 wish to drive?
Whereas some may lament on the thought of a torsion beam, this shouldn’t be a difficulty if it’s arrange correct, and Proton believes it obtained proper by tuning the S70 particularly for Malaysia’s typically 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 somewhat properly for secondary experience. The automobile’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 depart 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 first rate 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 will be completed in conjunction or impartial of the chosen drive mode, with the disparity between Consolation and Sport being noticeable sufficient. So as to add, the way in which the drive modes have an effect on energy supply is restricted to holding onto gears for longer and barely growing/lowering 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 speedy – Proton claims a 0-100 km/h time of 9 seconds – however there’s little battle 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 as a result of Goodyear Assurance rubbers).
Likewise, the 7DCT is clean though utilizing the guide mode will want some rethinking: you progress the lever left or proper to alter gears somewhat than the standard up/down, precisely such as you would within the X90 – paddle shifters can be good. Interested in upkeep prices? Proper this manner.
One challenge 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 automobile really transferring, 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 cases 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 chew, 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 bit of aggressive in slowing down when trying to take care of a set distance when a automobile entered the identical lane. Equally, the lane departure prevention and centring programs are adamant in doing their jobs in odd moments once we overlook 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 powerful case for itself if you happen to’re tied to a B-segment finances however need one thing bodily bigger and “extra superior” than the same old suspects.
The dearth of buttons may be irritating to some preferring to not fiddle with a touchscreen – significantly whereas driving – and the dearth of AA/AC (for now) may be off-putting to those that swear by this characteristic (like me). Other than the entire HMI factor, there’s loads 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 assume it belongs in.
GALLERY: Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X
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