Proton Launches Naturally-Aspirated S70 to Bridge Market Gap

Proton has officially launched the naturally-aspirated (NA) version of its S70 sedan, introducing two new variants, the Lite and the Prime, to its local lineup.

According to the original publisher, the Lite model is priced at RM59,800, while the Prime is set at RM62,800. These figures are on-the-road prices excluding insurance. Proton is currently running a launch rebate of RM3,000, valid until December 31, 2026, which effectively brings the starting price of the Lite down to RM56,800 and the Prime to RM59,800. The purchase includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and six complimentary labour services. To support adoption, the company is offering financing packages with tenures up to nine years, interest rates from 2.35%, and RM2,000 in overtrade support.

Mechanically, these models represent a significant departure from the existing S70 turbo range. Under the hood lies a 1.5-litre four-cylinder port-injected engine—the BHE15-CFN unit familiar from the Proton Saga. It delivers 120 PS at 6,100 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm. This power plant is paired with a torque converter CVT. Compared to the S70 Turbo, the NA version produces 61 PS and 140 Nm less, though it offers an 11 PS increase over the outgoing Persona.

The introduction of the NA S70 serves as an indirect replacement for the Persona, which is slated to be discontinued. For the average Malaysian consumer, this launch effectively reorganises Proton’s sedan hierarchy. By positioning the Lite and Prime between the Saga—which tops out near RM50,000—and the remaining turbocharged S70 variants, Proton is creating a "ladder" of ownership. This strategy allows budget-conscious buyers or those transitioning from an entry-level car to step into a larger vehicle without the higher price point of the turbocharged engine.

For Malaysian households currently navigating the broader economic environment, this pricing is highly relevant. With headline inflation at 1.9% and the national unemployment rate holding steady at 3.0%, many middle-income earners remain cautious with large expenditures. The ability to secure a larger, modern sedan for under RM60,000—a threshold that keeps the Prime variant accessible—provides a practical alternative for those concerned about rising costs and the impact of fuel subsidies. As RON95 remains at RM1.99 or RM2.05 for eligible citizens, vehicle operating costs remain a primary focus for the average motorist.

This expansion of the S70 portfolio highlights Proton’s effort to capture a broader slice of the market as it continues to focus on its higher-margin SUVs. By re-purposing the 1.5-litre NA engine, Proton is leveraging proven hardware to maintain cost-efficiency while refreshing its sedan offerings. This move arrives as the national economy shows robust health, with real GDP growth recorded at 6.0% in the latest quarter, suggesting a supportive environment for consumer durable purchases.

The industry will be watching to see how quickly the Persona is phased out and if this NA configuration gains traction against the more performance-oriented turbocharged segment. It remains to be seen how the driving dynamics of the heavier S70 chassis will compare to the lighter Saga when equipped with this shared engine. Furthermore, details regarding long-term maintenance costs for the specific CVT setup in this configuration have yet to be fully clarified for prospective owners.