Proton has started taking bookings for two new variants of the Proton S70. The upcoming sedan variants are the Proton S70 Lite and Proton S70 Prime, with prices expected to start below RM60,000. This could make Proton’s national sedan accessible to a wider range of buyers.

The biggest difference with these new S70 variants is the powertrain. Instead of the turbocharged engine and DCT found in the existing S70 range, the S70 Lite and Prime are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) i-GT engine paired with a CVT.

Proton S70 Lite and Prime get a 1.5L NA engine

The engine powering the Proton S70 Lite and Prime produces less power than the turbocharged unit. On paper, the naturally aspirated engine makes around 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque, compared to around 178 hp and 290 Nm in the turbocharged S70.

That is the biggest compromise Proton has made to achieve the lower price point.

Despite the change in powertrain, the S70 retains its spacious sedan dimensions. For less than RM60,000, buyers get a five-seat sedan with a roomy cabin that offers space comparable to a C-segment car.

More importantly, Proton has not stripped away too much of the equipment. On paper, the Proton S70 Prime comes with features that would not look out of place on the higher-spec S70 Flagship, which costs close to RM85,000.

The Proton S70 Lite is surprisingly well-equipped

Despite being the entry-level Lite variant, its cabin equipment and safety features are far from basic.

The S70 Lite still gets six airbags, a rear side radar system, an electronic parking brake with Auto Brake Hold, a reverse camera and parking sensors. Its infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while five USB ports are spread throughout the cabin.

Interestingly, several of these features are not available on the existing S70 Executive variant.

The higher-spec Proton S70 Prime adds several upgrades over the Lite. These include larger 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, power-folding side mirrors, leatherette seats and front parking sensors.

Is the Proton S70 replacing the Proton Persona?

Although Proton has not officially said so, the S70 Lite and Prime could be seen as filling the gap left by the Proton Persona.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Proton has used a similar strategy. In 2013, Proton introduced the Persona SV (Super Value), a more affordable variant based on the Persona Elegance.

However, Proton took a different approach with the Persona SV. To bring the price down, it stripped away a significant amount of equipment and features.

With the S70, the approach is quite different. Rather than removing too many features, Proton has retained much of the equipment and safety technology while switching to a less powerful, naturally aspirated engine and CVT to bring the price down.

That could make the S70 Lite and Prime an interesting new proposition for buyers looking for a spacious, well-equipped sedan without stretching beyond the RM60,000 mark.