Proton S70 Interior Revealed: More Advanced Technology Features

【PCauto】The Proton S70, a product of close cooperation with Geely, carries the strategic goal of reinventing the brand's image in the cutthroat B-segment sedan market. The interior design is crucial to this change since Proton wants to provide a cabin that is better than the market average in terms of quality, comfort, and technology. Long-standing industry standards like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are among its intended competitors.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at various aspects of the Proton S70 interior, with a particular focus on distinctions of different models—Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X—as well as two prevalent topics among customers: the Proton S70 interior price and Proton S70 interior 360 view.

Part 1: Interior Design Concept

Core Design Concept: Inspired by the Geely Emgrand

The Emgrand and other Geely designs were as major inspiration for the Proton S70's interior. The ultimate objective is to design a contemporary, tech-forward, minimalist cabin with a heavy emphasis on ergonomics. The interior typically has a horizontal plan that gives the impression of more room.

In order to improve its sense of refinement and shed the somewhat conservative appearance of previous Proton models, the dashboard is layered and incorporates a variety of materials and colors (such as high-gloss black panels, matte metallic strips, and soft-touch plastics) to better align with the aesthetics of the younger generation of buyers.

Well-Designed for Different Users

The Proton S70 is crafted with careful attention to the diverse driving needs of Malaysian consumers:

For families: Emphasis is placed on practical space, rear-seat comfort, and convenient storage solutions. Efficient air conditioning performance is key  in daily use.

For younger and tech-savvy users: With a large central display, smart networking, ambient lighting, and a generally futuristic vibe, this digital-first experience is ideal for younger and tech-savvy customers.

For business and daily commuters:  These supportive seats, quiet cabins, and easy-to-use technology like voice control and navigation are what  business and daily commuters seek for.

Climate adaptability: From ventilated seats in higher quality to powerful AC systems and UV-protective glass, the Proton S70 is optimized for Malaysia’s hot and humid weather conditions.

Proton S70 Variant Comparison: Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X

Proton S70 Executive Interior (Price RM 73,800, Weight 1300kg): It features a manually adjustable multifunction steering wheel without paddle shifters. The instrument cluster uses a basic backlit analog setup, and there are no interior or exterior power sockets. It offers keyless door operation but lacks advanced access features. The seating setup includes a manually adjustable driver’s seat with height adjustment, a manually adjustable passenger seat, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. A manual air-conditioning system manages the climate, and rear air vents are added for increased passenger comfort. The Executive has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with four speakers for entertainment.

Proton S70 Premium Interior (Price RM 79,800, Weight 1305kg): It retains the same steering wheel, analog instrument cluster, basic keyless entry system and seat configuration as the Executive. However, it upgrades the manual air-conditioning to a single-zone automatic climate control system, while still retaining the rear AC vents. The infotainment system remains the same as the Executive with an 8-inch touchscreen and 4 speakers.

Proton S70 Flagship interior (Price: RM 89,800; Weight: 1312kg) : The instrument cluster has been changed to a fully digital LCD display, however the steering wheel is still manually adjustable and does not include paddle shifters. More comfort and convenience are now available thanks to the electrically adjustable driver's and front passenger seats. The 60:40 split-folding design is also used for the rear seats. Additionally, the climate control system has rear vents and is a single-zone automatic system. The infotainment system upgrade, which includes six speakers and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen driven by Atlas OS, is a major highlight.

Proton S70 Flagship X interior (Price: RM 94,800; Weight: 1319kg): The interior configuration is the same as the 1.5T Flagship, except the Flagship X comes with a sunroof, which is absent in the Flagship.

Part 2: Material and Craftsmanship Comparison

Core Material Analysis

The Proton S70 offers a luxurious and comfortable tactile feel by using soft-touch injection-molded materials on high-contact areas like the door panels and upper dashboard. The Premium and Flagship models further improve overall comfort by adding soft-touch leatherette materials to the center console lid and door armrests.

Trim Panel: The Executive variant features primarily hard black plastic panels. The glossy piano black finish, matte brushed metal textures or wood-grain-style finishes (depending on the specific variant) are important modifications made to the Premium and Flagship models, which greatly improve the feeling of premium quality.

Seat: The Executive variant has fabric upholstery, while the Flagship one has soft leather seats with exquisite stitching details, adding a more luxurious touch; and the Premium upgrades to premium synthetic leather for increased comfort.

Steering wheel: The Executive model has the one finished in basic plastic, while Premium and Flagship variants' are wrapped in leather, the latter offering a notably smoother and more refined sense.

Additional refinements: In line with high-profile brands, the Premium and Flagship variants offer improved tactile feedback for physical buttons. With regular panel gaps and enhanced craftsmanship throughout the cabin, the overall build quality has reached Proton's greatest standards to date.

Comparison of competitors in the same class (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla)

Against the Honda Civic: The Civic also has a contemporary interior with well-designed ergonomic arrangement and premium material selections, particularly in higher-level models. The Civic still has a better reputation as a brand, more sophisticated plastic parts in some places, and a well-balanced powertrain, while the Proton S70 Flagship interior has advantages in a number of important areas, such as a larger infotainment screen, a more multipurpose vehicle OS, and ventilated front seats.

Against the Toyota Corolla: The Corolla’s interior leans more toward pragmatism and conservatism. It predominantly uses hard plastics, particularly in basic models, hence lacking a sense of modern tech appeal. With a more sophisticated interior that includes a huge touchscreen, a full digital instrument cluster, a layered dashboard design, and a range of high-end materials including soft-touch surfaces and ornamental trims, the Proton S70 Premium and Flagship models stand out from the competition. Additionally, the higher-level Proton S70 models are equipped with luxurious features like ambient lighting and ventilated seats. But when it comes to long-term dependability and, in the case of the hybrid system, its more potent hybrid system, Toyota continues to have an advantage.

Part 3: Seat Comfort and Layout

Seat Design Details

Shape and Support: The interior seats of the Proton S70 are made with a degree of wrap-around support and a focus on comfort. Long-distance driving is made more comfortable by the reasonably firm seat padding and the sufficient support of the side bolsters. The Flagship variant's leather seats offer the best tactile experience.

Functionality:

Executive: Manually adjustable fabric seats (6-way for the driver, 4-way for the front passenger).

Premium: The seats have been changed to premium synthetic leather upholstery, however they are still manually adjustable. This facilitates everyday cleaning and maintenance in addition to improving the overall tactile and visual appeal. The imitation leather contributes to the cabin's more posh and sophisticated ambiance.

Flagship: Electrical adjustments are available for both the driver and front passenger seats; the driver's seat usually has six adjustments of position and power lumbar support. Most notably, the front seats include heating and ventilation features. This is a noteworthy feature that greatly improves comfort, particularly in hotter areas.

Rear Seat Comfort: Thanks to a relatively long wheelbase of 2,627 mm, the Proton S70 offers ample rear legroom that surpasses many competitors in the same class. The rear bench provides sufficient cushion length and a comfortable recline angle. The rear floor tunnel is low, improving comfort for the center passenger. Rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports are employed on both the Premium and Flagship variants, ensuring a more pleasant experience for rear occupants.

Part 4: Dashboard and Technology Integration

Cabin Technology Layout

Executive & Premium: These variants feature a traditional analog instrument cluster paired with an 8-inch floating central touchscreen (basic functionality, suitable for everyday use).

Flagship & Flagship X:  These variants feature a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display and a fully digital instrument cluster, creating a powerful technological visual impression. The user interface design is contemporary, and the display is clear.

Infotainment System:

Executive & Premium (Basic infotainment system): These models have a simple entertainment system with Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as a simple navigation system that can operate offline. It offers every connectivity function needed for daily use.

Flagship & Flagship X: Voice control, online navigation, a variety of online entertainment, and connected services are all supported by the robust intelligent infotainment system that comes with these models.

Interaction: In addition to buttons mounted on the steering wheel for convenience while driving, the system is mostly controlled by a touchscreen interface. Improved voice command capabilities in the Flagship variant provide more responsive and organic interactions.

Proton S70 interior 360 view:This is one of the Flagship and Flagship X versions' primary highlights. It offers a smooth 360-degree panoramic image by combining cameras all over the body. This greatly improves parking and low-speed driving safety and convenience in congested parking lots, small streets, and challenging road conditions. It is among the most useful and popular technologies for everyday driving situations.

Proton S70 Operation Experience and Drawbacks

Advantages: The dual large displays deliver rich and intuitive information and a tech-forward feel that outpaces many rivals in the same class. The Galaxy OS system on the Flagship variant is powerful and highly expandable. The voice control greatly improves use and overall driving convenience, and the 360-degree surround vision technology offers great practicality for everyday driving.

Potential Drawbacks: The base version (Executive) is equipped with relatively simple infotainment system, which differs significantly from the higher-level variants.

Part 5: Space and Storage Solutions

Passenger Space and Comfort

Front Row: Ample headroom and shoulder space with good outward visibility. Electric seats (in higher-level variants) are easy to adjust.

Rear Row: It is one of its core advantages. Thanks to the long wheelbase and optimized design, the rear legroom is very spacious, reaching or even surpassing the level of some higher-class models, making it a strong selling point for family-oriented buyers. Comfortable seating for three, with a low central floor hump.

Sunroof: The Flagship X is equipped with an electric sunroof (not panoramic).

Storage Space Design

Standard Storage: Large door pockets, an open storage space beneath the center console (with USB/12V power outlets), front cup holders with stoppers, a medium-sized center armrest box, and a glove compartment are all features of the Proton S70's thoughtful and useful cabin storage arrangement.

Trunk: The area is appropriate for both long-distance travel and daily family storage because it is well-organized and quite spacious (official capacity typically exceeds 500L). More cargo space is made possible by the 60/40 split-folding arrangement of the rear seats.

Part 6: Comprehensive Safety Features

The Proton S70’s interior luxury and tech appeal are built upon a solid foundation of comprehensive safety.

Standard Safety Features:

Six airbags, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags, are standard on all S70 models, which have a high-strength body construction. This is a significant safety feature of the car, particularly when contrasted with certain competing entry-level trims that can have less airbags.

Cross all variants, the Proton S70 comes equipped with a full suite of essential safety systems, including:ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), BA (Brake Assist), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control System), HHA (Hill Hold Assist), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) – type (direct/indirect) subject to confirmation.

Smart Safety – ADAS (Mainly on Flagship)

The Proton S70 Flagship variant is equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), delivering enhanced driving safety and convenience. Key features include:

ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go): Maintaining safe distance at all speeds, ideal for highway driving and stop-and-go traffic.

AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking): Detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to help prevent or mitigate collisions.

FCW (Forward Collision Warning): Alerting the driver to potential frontal impact risks.

LDW (Lane Departure Warning):Helping keep the vehicle centered within its lane.

LCA (Lane Change Assist): Reducing the risk of blind-spot-related collisions during lane changes.

RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Braking): Detecting approaching traffic from either side when reversing.

IHBC (Intelligent High Beam Control): Automatically toggling between high and low beams for optimal visibility without dazzling others.

Combined with the 360-degree surround view camera, these features offer a well-rounded and proactive safety package. Note: Executive and Premium variants come with significantly fewer ADAS features.

Part 7: User Feedback and Market Expectations

Positive Feedback and Expectations

Space and Comfort: Many customers have commended the spacious rear seat area, especially in the Premium and Flagship interiors, as well as the ventilated Nappa leather seats in the Flagship models. These features are seen by many users as exceptional advantages over Japanese rivals in the same class.

Technology Features: Tech-savvy customers are excited about the dual-screen arrangement. One particularly well-liked feature is the 360-degree surround vision system (Proton S70 interior 360 view), which is seen to be very practical and easy to operate.

Safety as Standard: All models have received excellent praise for having six airbags, which emphasizes Proton's dedication to safety and raises the model's perceived overall value.

Design Improvements: Customers have praised the Proton S70's notable advancements in interior design, materials, and atmosphere, pointing out that it has effectively lost the "low-cost" stigma associated with earlier models.

Value for Money (Proton S70 Interior Price): The Proton's pricing approach has been well regarded, particularly for the Executive and Premium models. Many think that the car's price is very reasonable and that it delivers a well-balanced bundle of safety, features, and space—another powerful selling point.

Concerns and Areas to Observe

Long-Term Reliability & Durability: Even if it employs certain Geely technologies, some customers are still wary of Proton's new models' long-term quality stability. Minor flaws and the long-term longevity of interior materials, especially plastic components, are causes for concern.

Real-World ADAS Performance: Although there are great hopes for the Flagship variant's Level 2 advanced driver assistance system, it has not yet been thoroughly tested for efficacy in Malaysia's challenging road conditions.

After-Sales Service Experience: Although Proton offers a wide range of after-sales services, users are still concerned about the reliability of service quality and effectiveness.

Flagship Variant Pricing (Proton S70 Flagship Interior Price): Although the Flagship models include all the features (360-degree view, fully equipped ADAS, and ventilated seats), the Proton S70 Interior is anticipated to cost a lot more than the Premium model.

Part 8: Summary & Buying Recommendation

The interior design of the Proton S70 is a central selling point in its push into the B-segment sedan market. Its key advantages include:

Enhanced Tech Appeal: The Premium and Flagship models' dual-screen configuration significantly improves the cabin's contemporary and technological atmosphere.

Upgraded Comfort: The Flagship models' vented Nappa leather seats are particularly well-suited to Malaysia's hot and humid climate. Users give the overall comfort of the seat excellent marks.

Strong Safety Offering: The Proton S70 raises the bar for safety in its class by coming equipped with six airbags as standard on all models. Comprehensive and active protection is included by the Flagship variant's Level 2 ADAS package.

Outstanding Value for Money: The Proton S70's interior pricing is competitive when considering the coverage of smart features, particularly in the Executive and Premium variants.

For budget-sensitive buyers with basic needs: The Executive model, which costs about RM 73,800, satisfies the necessary mobility needs. Although the interior materials, technical features, and comfort features (such air conditioning and screen size) are somewhat basic, it offers the most economical Proton S70 interior price.

The Universal Choice: With features like dual digital displays, leatherette seats, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, the Premium variant (about RM 79,800) offers the best value and features. This combination of price, comfort, and technology makes it the perfect choice for most families and daily users.

For top-tier tech and comfort seekers: Offering the most luxurious and cutting-edge driving experience, the Flagship model (about RM 89,800) is equipped with features including ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS, and a 360-degree surround view camera. Customers who value innovation, full-spectrum safety, and the Proton/Geely partnership highly will find it appealing; however, they should consider the notably higher interior cost of the Proton S70.

For those seeking added luxury user experience: The Flagship X, which costs RM 94,800, has a motorized sunroof in addition to all the other features of the Flagship. By enabling quick air exchange through pressure differences, this sunroof can be used for ventilation, reducing the noise from wind and rain that comes with open side windows. Additionally, it lets in natural light, which brightens and expands the cabin's airiness. It facilitates more effective heat dissipation in hot weather and lessens steam condensation in humid weather. Additionally, it improves the feeling of openness and communication with the outside world, and in certain emergency scenarios, it might even be used as a backup escape route.

With its outstanding cabin space, class-leading tech and safety features (especially in higher-level variants), and a highly competitive Proton S70 interior price, the S70 stands as a strong contender against established rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

For buyers who prioritize spaciousness, advanced in-car technology, safety, and overall value, both the Premium and Flagship interiors of the Proton S70 are well worth a test drive to step inside and experience a new level of comfort and sophistication from the Malaysia’s prominent homegrown brand. For first-time drivers, it's highly recommended to try out the Proton S70 interior 360 view, which greatly enhances parking ease and driving confidence.