2024 Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X Review

As competition intensifies in Malaysia's C-segment sedan market, consumers with a budget of around RM100,000 have increasingly diverse demands for space, features, and performance. The Proton S70, as the brand's first C-segment sedan, enters the market with its 1.5T Flagship X version, offering 150PS power output, L2 level driving assistance, and class-leading smart features. It has attracted a lot of attention from family users and young people. This test drive will focus on its static design, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to see if this flagship local brand sedan can stand out in its class.

The exterior design of the Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X continues the brand's latest family design language, with an overall style that leans towards stability without losing a youthful vibe. The front features a large polygonal grille complemented by black honeycomb-style trim inside. On either side are LED headlights connected to the grille, visually extending the width and enhancing recognition. The body side lines are smooth, with a waistline running from the front to the rear enhancing its muscular appeal. The 16-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels feature a simple design, in proportion with the car body. At the rear, the LED taillights are smoked and, when lit, form a unique "L"-shaped light strip. A small spoiler on the trunk lid and decorative dual-exhaust outlets add to the sporty feel. For the lighting system, LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights are standard, offering clear nighttime illumination and practical utility.

Inside the car, the interior uses black as the main color, accented with silver trim, giving an overall simple and neat layout. The center console is wrapped in soft materials, providing a refined tactile feel. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is equipped with the Atlas OS smart infotainment system, featuring a clear interface that supports voice control, smartphone integration, and smooth operation. The instrument cluster is fully digital with multiple display modes, showing real-time information such as speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and driving assistance details. In terms of features, both driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjustable, offering good support and comfort for long hours of sitting. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration, aligning almost flat with the trunk floor to expand storage capacity. Measuring 4602mm in length, 1809mm in width, and 1466mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2627mm, the car offers ample front-row seating space, leaving about a fist of headroom for an occupant 180cm tall. Rear legroom measures roughly two fists, with headroom around one fist, making it suitable for daily family usage. For storage, the door pockets, center armrest box, and front cupholders are generously sized. The trunk offers approximately 500L of regular capacity, capable of accommodating three 20-inch suitcases, providing strong practicality.

On the performance front, the 1.5T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 110kW (150PS) and a peak torque of 226N·m. It is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. During daily drives, the car accelerates briskly, reaching maximum torque at 1750 rpm, with a smooth low-speed driving experience. When the accelerator is pressed harder, the power response is swift, with strong mid-to-high range acceleration that instills confidence when overtaking. The transmission features clear shift logic, with proactive upshifts and responsive downshifts, with no apparent jerks. There are three driving modes available: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is enhanced, engine revs remain at higher ranges, and power delivery feels more direct. In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds. The front MacPherson strut independent suspension combined with a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension are tuned for comfort. They sufficiently absorb minor road bumps while maintaining stable body posture over speed bumps or uneven roads without excessive shaking. However, during high-speed cornering, the body exhibits noticeable lean, suggesting it is more suitable for daily commuting than aggressive driving.

In terms of special testing, the fuel consumption performance is worth mentioning. This test drive spanned approximately 200km, including urban congestion, suburban expressways, and highways, with an average fuel consumption of about 6.8L/100km. For a 1.5T model, this result is at the upper-mid level among its peers. Regarding braking performance, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes provides quick response, linear braking force output, and stability without deviation during emergency braking. In terms of driving comfort, the noise control inside the cabin is well-handled, with wind and tire noise being negligible during high-speed driving. The seat padding is soft with moderate support, making it comfortable for long durations without causing fatigue. Additionally, the L2 driving assistance system performs excellently; the ACC adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane departure warning and active braking system respond accurately, enhancing the safety of long-distance driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X lies in its well-balanced product power. Compared to competitors in the same class, it offers richer configurations. Features such as the 12.3-inch central control screen, fully digital instrument panel, electric seats, and L2 driving assistance system come as standard, making it highly cost-effective. Its space performance meets family needs, delivers smooth power output, and is fuel-efficient. However, the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension, which slightly limits handling capabilities, and the narrow trunk opening makes it slightly inconvenient to load large items.

This car is suitable for family users who value cost-effectiveness and practicality, or young consumers who seek rich features. It is capable of handling daily commutes and family trips, and the L2 driving assistance system helps reduce fatigue during long trips. Overall, the Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X is a well-balanced C-segment sedan with strong competitiveness in the price range of around RM 100,000.