Proton S70 2024 Review

The C-segment sedan market in Malaysia is currently highly competitive. Most models either skimp on features or are priced close to the RM100,000 threshold, making it difficult for family users focusing on value-for-money to make a decision. Priced at only RM73,800, the 2024 Proton S70 1.5T Executive, positioned as the mid-to-low trim level of its series, comes equipped with a 150PS turbocharged engine and six airbags as core features. Is this high value-for-money combination truly "sincere"? In this test drive, we'll focus on verifying its static practicality and dynamic daily performance to see if it can be the pragmatic choice for family users.

First impression of the S70 1.5T Executive, the overall design continues the family-style aesthetics of its series without excessive flashy elements. The front adopts a vertical chrome grille paired with halogen headlights on both sides, giving it decent recognizability. The addition of the automatic headlamp function allows the lights to switch automatically when entering tunnels or during dusk, making daily use more convenient. The side profile of the car flows smoothly, and its dimensions of 4602mm in length and 2627mm wheelbase fall within the standard range for C-segment sedans. The rear LED taillights provide clear illumination when lit, and rear fog lamps come standard to enhance visibility in adverse weather conditions. However, compared to the Premium version's LED headlights, the Executive's halogen lights are slightly less bright at night, but they suffice for daily commuting needs.

Opening the door, the interior features a predominantly black color scheme with a simple and intuitive dashboard layout, making it easy to get the hang of. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive, supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity functions. Although it lacks the Atlas OS system available in the Premium version and above, it should suffice for users who do not demand advanced smart interactions. The seats are manually adjustable, with the driver's seat offering height adjustments to find a suitable driving position. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold feature, which expands the trunk space when folded down, making it more adaptable for placing strollers or long items. Regarding space performance, a 175cm tall front passenger has a fist's worth of headroom, while rear passengers enjoy two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, adequately meeting the seating needs for daily family outings. The storage space design is practical, with a moderately sized central armrest storage box in the front, door panel storage that can hold two bottles of water, and rear air conditioner vents and power outlets to enhance passenger comfort.

Starting the vehicle, the combination of the 1.5T turbocharged engine and the 7-speed DCT transmission delivers smooth performance in everyday driving. The maximum 150PS of power and 226Nm of torque reach their peak at 1750rpm. Lightly pressing the accelerator during start-up provides good throttle response, and there's no need to floor the pedal for following traffic or overtaking in the city, as the power delivery is quite linear. During the test drive, switching to Normal driving mode revealed a clear gear-shifting logic in the transmission. While there was slight hesitation at low speeds, it did not impair everyday usability. At highway speeds, the engine maintains around 2000rpm, offering adequate power reserves with the transmission eagerly downshifting when overtaking. The steering wheel provides moderate steering effort with no dead zone, making daily driving nimble and suitable for maneuvering through narrow urban streets.

The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, with tuning focused on comfort. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor vibrations, and the body does not feel significantly bumpy; during cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, without giving a loose feeling. In terms of fuel consumption, urban congested conditions have a fuel consumption of about 7.5L/100km, highway conditions about 5.8L/100km, and comprehensive fuel consumption is around 6.5L/100km. With a 50L fuel tank capacity, a full tank can provide a range of about 750km, sufficient for a week of commuting. Noise control performance is decent; at high speeds, wind and tire noise are within an acceptable range, with no noticeable resonance or abnormal sounds. The seat cushioning is of moderate softness, making long-term sitting less tiring.

Overall, the core advantage of the S70 1.5T Executive lies in being "balanced and pragmatic": at a price of 73,800 MYR, you can get configurations like turbocharged power, 6 airbags, and rear air-conditioning vents. Compared to competitors in the same class such as the low-end version of the Honda Civic 1.5T (priced at around 100,000 MYR), it has a clear cost-performance advantage; even when compared to its own Premium version, the Executive, while lacking features like LED headlamps and automatic air-conditioning, saves 6,000 MYR, which is more practical for users with a limited budget. Its space meets the daily needs of families, the power is sufficient to handle both urban and highway conditions, and its fuel economy is excellent. It is suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and value, especially those with a budget between 70,000 to 80,000 MYR seeking a reliable commuter vehicle.

Overall, the 2024 Proton S70 1.5T Executive is not a "flashy" model. With its practical configurations and balanced performance, it meets the core needs of family users. If you are looking for high cost-performance and a reliable daily commuting experience, this car is worth considering.