Proton S70 Executive Review

In recent years, competition in Malaysia's compact sedan market has intensified, with users increasingly demanding value for money and practical features—seeking both economical performance for daily commuting and uncompromising intelligence and comfort. As the core model of Proton's return to the sedan market, the Executive version of the Proton S70 is priced at RM 73,800, entering the mainstream segment with a combination of "class-leading features" and "reliable performance." This test drive will focus on its static experience, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to see if it can hold its ground against competitors like the Vios and City.

From the exterior, the S70 Executive adopts a steady and enduring design approach. The front features Proton's signature "Infinite Weave" grille, paired with chrome accents and sharp LED headlamps on both sides, giving it a wider look and good recognizability. The side profile showcases smooth lines, and while the 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are not particularly large, they are well-proportioned to the body, fitting its family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the continuous LED taillights are a standout design feature, with a striking effect when lit at night, and the hidden exhaust layout maintains a clean overall appearance. In terms of lighting systems, the standard LED daytime running lights and automatic headlamp function across all trims are considered a sincere feature at this price range.

Stepping inside, the interior style of the S70 Executive leans toward simplicity and practicality. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, accented with silver trims. Although there is a considerable amount of hard plastic, the craftsmanship and details are relatively well handled. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch floating central screen, which is visually appealing, performs smoothly, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for convenient daily use. Below it, physical air conditioner buttons are retained, allowing for easier blind operation. Features include a leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, a driver seat with 6-way manual adjustment, rear independent air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports to cater to the basic needs of family users.

In terms of space, the S70 Executive's wheelbase measures 2700mm, which is considered above average in its class. The front row offers ample seating space, with 175cm-tall passengers having a fist-width of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear legroom performance is excellent, with passengers of the same height able to leave two fists' worth of knee room. The low middle floor hump ensures that a third passenger in the rear won't feel too cramped. For storage capabilities, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box has moderate capacity, and the trunk offers a standard capacity of 500L, which can be expanded to 1100L by folding down the rear seats, making it convenient for carrying luggage or larger items.

In terms of performance, the S70 Executive is powered by a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 150 PS and a peak torque of 226 N·m, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. During daily driving, the engine's response is quite agile, with no noticeable lag during starts. Acceleration is brisk up to speeds of 60km/h, making it suitable for urban commutes. When the accelerator is pressed harder, the gearbox doesn't shift aggressively, but transitions remain smooth, without significant jolts. Switching to Sport mode improves throttle responsiveness, providing more confidence during overtakes. Fuel consumption is average, with an urban fuel consumption of about 7.2L per 100km, which can drop to 5.8L on highways. It runs on RON 92 petrol, keeping operating costs low.

In terms of handling and chassis, the steering wheel is light and responsive with minimal slack, making daily lane changes or parking very maneuverable. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, using a combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. It effectively absorbs most minor vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven roads. However, body roll becomes noticeable during sharp turns, making it more suited for steady driving. The braking performance is stable, with a linear pedal feel, and the vehicle maintains good posture during emergency braking.

Regarding driving comfort, the S70 Executive offers commendable noise control. At speeds below 80 km/h, tire noise and wind noise are barely noticeable. While engine noise does slightly seep through at higher speeds, it doesn't affect normal conversations. The seats offer moderate softness with decent support, ensuring comfort even for long durations. Notably, the car is equipped with Auto Hold and an electronic parking brake, which eliminate the need for frequent gear shifts when waiting at traffic lights, significantly enhancing convenience.

In summary, the core strengths of the S70 Executive lie in its "spacious interior" and "practical features"—the 2700mm wheelbase provides rear seating space that is more generous than the Vios and City. Features like wireless CarPlay and full-width tail lights are appealing to younger users. At a price of RM 73,800, it offers excellent value when compared to competitors within the same price range. Although the vibration control of the three-cylinder engine is well-managed, some consumers might still have concerns, and its chassis support is more focused on family use rather than spirited driving.

This car is more suitable for families prioritizing space and practicality or young professionals with limited budgets looking for features typically found in higher-tier cars. It does not come with particularly aggressive design or performance but fulfills most needs for daily commuting and family trips. It is a "can't-go-wrong" choice for a family sedan. If your priorities are "balance, practicality, and value for money," then the S70 Executive is worth considering.