Proton S70 Flagship Review

The B-Segment Sedan market has recently become lively, with the addition of the Proton S70 introducing new dynamics to the originally stable competitive landscape. As the brand's first sedan built on the Geely CMA platform, the S70 Flagship version directly elevates the configuration to the top, priced at RM 89,800, perfectly positioned within a range acceptable to both family users and young buyers. In this test drive, we will focus on whether its design aligns with local aesthetic preferences, whether the configuration is genuinely practical, and whether its dynamic performance can meet the needs of daily commuting and weekend outings.

Starting with the exterior, the S70 Flagship adopts a refined and steady design style, with smooth overall lines and no overly exaggerated elements. The front features Proton’s signature “Infinite Weave” grille, which is sizable and paired with blacked-out LED headlamps, offering a high level of recognition. The headlamps integrate daytime running lights and turn signals, creating a sophisticated effect when illuminated. The side profile shows a straight waistline extending from the front to the rear, combined with 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, giving it a sleeker appearance compared to other cars in its segment. The rear design is simple, featuring through-type taillights connected by a chrome strip, echoing the front. Below the trunk lid, there is a small lip spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness. Overall, the appearance of the S70 is neither overly ostentatious nor too plain, making it easily recognizable in traffic and well-suited to local consumers' aesthetic preferences for family sedans.

Sitting inside, the interior quality of the S70 Flagship exceeds expectations. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper section wrapped in soft-touch materials, a matte trim strip embedded in the middle, and silver metallic air vent frames, creating a simplistic yet luxurious ambiance. The 10.25-inch floating central control screen is the core feature of the interior, boasting high resolution, smooth operation, and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity—a highly practical feature in local driving scenarios, as it eliminates the need for constant plugging in. The instrument cluster is also a 10.25-inch full LCD display, which can toggle between different themes and provides rich information, including speed, fuel consumption, navigation, and more. The seats are leather-wrapped, with the front seats offering electric adjustment, and the driver’s seat includes lumbar support adjustment, ensuring long-term comfort. Rear seat space is commendable, with a 2650mm wheelbase and room for a 175cm tall passenger to have about two fists of legroom, along with adequate headroom. The rear is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and two USB charging ports. The central floor hump is low, so even with three passengers, it doesn’t feel overly crowded. In terms of storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest provides reasonable storage capacity, and the trunk offers a standard 500L capacity, sufficient to fit two suitcases and meet the daily needs of families.

Regarding power, the S70 Flagship is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 150PS and a peak torque of 226N·m, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. During takeoff, the power response is fairly swift; gently pressing the accelerator already provides noticeable power output, avoiding the feeling of sluggishness. Switching to Sport mode increases throttle sensitivity and quickens gear shifts. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply delivers power promptly, and accelerating further at 100km/h on the highway is easy. For daily commuting, the economy mode suffices and results in better fuel consumption performance. The gearbox may exhibit occasional mild shift jerks at low speeds, but it is not significant and does not impact daily usability.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. It feels light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, providing a strong sense of confidence. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned toward comfort while retaining a certain level of support. When passing speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension filters out most vibrations, without feeling too rigid. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled and doesn't feel excessively shaky. As for noise control, the cabin remains very quiet at speeds below 60 km/h. At 100 km/h, wind and tire noise become slightly noticeable but remain within an acceptable range and won't affect conversations among passengers. Fuel consumption tests show around 7.5L/100km in heavy city traffic, 5.8L/100km on highways, and an overall average of about 6.5L/100km, which is considered above average in its class.

Safety features are a major highlight of the S70 Flagship, which comes equipped with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control is very useful on highways, as it can automatically follow the car ahead, reducing driving fatigue. The automatic emergency braking system responds quickly, stepping in promptly during sudden situations. Additionally, there's a 360-degree surround view, which makes reversing much safer and is especially friendly for new drivers.

Compared to other cars in the same class, such as the Honda City and Toyota Vios, the S70 Flagship clearly offers higher specifications, especially with features like Level 2 driver assistance and wireless CarPlay, which are rare in this price range. Space performance is also better than the City, offering a more comfortable rear seating experience. In terms of price, the RM 89,800 price tag is comparable to the high-end version of the City V but comes with richer features, making it highly cost-effective.

Overall, the Proton S70 Flagship is a well-balanced family sedan. It features a robust exterior design, a high-quality interior, practical space, adequate power, rich features, and reasonable pricing, making it very suitable for families focused on cost-effectiveness and practicality. If you're looking for a car that's comfortable for your daily commute, can accommodate family outings on weekends, and doesn't compromise on features, the S70 Flagship is worth considering. It has no significant shortcomings and stands out as a competitive choice in its class.