At a Glance: The TL;DR
The 2026 Proton S70 is a surgical strike against the compromises of the 2024 model. By swapping the 3-cylinder unit for a 181PS 1.5L i-GT 4-cylinder turbo, Proton has boosted power by 31PS and torque by 64Nm. Beyond the raw muscle, the addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally fixes the cabin’s biggest tech hurdle. If you crave refinement and modern connectivity, the 2026 model makes the 2024 version look like a beta test. With an effective RM68,800 entry price, the 2026 model is objectively the superior purchase.
The Powertrain Pivot: From “Adequate” to “Aggressive”
The most significant shift for 2026 is the abandonment of the 3-cylinder architecture. While the 2024 S70 was praised for its value, its 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo often faced scrutiny over secondary vibrations and mid-range punch.
The 2026 S70 “abolishes” these friction points with the new i-GT 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine.
- Refinement: The 4-cylinder layout provides a smoother idle and linear power delivery, addressing the core refinement gaps of the 3-pot predecessor.
- Acceleration: The sprint to triple digits now takes just 7.5 seconds—a massive improvement over the 2024 model’s roughly 9-second average.
- Efficiency: Despite the power bump, the new engine is actually thriftier, rated at 5.7L/100km.
Technology: Bridging the Connectivity Gap
In 2024, S70 owners were tethered to a system that lacked native smartphone mirroring. For the 2026 iteration, Proton has integrated excellent connectivity as a standard pillar.
- The Screen: The 12.3-inch infotainment display now supports native Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- User Experience: This update eliminates the need for third-party dongles, offering faster reaction speeds and better localised tuning for Malaysian drivers.
Visuals and Safety: Refinement over Revolution
Proton has opted for Enhanced Styling to differentiate the new model without alienating the 38,000 existing owners.
- Exterior Tweaks: The 2026 model gains new 17-inch alloy wheels, a new Ruby Red exterior, and an updated aerokit.
- Intelligent Safety: The 2026 model standardises the suite to 13 Level 2 ADAS features, including AEB, LKA, and RCTA.
The Verdict: To Trade In or Not?
If you are an existing 2024 S70 owner, the 2026 model offers a compelling upgrade specifically if you value highway performance and hate wires. For new buyers, the 2026 S70 is the definitive choice, effectively rendering the 2024 “3-pot” version obsolete in terms of performance-led engineering.
