Proton S70 Lite: Here's What You Get And Lose Below RM60K

Getting into a Proton S70 is about to become considerably cheaper. As we previously reported, Proton has officially confirmed two new naturally aspirated variants, the S70 Lite and Prime, with estimated pricing starting below RM60,000. Final pricing, however, will only be announced at launch.

Proton has already revealed some of the key equipment offered across the expanded S70 range, but exactly how the Lite and Prime differ wasn't fully detailed at the time.

Now, we're getting a clearer picture. Based on additional details reported by Paultan, the entry-level S70 Lite makes several equipment compromises compared to the Prime, including halogen instead of LED headlights, smaller 16-inch wheels and fabric instead of leatherette upholstery.

But the Lite hasn't exactly been stripped bare either. In fact, quite a lot remains.

What Do You Lose With The S70 Lite?

Let's start with the obvious cost-cutting. Based on the reported pre-launch equipment breakdown, the S70 Lite gets halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, while the Prime steps up to automatic LED headlights.

The Lite also rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, compared to 17-inch units on the Prime.

Inside, the Lite reportedly uses fabric upholstery and a urethane steering wheel, rather than the leatherette seats and leatherette-wrapped steering wheel offered with the Prime.

Air-conditioning is manual instead of automatic, while front parking sensors are another Prime-only addition. The Lite still gets rear parking sensors.

Several of these differences have also been seen on the Lite unit photographed at a Proton showroom, including the halogen headlights, 16-inch wheels and fabric interior.

But The S70 Lite Still Gets Quite A Lot

This is where the Lite becomes more interesting. Despite sitting at the bottom of the S70 range, the Lite reportedly retains six airbags, an 8-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, remote engine start and cruise control.

There's also an electronic parking brake with Auto Brake Hold.

Proton itself has confirmed wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, EPB with Auto Brake Hold, remote engine start, reverse camera and a Rear Side Radar System among the equipment offered across the new naturally aspirated S70 range.

That radar system includes:

• Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Change Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Door Opening Warning
• Rear Collision Warning

So while the Lite gives up some of the more obvious visual and comfort upgrades, it hasn't been reduced to a completely bare-bones sedan just to hit a lower price point.

For buyers who care more about space, connectivity and everyday convenience than leatherette seats or larger wheels, that trade-off may make plenty of sense.

One Notable Omission: AEB

One equipment decision stands out. According to the reported pre-launch equipment breakdown, neither the Lite nor Prime gets Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) or the fuller front-facing driver-assistance package found on higher S70 variants.

That is particularly interesting because Proton already offers AEB on the cheaper Saga Premium.

Whether that matters to buyers will depend on their priorities, but it's a distinction worth knowing before assuming the Lite gets the same safety suite as the more expensive S70 variants.

Same S70 Space, Different Powertrain

Equipment isn't the only major change. Both the Lite and Prime swap the turbocharged powertrain used by the existing S70 range for Proton's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-GT engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Proton says both variants retain its Ride & Handling setup and three selectable drive modes.

More importantly for buyers considering the Lite, the basic S70 proposition remains: a larger sedan package at a considerably lower point of entry.

That could make the Lite particularly interesting to buyers who want something roomier than a typical entry-level sedan but don't necessarily need the performance or equipment of the turbocharged S70 variants.

Has Proton Cut In The Right Places?

On paper, Proton appears to have been fairly selective. The Lite sacrifices things that are immediately noticeable, including LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery and automatic air-conditioning, while retaining equipment such as six airbags, wireless smartphone connectivity, a reverse camera and several side and rear safety functions.

The absence of AEB is arguably the biggest compromise to consider. But there's still one major piece of the puzzle missing: the final price.

Proton has only said that pricing for the new naturally aspirated S70 range is estimated to start below RM60,000. Final pricing for the Lite and Prime will be announced at their official launch.

And that number will ultimately determine whether Proton has removed just enough from the S70 Lite, or a little too much.