A photo shared recently on the Proton S70 Malaysia Facebook page has hinted that the ‘MC1’ Proton S70 facelift update could be arriving sooner than we first thought. The spyshots reveal subtle changes on the outside, although as Proton confirmed just two weeks ago at the Tech Showcase event, it’ll sport a significant revision underneath its bonnet.
But first, it appears the upcoming Proton S70 MC1 update will mirror many of the updates seen on the fourth-generation Geely Emgrand facelift, which was launched in China last year. Although China has since received an all-new fifth-generation Emgrand, that model will not be coming to our shores for now.
When viewed side by side, the upcoming Proton S70 facelift appears to adopt the same redesigned headlights as the Geely Emgrand sold in China, including a repositioned turn signal located below the daytime running light signature. Further down, the S70 should also carry the same wheel designs introduced on the updated Emgrand.
The car in the spy shot is also finished in a new Ruby Red metallic exterior colour – a shade that made its debut on the all-new Proton Saga.
ALSO READ: 2025 Geely Emgrand facelift revealed – Proton S70’s Chinese cousin gets new logo & wheels
As Proton confirmed recently, the upcoming Proton S70 ‘MC1’ facelift will indeed feature the new BHE15 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine underneath the bonnet, which made its local debut recently in the new Proton X50. There, it makes 181 hp and 290 Nm of torque to the front wheels (FWD) and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Rumours have also suggested that the upcoming updated Proton S70 could gain a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine option, potentially serving as a more affordable entry-level variant. This could serve as a replacement for the Proton Persona, given that the latter is making way for new AMA-based models in the future.
This naturally aspirated version of the BHE15 engine was recently seen in the all-new Proton Saga, where it produces 120 hp and 150 Nm, and is paired to either a CVT gearbox or a four-speed Aisin automatic in lower variants.
Proton has yet to officially tease or campaign the upcoming S70 facelift, although its official launch has been speculated to happen in Q1 next year. As always, we’ll be bringing you the latest updates as they surface.
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