2026 Proton S70 to get new 181 hp 4-cylinder engine – open for booking, launching 11 Feb


The new 2026 Proton S70 update has begun arriving at authorised 3S/4S showrooms nationwide, with bookings set to open from 7th February 2026, ahead of its official launch on 11th February 2026.

Much like the “all-new” Proton X50 and the recently launched X70 update, the new 2026 Proton S70’s main update comes in the form of the new BHE15-family 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine. This unit produces 181 hp and 290 Nm, which is a significant increase of 31 hp and 64 Nm over the outgoing port-fuel injected three-banger.

Twist is sent to the front wheels via the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds – 1.5 seconds quicker than before. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.7L/100km, Proton says.

The exterior has also received a slight refresh to bring it in line with the fourth-generation Geely Emgrand facelift. These changes include reprofiled front and rear bumpers, LED headlights, and updated designs for the 17-inch alloy wheels.

Another touted change is the addition of a new Ruby Red exterior colour, which has been spotted in several leaked images as per our previous reports. Based on these new images seen here, the new Proton S70 will also come with a new body kit consisting of a boot lid spoiler and skirting with red highlights. It remains to be seen if these will be offered with the standard S70 or available as optional accessories.

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Inside, the 12.3-inch infotainment display in the new S70 has been updated to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Proton did not state any notable changes for the rest of the interior, so it is highly likely it will remain unchanged, but we will have to wait for the official launch to find out more.

The safety features of the 2026 Proton S70 also remain unchanged, although it’s possible that the ADAS suite could now be offered to more variants in the lineup. The outgoing S70 only offered access to ADAS on the range-topping Flagship and Flagship X variants.

Proton did not provide any approximate pricing details, but for context, the outgoing Proton S70 is priced from RM73,800 to RM94,800 and is available in four variants. We will be at the launch on 11th February to cover the event in full, so stay tuned for the official pricing and our first drive impressions.

ALSO READ: New 2026 Proton X70 launched in Malaysia – 1.5TD inline-4, only 2 variants, from RM107k