The facelifted Proton S70 MC2 turbo continues to pound the road ahead of its launch, and this time it’s the turn of our BM colleague – and Tanjong Malim resident – Farid Awaludin to snap photos of the test prototype.
While we’ve already seen the rear plenty of times, this is the first time we’re getting such a good look at the front end, which is where the bulk of the changes are expected to be found. As we’ve mentioned before, this appears to be an in-house-designed facelift, as the fourth-generation Geely Emgrand on which the S70 is based was only given a minor update in 2024 – this was already applied to the MC1 model earlier this year.
From what we can see, the car will receive a new grille, which looks to feature a thick centre slat emanating from the Proton roundel. This is a departure from what we’ve seen from recent models, which feature either a slimmer Ethereal Bow bar (X50) or an open grille with raised pins (Saga, X70, X90, pre-facelift S70), and it reminds this writer of the eighth-gen Honda Accord’s Modulo grille. However, it could just be a red herring caused by the disguise.
The bumper has also been redesigned with larger (still fake) corner air inlets, in a similar arrangement to those on the also-facelifted X70, giving the car a sportier look. The LED headlights seem to be smoked, but that could also be due to the camo blocking out light; in any case, they are the same headlights found on the MC1, meaning that the indicators are bulbs instead of LEDs (boo).
Moving further back, the wheels are of a new, completely different design compared to the mule we spotted earlier this week (which itself looks to have reverted to the pre-MC Flagship’s rollers). This, together with the red brake callipers, rather suggests that we’re looking at a sportier-looking Flagship variant – without the Flagship X’s sunroof and bodykit, of course.
Curiously, it appears that the car does not have the X50-style quad tailpipes that we’ve seen on and off thus far. However, the new taillights have also been completely taped up, so they may simply be obscured by the bumper camo.
Elsewhere, the car’s heavy tinting suggests that it hides an all-new, in-house-designed interior, just like the X50’s. If it does, you can expect a larger touchscreen and increased centre console storage. The front passenger is also set to benefit from a keyless entry button on the external door handle, joining the driver’s side.
The facelifted S70 turbo will continue to utilise the 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engine that was only just added with the MC1. It produces 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, all sent to the front wheels through the usual seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Safety-wise, the turbo models will be the only ones to feature advanced driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality. It remains to be seen if this will be extended to the Premium variant like the X50 or continue to be reserved for the top-spec Flagship and Flagship X.
The turbo model will join the newly-launched naturally-aspirated variant in a revamped MC2 lineup, although only the forced-induction cars will sport the new look. Could we see a launch late this year?
Proton S70
from RM59,800 
Proton X90
from RM106,800 
Proton eMas 7 PHEV
from RM109,800 
Proton X70
from RM106,800 
Proton Saga
from RM38,990 
Proton eMas 5
from RM59,800 
Proton X50
from RM89,800 
Proton eMas 7
from RM103,800 
only brainless malaysians will buy civic instead of supporting local proton S70 aka conti killer
Korok kering mung local.
S70 the new Proton Wira
Geely is useless without CCP, same like certain type that needs CCP to assist them. Its all the same, please stop blaming others for your incompetence.
you are correct, and it is purely thanks to CCP alone that geely and proton are successful today. god bless president Xi, may peace be on him.
R3 sepang version manual with campro 1.6 engine.
Habislah city
True, not the same segment.
The assaults look like will never end
Less than a year and we already get another facelift. MC2 this, MC1 that, what a desperate move.
Proton just move on lah to the new 5th gen like Geely has. MC1 Emgrand, Geely launch back in 2024. Proton delayed 2 years just for a minor facelift. Not to talk about X70 which we’re behind the whole 2 generation from the Geely counterpart. Now I realize something, are we really become a dump market for old outdated Geely cars?
No, the china domestic markets are just changing too quick, it’s just the cruelty of competition and over capacity of production.
By the time the 4th Gen has gained enough market test in china, and through the development cycle of Proton, it’s due for another model update in China, as they have amortised their molds and investments due to their scale of economy. While malaysia market rely endless facelifts to keep the demand alive too amortised the right hand drive and proton unique design molds. hope this clear up the questions
Proton attacking competitors front rear left right lorr…!!!!
NA engine (low end) for City, Vios etc.
TGDI engine (hight end) for Civic, Colola) etc…..those looking for cars at the both price range may consider this S70.