Verdict
At RM59,800, the Proton S70 costs RM47,000 less and gives a Malaysian buyer a 500-litre boot in a 4,602-mm sedan. It is the rational five-seat choice, but its 118 hp and 150 Nm are well behind the Proton X90’s 178 hp and 290 Nm. The RM106,800 X90 is 228 mm longer, carries seven and has a 2,805-mm wheelbase, plus dual-zone climate control and a multi-link rear suspension. Its 257-litre boot is the trade-off behind all three rows.
Pick the Proton S70 if five seats, a 500-litre boot and saving RM47,000 matter more than seven-seat capacity and performance.
Pick the Proton X90 if you need seven seats, 178 hp and 290 Nm, and can accept its smaller 257-litre boot and higher price.
Key differences
- Price: Proton S70 RM59,800; Proton X90 RM106,800.
- Power and torque: Proton S70 118 hp and 150 Nm; Proton X90 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Seating and boot space: Proton S70 five seats and 500 litres; Proton X90 seven seats and 257 litres.
- Dimensions: Proton S70 4,602 mm long with a 2,627-mm wheelbase; Proton X90 4,830 mm long with a 2,805-mm wheelbase.
- Transmission and rear suspension: Proton S70 8-speed CVT and torsion beam; Proton X90 7-speed wet dual-clutch and multi-link.
- Wheels and tyres: Proton S70 16-inch wheels with 205/55R16 tyres; Proton X90 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 tyres.
S70
- RM47,000 cheaper to buy.
- 500-litre boot, 243 litres more than the X90.
- Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm versus the X90’s 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Five seats instead of seven.
- Manual air-conditioning and a torsion-beam rear suspension.
X90
- Seven seats and a 2,805-mm wheelbase.
- 178 hp and 290 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo engine.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch touchscreen and multi-link rear suspension.
- RM47,000 more expensive.
- 257-litre boot is 243 litres smaller than the S70’s.
- 1,695 kg kerb weight is 426 kg heavier.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM59,800✓ | RM106,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | — | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC DVVT (i-GT), Port Fuel Injection | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed CVT with Manual Mode | — |
| Gears | 8 | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,602 mm | 4,830 mm |
| Width | 1,809 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,466 mm | 1,764 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,627 mm | 2,805 mm |
| Weight | 1,269 kg | 1,695 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 500 litres✓ | 257 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/55R16 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/55R16 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Giti Control P10 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | — | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Turbine-style Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Turbine-style Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Electric Power Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Dual Front, Side and Curtain Airbags) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | ISOFIX with Top Tether | Available on two middle row passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Rear Seat Reminder, All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning; no AEB/ACC/lane-keep (camera ADAS reserved for 1.5TD Flagship variants) | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | — | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Fabric | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air Conditioning | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Second Row, 2 USB Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Back Row |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers | 12.3" Touchscreen Atlas OS Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up/Down with Anti-trap | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start with Remote Engine Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Cruise Control | Cruise Control with Speed Limiter | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 6x free labour servicing | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used S70 & X90 for sale
S70 vs X90 FAQ
Is the Proton S70 or Proton X90 better?
The Proton S70 is better for a five-seat buyer who prioritises purchase price and luggage space. The Proton X90 is better for seven occupants, stronger 178 hp/290 Nm performance and its longer 2,805-mm wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The Proton X90 costs RM47,000 more than the Proton S70: RM106,800 versus RM59,800. Its annual road tax is also RM120, compared with RM90 for the S70.
Which has the larger boot, the Proton S70 or Proton X90?
The Proton S70 has the larger quoted boot at 500 litres. The Proton X90 has 257 litres, a 243-litre deficit, but it adds a third row for seven-seat carrying capacity.
