The 2026 Proton S70 MC1 has just been officially launched in Malaysia, marking the first update to Proton’s C-segment sedan since its debut.
Positioned as an evolutionary refresh rather than a full facelift, the MC1 focuses on refinement, improved connectivity and subtle styling upgrades aimed at strengthening its appeal among young professionals and growing families.
Four Variants
The 2026 Proton S70 MC1 arrives with four variants: Executive, Premium, Flagship and Flagship X.
On-the-road prices (without insurance) for Peninsular Malaysia are as follows:
- Executive – RM73,800
- Premium – RM79,800
- Flagship – RM89,800
- Flagship X – RM94,800
For the first 2,000 customers who register before 31 March 2026, Proton is offering a RM5,000 rebate, bringing prices down to between RM68,800 and RM89,800.
What’s new?
While this is technically a minor change (MC1) update, Proton has focused on meaningful enhancements rather than cosmetic gimmicks. The updates centre around styling, connectivity, refinement and overall driving experience.
Externally, the S70 receives a new headlamp design, a redesigned 17-inch alloy wheel pattern, a new rear LED tail-light bar with rhythmic lighting, and an updated aerokit (standard on the top variant). The overall silhouette remains the same, but the details are sharper.
Inside, the cabin now adopts a darker, sportier black theme, complemented by refined materials and subtle enhancements such as illuminated window switches.
Under the hood, the S70 gets a new i-GT 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), producing 181 PS and 290 Nm. However, Proton says calibration work has been carried out to improve smoothness, gearshift quality and NVH levels. Claimed fuel consumption remains at 5.7L/100km.
Technology sees one of the biggest upgrades as well. The 12.3-inch infotainment system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard, finally eliminating the need for cables.
ADAS Level 2 remains, offering 13 active safety features including AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Assist and more.
In short, the 2026 S70 isn’t a radical reinvention — it’s a refinement exercise focused on improving the ownership experience.
First Impressions – Noticeably Better to Drive
At first glance, you could easily mistake the 2026 S70 MC1 for the outgoing version. The overall design language remains intact — the proportions, the stance, the profile.
But take a closer look and the changes become evident. The headlights are new, the rims feature a fresh design, and the bodykit has been revised. The differences are subtle but deliberate. It’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
The Flagship X variant, however, turns things up a notch. With its more aggressive bodykit, rear spoiler and redesigned rear bumper, it looks noticeably sportier and more purposeful. It’s the one you’d want if visual drama matters to you.
Inside, the layout remains largely unchanged, but the new black roofliner makes a surprising difference. It gives the cabin a more premium, cohesive and slightly sportier ambience. It feels more expensive than before.
But the biggest change isn’t visual — it’s audible. Or rather, the lack of it. Proton claims extensive work has been done to improve NVH levels. Is it evident? Absolutely.
The cabin is significantly quieter than before. Wind noise, tyre noise, road noise and external disturbances are now very well suppressed. At cruising speeds, the S70 feels far more refined and composed. It genuinely punches above its price point in this regard.
On the move, the improvements continue. Power delivery feels noticeably more linear. The turbocharged 1.5-litre engine no longer feels as abrupt in its surge. Instead, it builds speed progressively, making it easier to modulate in daily driving.
The brakes, too, are better calibrated. They’re not as grabby as before, offering smoother, more predictable stopping power — a small change that makes a big difference in urban traffic.
The engine itself is quieter and significantly smoother. Combined with the improved insulation, it makes the S70 a genuinely comfortable car for both daily commutes and longer highway journeys.
And then there’s connectivity. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard is a major quality-of-life upgrade. In 2026, this should be expected — and thankfully, Proton has delivered.
Space remains one of the S70’s strongest suits. The cabin is impressively spacious for a C-segment sedan, with generous rear legroom and a practical boot. For young families, it ticks all the right boxes.
Verdict – Same Look, Better Substance
Visually, the 2026 Proton S70 MC1 doesn’t shout about its updates. It looks very similar to the outgoing model.
But beneath the surface, it’s a better car. It drives better, feels more refined, quieter, smoother, and feels more connected.
Much like the updated X50, this is a case of subtle exterior evolution paired with meaningful mechanical and refinement improvements. If you already liked the S70, the MC1 makes it easier to recommend. And if you thought the previous car was good but slightly rough around the edges, this update addresses exactly that.
