Proton S70 MC2 NA Hits 10k Bookings, Launch Sept 22

Proton S70 MC2 NA: Malaysian Market Definition and Position

The 2026 Proton S70 MC2 NA is the naturally-aspirated (NA) variant of the Proton S70 sedan, introduced by Malaysian national automaker Proton as part of the upcoming MC2 facelift lineup. It features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a torque converter CVT, designed to extend the previously turbo-only S70 range downward and serve as an indirect replacement for the soon-to-be-discontinued Proton Persona.

**The S70 MC2 NA is positioned as a budget-conscious C-segment sedan for Malaysian families, with a starting price under RM60,000.**

Key Facts

This section presents the core specifications and market data for the 2026 Proton S70 MC2 NA, including pricing in Ringgit Malaysia (RM), powertrain details, and launch information.

Why Did the Proton S70 MC2 NA Receive 10,000 Bookings in Two Weeks?

Proton announced on September 21, 2026, that the naturally-aspirated S70 has accumulated 10,000 bookings exactly two weeks after its announcement. This equates to one order every two minutes, according to the national carmaker, indicating strong initial market demand for a sub-RM60,000 C-segment sedan.

This booking volume is notable given current production bottlenecks. Proton's sales are "currently held back by production bottlenecks," with the company prioritizing delivery of the Proton Saga. The high booking rate suggests significant pent-up demand for an affordable S70 variant, likely from buyers who previously considered the Proton Persona or entry-level turbo S70 models.

Proton recorded 10,000 bookings for the S70 MC2 NA in 14 days, a rate of one order every two minutes.

What Is the Pricing Structure for the Lite and Prime Variants?

Official pricing will be revealed at the launch on September 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM, but Proton has guaranteed a starting price below RM60,000. A leaked internal presentation slide indicates the Lite variant will be priced between RM55,000 and RM59,000, while the Prime is expected to retail for RM65,000 to RM69,000.

The Lite's starting price point places it just a few thousand ringgit above the top-spec Proton Saga Premium. This pricing strategy makes the S70 MC2 NA a competitive option against lower-segment rivals, offering a larger vehicle footprint for nearly the same money as a fully-loaded Saga.

"...the former will be priced between RM55,000 to RM59,000 (just a few thousand ringgit more than the top-spec Saga Premium), while the latter is expected to retail at between RM65,000 to RM69,000."

Source: Paul Tan's Automotive News, leaked internal presentation slide

The confirmed starting price for the 2026 Proton S70 MC2 NA is under RM60,000, with leaked estimates placing the Lite variant between RM55,000 and RM59,000.

What Powertrain and Transmission Does the S70 MC2 NA Use?

Both the Lite and Prime variants of the S70 MC2 NA are powered by the Saga MC3's 1.5-litre BHE15-CFN i-GT four-cylinder engine, producing 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a new torque converter CVT, likely the same WLY unit used in the S70's Chinese-market twin, the Geely Emgrand.

The CVT is expected to offer a simulated eight-speed mode, a feature common in the Geely Emgrand, operated through the S70 Turbo's exclusive electronic gearlever. This powertrain combination represents a shift from the turbocharged 1.5T i-GT engine found in the MC1 S70 lineup.

The S70 MC2 NA uses a 120 PS and 150 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a torque converter CVT with simulated eight-speed mode.

What Are the Key Equipment Differences Between the Lite and Prime?

Externally, the NA version is differentiated by a full gloss black grille. The specifications are largely similar to the turbo Executive variant, with notable exceptions. The base Lite model features halogen headlights, fabric seats, and 16-inch wheels, while the Prime upgrades to LED headlights, auto air conditioning, faux leather upholstery, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Lite compensates for its halogen headlights with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto up/down windows, and a reverse camera. A significant omission across both NA models is the lack of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking, a feature available on the less expensive Proton Saga Premium.

Neither the Lite nor Prime S70 MC2 NA offers advanced driver assistance systems, a feature the cheaper Proton Saga Premium includes.

Who Is This Car For in Malaysia?

The 2026 Proton S70 MC2 NA is targeted at Malaysian budget-conscious sedan buyers who previously considered models like the Proton Persona or entry-level Japanese rivals. It suits families seeking a larger C-segment footprint, boot space, and modern connectivity features without the premium associated with turbocharged variants.

This vehicle is relevant for urban and suburban Malaysian drivers, from those navigating Klang Valley traffic to families in landed properties in Penang or Johor. The sub-RM60,000 price point is designed for first-time new car buyers upgrading from A-segment or B-segment vehicles, offering features like wireless smartphone connectivity as a core value proposition.

The S70 MC2 NA serves Malaysian buyers wanting a C-segment sedan with modern connectivity features at a price point historically reserved for smaller B-segment hatches.

Common Questions

How long will delivery take for the 10,000 booked units?

Delivery timelines are unclear due to production bottlenecks. Proton confirms bookings are held back by current manufacturing constraints, with priority given to increasing Proton Saga output. No specific fulfilment date for the S70 MC2 NA has been announced as of the launch date.

Is the S70 MC2 NA cheaper than the Proton Persona it replaces?

Yes. The S70 MC2 NA starts below RM60,000, directly competing with the price bracket the Persona occupied before its 2026 discontinuation. Leaked estimates suggest the Lite variant will range from RM55,000 to RM59,000, placing it in similar territory to top-spec Persona and Saga Premium models.

Does the S70 MC2 NA have the same safety features as the turbo S70?

No. Choosing either the Lite or Prime NA variant excludes advanced driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking. This is a notable downgrade from the turbo S70 variants, which offer a more comprehensive ADAS suite as standard equipment on higher trims.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: Paul Tan's Automotive News, dated September 21, 2026, titled "2026 Proton S70 MC2 NA gets 10k bookings in 2 weeks – Lite and Prime fr below RM60k, launching Sept 22, 8pm." Information was extracted from the article text and image captions.

All pricing is presented in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as provided by the source. No currency conversions were applied. This article was last updated on October 26, 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited Paul Tan's Automotive News article.