Proton S70 Surpasses 2,000 Bookings in Sabah and Sarawak

The Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 is an entry-level C-segment four-door sedan manufactured by Malaysian national carmaker Proton Holdings Berhad. Designed as a budget-conscious, naturally aspirated alternative to the turbocharged S70 variants, it provides practical daily transportation with contemporary safety and convenience equipment for motorists in East Malaysia. Distributed locally through Proton's official network, the vehicle delivers competitive passenger cabin space, modern cabin amenities, and low-cost ownership tailored for value-seeking car buyers across Sabah and Sarawak.

Key Facts

The technical specifications, pricing tiers, and regional market milestones for the 2026 Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 establish its positioning in the Malaysian automotive sector.

The 2026 Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 starts at RM58,800 in Sabah and Sarawak and features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a torque-converter CVT across Lite and Prime trim levels.

How Many Bookings Did the Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 Receive in East Malaysia?

The Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 accumulated over 2,000 customer bookings across Sabah and Sarawak within approximately one month of booking books opening on 7 September 2026. Drivers in Sarawak accounted for more than 1,000 of those reservations, highlighting strong consumer demand for modern, high-value sedans in the state.

Official order books opened on 7 September 2026, ahead of the model's official Peninsular Malaysia debut on 22 September 2026 and its subsequent regional launch in Sabah on 3 October 2026. The milestone reflects expanding consumer acceptance of the national carmaker's non-turbocharged platform across East Malaysia. According to Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato' Ir Abdul Rashid Musa, consumer reception confirms market interest in practical, well-equipped vehicles:

sambutan yang diterima terhadap S70 i-GT 1.5 membuktikan bahawa pengguna di Sabah dan Sarawak berminat terhadap sedan yang menawarkan gabungan ruang, keselesaan, kemudahan serta ciri keselamatan.

Dato' Ir Abdul Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton Holdings Berhad

Proton confirmed it will sustain the ownership experience through efficient after-sales procedures, qualified technicians, and reliable component inventories. Proton secured over 2,000 bookings for the S70 i-GT 1.5 in Sabah and Sarawak between 7 September 2026 and 12 October 2026, with Sarawak contributing over 1,000 units.

How Fast Are Proton Sales Growing in Sarawak?

Proton sales in Sarawak expanded by 131 per cent between 2018 and 2026, rising from 4,270 units sold to 9,870 units. This rapid commercial volume growth reflects broad local consumer adoption across Proton's updated passenger vehicle catalogue alongside systematic long-term investments in regional distribution networks.

To support this growing vehicle parc in Borneo, Proton operates 16 authorised service centres throughout Sarawak. These service facilities are staffed by certified service advisors and factory-trained technicians. Parts distribution is anchored locally by a dedicated Regional Parts Centre based in Kuching, ensuring genuine replacement components remain readily accessible to shorten maintenance turnaround times. Proton annual sales volume in Sarawak increased by 131 per cent from 4,270 units in 2018 to 9,870 units in 2026.

How Does the S70 i-GT 1.5 Differ from Turbocharged S70 Models?

The Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 replaces the standard 1.5-litre turbocharged engine found in existing S70 variants with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol powerplant. Power is delivered to the driven wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) equipped with a torque converter, catering directly to standard urban driving cycles.

Marketed in Lite and Prime equipment grades, the S70 i-GT focuses on low purchase barriers, ride comfort, and functional convenience equipment. While turbocharged variants prioritise higher torque output and performance dynamics, the i-GT configuration targets lower complexity, predictable fuel economy, and budget-friendly long-term running costs under daily commuting conditions. Unlike turbocharged S70 variants, the Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 employs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a torque-converter CVT to prioritise everyday usability.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 is targeted at budget-conscious Malaysian motorists seeking a modern C-segment saloon starting at RM58,800 rather than compromising on smaller subcompact alternatives. It directly suits cost-sensitive suburban commuters, young families, and commercial transport drivers operating across major East Malaysian urban centres such as Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Miri.

By relying on a naturally aspirated engine and torque-converter CVT, the vehicle minimises mechanical complexity, offering reliable cooling and thermal stability under persistent equatorial heat and high tropical humidity. Furthermore, Proton's local infrastructure network in Sarawak—anchored by 16 service centres and Kuching's Regional Parts Centre—resolves long-standing regional automotive pain points regarding logistics delays and remote parts availability. With a base price of RM58,800, the Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 caters to value-oriented East Malaysian buyers seeking a spacious, fully supported daily sedan.

Common Questions

What is the starting price of the Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 in East Malaysia?

The 2026 Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 is priced from RM58,800 in Sabah and Sarawak. It is sold in two distinct trim levels: Lite and Prime.

Which engine and gearbox are fitted to the Proton S70 i-GT 1.5?

The car is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) featuring a torque converter, rather than a turbocharged unit.

How is after-sales support managed for Proton owners in Sarawak?

Proton supports Sarawak customers through 16 authorised service centres, factory-trained technical staff, and a dedicated Regional Parts Centre located in Kuching to supply genuine replacement parts.

Sources and Methodology

This article is derived from primary reporting by Careta (careta.my), authored by Firdaus Razani on 12 October 2026, titled "Proton S70 i-GT 1.5 Terima Lebih 2,000 Tempahan di Sabah dan Sarawak". Quantitative data points—including sales volumes, booking timelines, dealership figures, and retail pricing—were translated from Bahasa Malaysia source material into British English without aggregation or synthetic derivation. This article was last updated on 12 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against Careta automotive industry coverage.