2027 Proton S70 RS Gets Sportier Looks, RM15,000 Worth Of Upgrades & 15 ADAS Features

PROTON is giving its S70 turbocharged sedan a more distinctive identity with the introduction of the 2027 S70 RS, bringing a sportier exterior, a redesigned cockpit and a substantial equipment upgrade.

The RS moniker stands for Refined Sportiness, reflecting PROTON’s intention to give the sedan a stronger sporting character without changing its established powertrain.

The refreshed range comprises two variants, the S70 RS Premium and range-topping S70 RS Sportline, replacing the previous Premium, Flagship and Flagship X turbocharged models.

Both retain the i-GT 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 181PS and 290Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

The Sportline gets additional styling and equipment over the Premium, including a more aggressive body treatment, red brake calipers, sporty interior accents and ambient lighting.

More Assertive Looks

The most obvious change is the exterior, particularly the redesigned front grille and bumper, which give the S70 a more purposeful appearance.

The sculpted bonnet, revised bumper detailing and aerodynamic air curtains contribute to the updated design, while the new dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels add to its sporting character.

The Sportline takes things further with a Quartz Black roof, door handles, side mirrors and rear spoiler. It also gets exclusive side skirts with the Sportline ‘S’ emblem, red brake callipers and a rear diffuser with dark grey quad exhaust finishers.

Inside, the Sportline receives a dual-tone cabin with red trim, red seatbelts and 256-colour rhythmic ambient lighting. The centre console is illuminated, while exclusive door scuff plates complete the treatment.

The Premium, meanwhile, has an all-black interior and a more understated appearance.

Updated Cockpit Experience

Another significant upgrade is inside, where the S70 gets a redesigned dashboard and centre console.

The new 14.6-inch infotainment head unit replaces the previous 12.3-inch display, while the driver’s instrument display is upgraded to an 8.88-inch TFT screen.

The larger touchscreen has a new interface and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Android Auto will only be available in January 2027).

Other functions include built-in navigation, TikTok, Spotify, JOOX and SYOK music streaming, weather forecasts and split-screen multi-application functionality.

A new Commander Dial on the centre console provides access to audio volume, ambient lighting, desktop selection and driving modes. The gear selector is now repositioned on the steering column to allow space for the Commander Dial. There is also an illuminated 10-litre storage compartment.

Proton has also retained physical controls for frequently used air-conditioning functions, including fan speed and temperature adjustment, as well as the rear defroster switch.

Other equipment includes a wireless phone charger, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, five USB ports and six speakers.

The ‘Hi PROTON’ voice command system supports both Bahasa Melayu and English, allowing drivers to issue commands for selected functions such as opening the windows, switching on the air-conditioning, playing music and navigating to a destination.

Connectivity Extends Beyond The Car

The refreshed S70 also receives Proton Link 2.0 with Huawei Watch integration.

Through the mobile application, owners can remotely control selected vehicle functions, including the horn and headlights, boot, windows, door locks, air-conditioning and engine.

This adds another layer of convenience to the ownership experience, allowing selected functions to be accessed without being inside the vehicle.

Extra Safety

Both S70 RS variants receive Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) comprising 15 functions.

These include Front Departure Alert (FDA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Lane Centering Control (LCC).

The remaining functions are Traffic Sign Information (TSI), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Other safety equipment includes a new 540-degree high-definition camera system, automatic rain-sensing front wipers, Walk Away Auto Lock and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Six airbags are provided, while the body structure incorporates more than 60% high-strength steel and 6% hot-stamped steel.

The S70 previously received a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating following testing in October 2023.

Performance Remains

Despite the RS designation and more aggressive appearance, Proton has retained the existing powertrain rather than pursue a higher-output version.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine continues to deliver 181PS and 290Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through the seven-speed DCT.

The claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time is 7.5 seconds, while fuel consumption is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km.

The engine uses a toothed timing chain which is claimed to be quieter than a conventional timing chain.

RM15,000 Worth Of Upgrades

PROTON has put the value of the refreshed S70’s upgrades at RM15,000, covering the exterior and interior redesign, infotainment system, convenience features and additional safety equipment.

The S70 RS Sportline is the more visually distinctive choice, while the Premium offers the same core powertrain and major technology and safety upgrades in a less flamboyant package.

The refreshed turbocharged models will sit alongside the naturally aspirated S70 i-GT Lite and Prime, which retain their existing design and equipment.

Pricing and full market specifications for the refreshed S70 RS range are expected to be announced at its official launch.

CarTok Editor’s Note

PROTON has retained the turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, concentrating instead on the areas owners interact with every day. The redesigned cockpit, larger infotainment screen, physical controls, connected functions and expanded ADAS package may have greater everyday relevance than a modest increase in engine output.

The S70 already has an established position in Malaysia’s sedan market. With the new RS line-up, PROTON is drawing a clearer distinction between its more premium sedan offering and the more budget-friendly S70 i-GT range, which continues with the existing design.

This effectively gives buyers two different S70 propositions, allowing PROTON to appeal to those seeking a more sophisticated package while retaining a more accessible entry point for price-conscious customers.