New PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 records over 1,000 bookings in Sarawak

KUCHING: The 2026 PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 has recorded more than 1,000 bookings in Sarawak, contributing to over 2,000 bookings across East Malaysia since bookings opened on Sept 7.

PROTON deputy chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa said the response reflected strong customer interest in the sedan, which combines space, comfort, convenience and safety features.

“The response to the 2026 PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 across East Malaysia has been very encouraging, with more than 2,000 bookings recorded since bookings opened.

“The strong interest from customers in both Sabah and Sarawak demonstrates the appeal of a sedan that combines space, comfort, convenience and safety in a well-equipped package,” he said in a statement.

The company is showcasing the model at a three-day roadshow at Vivacity Megamall here from Oct 9 to 11, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the vehicle, speak with sales advisors and register for test drives.

The roadshow follows the model’s official launch in West Malaysia on Sept 22 and its introduction in Sabah on Oct 3.

Abdul Rashid said the roadshow also allowed PROTON to engage directly with customers and familiarise them with the sedan’s features and driving performance.

“As PROTON continues to grow in East Malaysia, we remain committed to supporting our customers throughout their ownership journey with reliable aftersales service, trained personnel and access to genuine parts,” he said.

PROTON’s sales in Sarawak increased from 4,270 units in 2018 to 9,870 units in 2026, representing growth of 131 per cent, according to the statement.

To support its expanding customer base, the company operates 16 authorised service centres across Sarawak, providing maintenance and repair services through trained service advisors and technicians.

Its Regional Parts Centre here also supports parts supply to service outlets, while its Faster & Better Aftersales Commitment focuses on improving service efficiency, technical capability and the overall ownership experience.

Priced from RM58,800 in East Malaysia, the 2026 PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 is available in Lite and Prime variants.

The sedan is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and torque converter.

Among its features are an electric parking brake with Auto Brake Hold, key remote engine start, one-touch power windows with anti-trap protection, five USB ports and a reverse camera.

Both variants also come with a soft-touch instrument panel, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available from October 2026.

Safety features include a five-function rear side radar system incorporating Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning and Rear Collision Warning. A reverse camera and rear seat reminder are also standard on both variants.

The powertrain has undergone more than 5,400 hours of dynamometer testing and over 412,000 kilometres of road testing as part of its validation programme.