New Proton sedan drives buyer excitement

KUCHING: The 2026 PROTON S70 i-GT 1.5 has secured more than 1,000 bookings in Sarawak, representing over half of the more than 2,000 bookings recorded across East Malaysia since Sept 7.

PROTON deputy chief executive officer Dato’ Ir Abdul Rashid Musa said the response reflected growing demand for a sedan offering space, comfort, convenience and safety.

“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.

PROTON held a roadshow at Vivacity Megamall here from Oct 9 to 11, allowing visitors to explore the vehicle, consult sales advisors and register for test drives.

Abdul Rashid said the company remained committed to strengthening its aftersales services as its customer base in East Malaysia expanded.

PROTON’s annual sales in Sarawak increased by 131 per cent from 4,270 units in 2018 to 9,870 units in 2026.

The carmaker operates 16 authorised service centres statewide, supported by a Regional Parts Centre in Kuching.

Priced from RM58,800 in East Malaysia, the sedan is available in Lite and Prime variants, powered by a 1.5-litre i-GT engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Both variants feature a five-function rear side radar safety system, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is available from October 2026.