Proton has officially introduced the 2026 S70 i-GT 1.5 to Sabah, giving customers in East Malaysia their first opportunity to experience the latest addition to the S70 sedan range. The Sabah introduction took place at City Mall, Kota Kinabalu, as part of Proton’s three-day roadshow from 2 to 4 October. The model made its East Malaysian debut shortly after its launch in Peninsular Malaysia on 22 September 2026. The arrival of the S70 i-GT 1.5 comes as Proton continues to strengthen its presence in Sabah, where the brand has enjoyed significant growth in recent years.

Since 2018, Proton’s annual sales volume in Sabah has increased from 3,427 units to 10,499 units in 2026, representing a 206.4% increase. Its market share has also doubled from 5% to 10% over the same period. According to Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ir Abdul Rashid Musa, the growing customer base reinforces the company’s commitment to improving its network, personnel and after-sales capabilities in the state.

The company currently operates 12 authorised service centres across Sabah, supported by trained service advisors and technicians as well as access to genuine Proton parts. Adding further support is Proton’s Regional Parts Centre in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu. The facility is intended to improve parts availability throughout Sabah and reduce spare-parts lead times by up to 30%.

The 2026 S70 i-GT 1.5 is positioned as a more accessible addition to the S70 family, with prices starting from RM58,800 in East Malaysia. Available in Lite and Prime variants, the sedan is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT engine paired with a CVT featuring a torque converter. Rather than chasing outright performance, the combination is designed around smooth and predictable everyday driving, while retaining Proton’s Ride & Handling characteristics and three selectable driving modes.

Despite its entry-level positioning, the S70 i-GT 1.5 brings a substantial equipment list to the table, with Proton highlighting 10 class-leading features covering space, comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety. Both variants offer generous interior space, with the S70 claiming the longest body and wheelbase as well as the widest body in its price segment. The spacious rear cabin can accommodate three passengers, while an almost-flat rear floor further improves practicality.

An extensive soft-touch instrument panel is also fitted as standard on both Lite and Prime variants. On the convenience front, the S70 i-GT 1.5 comes with an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold, key remote engine start and one-touch Auto Up/Down windows with anti-trap protection. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available on both variants from October 2026, giving the sedan a more seamless approach to smartphone connectivity.

Safety is another area where the S70 i-GT 1.5 aims to stand out. Both variants are equipped with 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 equipment.

While the naturally aspirated engine may represent a simpler powertrain approach, Proton says it has been extensively tested for Malaysian driving conditions. The powertrain went through more than 5,400 hours of dynamometer testing and over 412,000 kilometres of road testing as part of its validation programme, with the aim of ensuring durability, reliability and refinement for everyday use.

The S70 i-GT 1.5 has also made a strong start in the market. Since bookings opened on 7 September, the Lite and Prime variants accumulated more than 10,000 bookings within their first 14 days. That works out to roughly one booking every two minutes. The Sabah roadshow therefore gives prospective buyers a chance to move beyond the numbers and experience the new sedan in person.

Visitors to City Mall could inspect the S70 i-GT 1.5, speak with Proton sales advisors and register for a test drive, subject to availability. The roadshow also featured customer activities including Follow, Share & Reward and Test Drive & Reward, with eligible participants able to receive surprise gifts subject to the applicable terms and conditions.