Proton S70 Lite and Prime priced under RM60,000, pressuring Bezza, City and Vios

Proton Holdings Bhd is bringing the S70 into the sub-RM60,000 price bracket with the Lite and Prime variants, placing a 1.5-litre sedan in a range dominated by smaller entry-level models such as the Perodua Bezza. An automotive analyst says the move could reset buyer expectations and force national and foreign automakers to offer more value, though Japanese models like the Honda City and Toyota Vios retain brand loyalty. Malaysia's total industry volume rose 8% month-on-month to 73,615 units in July 2026.