Remember when the first images and details of the Proton S70 were revealed earlier this month? While it might have a different name and badge, this sleek-looking sedan is essentially the Geely Emgrand for the Malaysian market. However, it has some distinct differences compared to what we get here in the Philippines and it goes beyond changing the badges and grille.

Now, Proton has officially revealed the 2024 S70 ahead of its December debut. Right off the bat, there are some clear differences between the Proton S70 and the Geely Emgrand based on looks alone. But before we get to that, let’s check what’s under the hood.

As mentioned before, the Proton S70 doesn’t come with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four. Instead, it gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine derived from the Coolray. The result is 150 PS along with 226 Nm of torque between 1750 to 4000 rpm. Power is then transferred to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. But wait, doesn’t the PH-spec Coolray make more power with 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque?

The lower output rating is due to the S70’s 1.5-liter turbo using port-fuel injection rather than the direct injection system the Coolray gets in the Philippines. Despite the slight dip in horsepower and pull, the S70’s turbocharged inline-three still packs more punch than the Emgrand’s humble 102 PS with 142 Nm of torque.

Going back to its looks, the S70’s overall shape and profile are similar to the Geely Emgrand. But since it’s made by Proton, it gets a different grille with several pins finished in chrome along with the signature tiger emblem that’s proudly displayed at the center. Around the back, the G E E L Y typeface on the center of the trunk lid has been replaced with P R O T O N. Other than those changes, the LED headlights & taillights, as well as the two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels (high-grade models only) have been carried over from the Emgrand.

Step inside and the Proton S70 gets the same interior as the Geely sedan. However, it does get some unique features like a thicker flat-bottom steering wheel and an electromechanical gear selector. Sitting at the center of the dashboard is a wide touchscreen infotainment display that comes with connectivity features and also manages climate control. Meanwhile, the driver gets a fully digital instrument cluster.

Other available features in the S70 include a power sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, leather seats, an electronic parking brake, a 360-degree camera system, a wireless charging pad, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that include; forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane departure warning, lane centering control, and intelligent high beam. The Geely Emgrand doesn’t come with ADAS here in the Philippines.

With the Proton S70 now available in Malaysia, could Geely PH somehow offer upgrades to the Emgrand like ADAS? And could this mean the PH-spec Emgrand might eventually get a turbocharged three-cylinder under the hood like what Malaysia gets with the Proton S70?