Proton PREVE Launched - Premium with CFE Turbo

Proton PREVE (Prevé) has officially launched. The new Proton product named Prevé is the official name for the highly awaited Proton P3-21A as referred by Proton before launching. First off, why and what’s Prevé, the name pronounced as (pray-vay) is derived from the word “Preve” which means to prove a point.

Sold in three variants, the PREVE is priced at RM59,990 for the 1.6-litre IAFM+ engine variant with five-speed manual transmission, RM62,990 for the 1.6-litre IAFM+ with six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) and RM72,990 for the premium 1.6-litre CFE turbocharged engine with seven-speed CVT. The variant in solid colour is RM450 cheaper.

The car boasts a rigid structure, thanks to the usage of stronger steel components made using Hot Press Forming (HPF) technology.

Preve’s instrument meter cluster is also more advanced than previous Proton models and comes with a Smart Info Display to show useful details such as journey time, distance to empty tank, key fob and car battery low warning as well as bulb failure warning.

Other safety features include seatbelts with pre-tensioner helps to secure driver and passenger in position during the initial moments of a collision, two front airbags and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution while the Premium variant gets two more side airbags and electronic stability control.

The Premium variant also gets additional paddle shifters, wipers with rain sensor, start-stop button and a CD Player with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in satellite navigation system.

Other standard equipment across the range include 4G in-car WiFi system, 16-inch tyres, numerous cup and bottle holders and a sporty-tuned suspension.

The IAFM+ engine churns out 109bhp and 150Nm of torque which should translate into adequate performance for a regular 1.6-litre family car.

Meanwhile, the Premium variant’s turbocharged engine produces 138bhp and 205Nm of torque similar to that of a bigger 2.0-litre car.

Available colours are Blue Lagoon, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Elegant Brown and Solid White.
 

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Proton recalls Gen.2 and Satria Neo manufactured between 2004 and 2008

National automaker PROTON today announced a voluntary recall of its Gen2 and Satria Neo cars made between 2004 and 2008 due to a clock spring malfunction that raised potential safety concerns.

The voluntary recall, which is part of its Global Quality Assurance programme, affects 15,911 (2%) of 660,000 cars produced and sold over the four-year period. The clock spring connects switches and airbag to the radio, horn and cruise control.

“Although the number is small, the safety of our customers is paramount and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato` Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Routine tests identified irregularities with the clock spring such as friction noise within the steering wheel, activation of horn or car lights without warning, audio control switch malfunction, and in extreme cases, deployment of the driver side airbag.


Dato` Haji Syed Zainal Abidin said, “The recall is an example of the commitment we place on our customers’ safety, and the reliability of our vehicles under PROTON’s Global Quality Assurance programme.

“We hope our customers understand that this recall is necessary to ensure their continued confidence in the safety and performance of their vehicles,” he added.

Owners of the affected models can contact any authorized PROTON service centre, to book an appointment for a free check-up. All labour and parts costs related to the replacement of the clock spring will be provided at no charge at our authorized service centres nationwide.

PROTON will be sending letters to affected customers notifying of the matter. At the same time, PROTON has set up a dedicated website, www.protonaftersales.com to help customers check the manufactured year of their vehicle, by keying in their chassis number or referring to a pictorial guide. For more information and clarification, owners can call PROTON iCARE at 1-300-880-888, or contact their local dealer.

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New Proton Inspira - Waja Replacement Model

Proton Inspira

SHAH ALAM: Proton Holdings today unveiled the new Proton Inspira based on the Mitsubishi Lancer four-door sedan, finally ending months of speculation of how the successor to the Waja model would look like.

The whole car was not shown at the media preview at Proton’s Centre of Excellence this morning. Rather a mock-up of the front portion of the car was displayed on a truck, which will be making its rounds in the Klang Valley, Kuantan, Johor Baru and Penang.

The car is tentatively scheduled for official launch on Nov 10.

The Inspira differs from the Lancer model with a revised front end featuring a grille with the Proton logo and a winged chrome bar.

Elsewhere, changes are not easily noticeable except for the Inspira badge at the trunk lid.

The Inspira is available in three variants - a 1.8-litre with a five-speed manual transmission, 1.8-litre with a INVECS III six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 2.0-litre with CVT.

The engines, meanwhile, are Mitsubishi’s all-aluminium MIVEC type with variable valve timing.

The specifications were not disclosed at this time.

The suspension system has been tweaked for a “Lotus handling and ride” with changes to spring and shock absorber ratings, as well as bushing stiffness.

Standard features include a strong body with a five-star crash rating, dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system, 16-inch wheels with all-round disc brakes, remote trunk release, steering wheel audio control buttons and fully automatic climate control.

The high-end 2.0-litre variant gets additional features such as steering column mounted paddle shifters and leather seats.

Pricing starts at RM79,880 for the base variant while the 2.0-litre version will cost not more than 95,000.

The car will be available in maroon, silver, white and black.

Bookings for the car can be placed at any Proton Edar dealership with a RM1,000 deposit. Those who book now until Nov 15 will enjoy a two-year free service package.

Source : Star-motoring.com

Proton Inspira

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Proton EXORA Unveiled With New Facelift

Proton EXORA Unveiled With New Facelift

No changes to the mechanicals and running gear, with the 1.6l Campro CPS block continuing as is with 125bhp and 150Nm in the MPV, which is available in Base, Medium and High-line variants in both manual and automatic transmission form.

All three variants feature a brand new interior colour theme, steering wheel finishing and door inner handle finish. The High-line variant benefits from the most number of refinements - these include a new centre panel and panel shift lever finishing, chrome garnish for the fog lamps, door visors, as well as a boot organiser.

Both the High and Medium-line variants also come factory-fitted with new design 15-inch alloy wheels and all-round body kit.

The Exora is available in five colour choices, these being Genetic Silver, Solid White, Tranquility Black, Blue Haze and Plum Red (for the Medium and High-line).

It is priced at RM58,998 (B-Line MT), RM65,998 (M-Line MT), RM70,998 (M-Line AT) and RM76,998 (H-Line AT), all on-the-road (Peninsular Malaysia and metallic-based), and comes with a five-year or 175,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

Source: star-motoring.com and proton.com.my

Proton EXORA Unveiled With New Facelift

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Proton Satria Neo S2000 Specification and Video

Proton Satria Neo S2000 Rally

As we know, Malaysia had built the Satria Neo S2000 rally car to enter the competition of FIA’s Super 2000 formula for 2010 season. Eventhough the car is malaysian made, the driver is not a malaysian. The teams two drivers are Chris Atkinson and Alister McRae. The new Satria Neo was engineered and developed by Mellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM) a company formed in 1982 bydriver Chris Mellors to enable him to compete in the British Rally Championship. Even the last Proton Wira rally (2002) which is driven by Karamjit Singh were built by them.

The Satria Neo s2000 Rally Car is installed with a 4-cylinder 1998cc DOHC normally aspirated engine which is based on the 1.8 liter Renault engine in the Waja. It produces 280hp at 7,800rpm and a massive 271Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, and is installed transversely at the front of the car. This engine is mated to an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission with Alcon clutch and 3 player LSD.

The following are the specs for a Super 2000 Rally Car:

· 3, 4 or 5-door models with length over 3900mm
· Generic 4X4 transmission without active differential from Sadev or Xtrac
· 2.0 liter normally aspirated engine from either a base engine used in any model from the manufacturer, or a engine licensed from another manufacturer with 2,500 units minimum production per year
· Engine must comply to BTCC/ETC specs with 8,500rpm rev limit
· Minimum weight – 1100kg tarmac, 1150kg gravel
· Maximum bodywork and wheel arch extension width 1800mm

Proton Satria Neo S2000 Rally

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Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing Edition

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd will initially produce 25 units of its newly-launched Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing Edition.

Its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the national carmaker had so far received 11 bookings for the model.

"This car was specially designed to commemorate the Lotus Formula One racing team. We intend to do it in limited edition," he told reporters after the model was launched by Proton''s adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad here today.

"Initially we will produce 25 units in line with our 25-year anniversary celebrations," he said.

Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton would increase the volume of the Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing edition if the model received good response.

The company, he said, also planned to exports the model to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

Inspired by the spirit of Lotus Racing, the car is powered by Proton's race-proven 1.6-litre CamPro CPS engine, and re-tuned by R3 for more power and torque utilising its Engine Management System, performance camshafts, carbon fibre air-intake and titanium exhaust headers.

The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing Edition is currently available at RM115,000.

R3, which stands for "Race, Rally and Research, is Proton's motorsport division specialising in the research, development and production of race cars and performance parts.

Source: BERNAMA

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Waja Replacement Model by 2010

While announcing its 4th Quarter financial standings to the press two days ago, Proton's MD Datuk Syed Zainal also revealed bits and pieces of Proton's plan for the future.

According the report by The Star Business

The plan, which is up to the 2016 financial year, will see Proton focus its efforts in the high growth markets of South-East Asia, China, India and the Middle East and North Africa.

The plan, which is up to the 2016 financial year, will see Proton focus its efforts in the high growth markets of South-East Asia, China, India and the Middle East and North Africa.

Managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company might also maximise localisation to reduce costs and would look at having multiple production hubs.

He said the plan would also see Proton cut down on the number of platforms and models to two platforms and three to five core models by financial year 2010/11. The three models are Persona, Saga and an MPV slated for launch next year.

“For small volume models, it will be done on a collaboration basis,'' he added.

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NEW PROTON SAGA BLM 1.6 LIMITED EDITION

The Saga 1.6 MT model is available only in the B-line, in Manual Transmission and in Chili Red Colour. It is now available for booking at Proton Edar website. The B-Line M/T listed at RM39,000 is the sole 1.6 liter model on sale. That’s about roughly a RM3k premium over the 1.3 liter B-Line M/T.

While the feature of the Proton Saga 1.6 MT are similar to the Proton Saga 1.3 MT B-Line, it is different only in terms of its engine capacity. It is fitted wit a 1.6 Campro DOHC engine as opposed to the usual 1.3 Campro DOHC engine.

No specs for the B-Line 1.6L M/T have been made known on the site but based on various ads placed on online classifieds: it has power windows for the front, air conditioning, an alarm system and a CD player so it should satisfy the bare requirements of creature comforts, but with no safety features as there is no airbag.

Source: www.proton-edar.com.my

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Proton Exora: Malaysia’s First MPV

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato` Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak has officially launched the much anticipated Proton Exora, Malaysia’s first home-grown multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) last night.

Unveiling the new MPV with the Prime Minister were PROTON Holdings Berhad Chairman Datuk Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh and Managing Director Dato` Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, the person instrumental in launching the national car project in 1983, was also present with Tun Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali to witness the launch.

The launch was attended by several Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, foreign dignitaries and other distinguished guests.

The launch marked a milestone not only for PROTON but for the country as well as the Exora is Malaysia’s first locally produced MPV encompassing almost 90% of local parts and components. The Exora is also the first wholly “Malaysian-Made” MPV from design and concept to engineering and manufacturing by PROTON.

The Exora emphasizes the three main feature elements – comfort, performance and safety, which were translated into the design and quality of the vehicle. PROTON Holdings Berhad Chairman Dato` Mohd. Nadzmi bin Mohd. Salleh described the Exora as PROTON`s answer to the needs and requirements of PROTON customers who are more discerning.

“PROTON is now venturing into the MPV segment which has grown in popularity. The Exora will be our answer for the customers out there who are now more conscious about comfort and safety of their family members while traveling. It is designed, engineered and manufactured based on research and market studies made by PROTON over the years,” said Dato` Mohd. Nadzmi.

Dato` Mohd. Nadzmi added that the introduction of the Exora indicated the advancement of the Malaysian automotive technology as it is locally produced from ground up, from the initial R&D activities right through to the design and production processes. “Being one of the pioneering team members who helped set up PROTON 25 years ago, I am indeed very proud of the achievements made by the PROTON family who have turned a vision into a reality,” he added.

“I am certain that PROTON will not stop here, but will continue to improve and increase its efforts to ensure it remains relevant and able to compete with other established global car makers,” said Dato` Mohd. Nadzmi.

Meanwhile, PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director Dato` Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the Exora was an engineering feat for PROTON as it was developed in merely 18 months from the time PROTON fixed the design (model-fix) to production stage. “This feat has gained us much respect from our peers in the automotive industry,” he said.

“It indicates our success in not only producing cars but also in developing a pool of capable and experienced engineers and skilled workers in the Malaysian automotive industry. We have proven that the impossible is now possible with hard work and determination.

“The Exora meets our aspiration to produce the right car at the right time and at the right place. Malaysians have already warmed up to the Exora ever since the booking for the MPV was opened on 21st February 2009. So far, we have received more than 2,500 bookings and this is a very encouraging development for us. The level of trust given by our customers towards the MPV is heartening,” said Dato` Syed Zainal.opment

“Don’t take our word for it. Please do come over to any of the 293 Proton Edar and EON sales office nationwide to see and experience the Exora yourself,” added Dato` Syed Zainal.

The night also saw the first four Exora owners receive their keys from the Prime Minister and driving home in their brand new Exoras. The Exora owners were three early bird customers, Syed Mohd Lutfi bin Syed Hamzah, Ramamuthie a/l Varathan and Teng Kim Hong and winner of the MPV Naming Contest, Norsholihan binti Abd Eaanich.

The Exora features the 1.6 CamPro CPS engine with 4-speed automatic transmission and is available in two variants, Medium-Line at RM69,998 (OTR) and High-Line at RM75,998 (OTR), with 2 airbags as standard. The Exora is available in six colors – Pyrite Brown, Gaia Blue, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Blue Haze and Solid White.

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Proton Exora - What You Need To Know

The new Proton Exora, officially launched by the Prime Minister is a model which should have been available a long time ago. Of course, this is not really Proton’s first MPV as there was the Juara, a mini-MPV cloned from the Mitsubishi Town Box. Being a latecomer in the MPV segment is not necessarily a disadvantage for Proton because it had the chance to see the shortcomings of other MPVs and not only avoid them but also offer a better product. From what can be seen, Proton made full use of its 'lateness’ and has come out with a model that is innovative and it also has that Lotus DNA which has given its recent models noteworthy ride and handling. As mentioned earlier, being late allowed Proton to see what the competition offers and do better than them so the dimensions for the Exora could be made class-leading. As the chart below shows, it is longer and wider than the Nissan Grand Livina, Toyota Avanza, Naza Rondo and even the Toyota Innova. From earlier spy pictures, it did not seem that long but apparently it is.
The inside of the Exora is very impressive from the point of view of spaciousness and also appointments. With this model, the interior designers have outdone themselves and far from looking cheap (which was often the comment about Proton interiors), there is thoughtful use of different textures for the various surfaces which makes a lot of difference. In the past, this sort of thing was not given a lot of attention and dashboards looked really cheap and plasticky.

In keeping with the times, the Exora (H-Line) has a standard DVD player/monitor mounted on the ceiling. It’s a standalone unit which can play DVDs and also accept media cards so apart from watching movies, the occupants could review their holiday pictures as they go home.

One thing which Protons have been praised for – right from the first Saga – has been the air-conditioning. Given our hot climate, a high-performance cooling system is important and with the Exora’s large cabin and extra glass area, this would have been a challenge. To ensure that everyone stays cool, there are vents on the ceiling – two on each side so that even those in the third row get cool air. The fan speed can be controlled but the switch is too far forward (ahead of the DVD player) and would be better if it was positioned over the second row.

For now, the Exora has only one engine – the 1.6-litre Campro CPS+VIM which produces 125 bhp at 6000 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. It’s a familiar engine by now so we won’t get into much detail. A turbocharged version is rumoured for introduction later on but no one will confirm it. Incidentally, the Exora has front-wheel drive in case you don’t realize it.

The Campro engine – after the CPS version - has proven itself to be a good powerplant in sedans but with the Exora weighing over 1,400 kgs, the weight-to-power ratio is obviously not as good as what it would be in a Waja. For this reason, a lot of effort was put into retuning the transmission control unit to provide the driveability that would be acceptable. This also necessitated a change of the final drive ratio in the Mitsubishi transmission to a lower 4.625 (all the other ratios in the manual and automatic transmission are the same as in the Waja and Gen2). This means that overall gearing is lower and that enhances low-end performance but sacrifices a bit at the top end. However, the Campro CPS is already known to be inherently strong at the top end so losing a bit is no big deal. Most owners would probably not notice it anyway. There is also a lock-up clutch installed which provides a direct solid link in top gear at cruising speeds, reducing power losses that occur with the hydraulic linkage.

The Exora was crash-tested for 12 different requirements, optional and mandatory, all of which it passed. Besides ensuring that it can meet the legal safety requirements in countries that it will be sold in, Proton’s engineers also aimed for a high rating in the EuroNCAP crash test. EuroNCAP is an independent organization which conducts crash tests on vehicles sold in Europe and carmakers pay attention to its results which are also made public. While EuroNCAP has not actually crashed an Exora (and would only do so if it is sold in Europe and it chooses to evaluate the model), its criteria are available to manufacturers who can conduct their own crash tests and see how well their new model will fare. In the case of the Exora, the crash tests conducted in an independent facility in Spain showed that the MPV could score 4 stars (out of the maximum of 5) based on EuroNCAP criteria.

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