We were invited by the management of Proton to get a first impression of this game changing compact car at the Proton Research & development centre in Shah Alam. Built to a very high standard and looking at achieving an ASEAN 5-Star safety rating, this new Proton has fulfilled all safety standards and requirements and some to cater to the global market as well as the more mature Malaysian car buyer.
This compact car is a product of 2-years of planning after the initial ‘Global small car’ program was proposed right after the Paris Motor Show four years ago. This new car has been designed with the assistance of Ital Design and Protons own in house designers.
The export program for this car includes new markets as the car was field tested extensively in North Sweden under very harsh conditions.
At launch which will be just a few short weeks away on the 25th of September 2014, 7 colours will be introduced and from this list there are 2 brand new colours which is the Citrus Green (which you see in all the pictures presented here) and Silver Moondust.
Like we mentioned before, safety features have been included to address global requirements. This compact proton comes with ‘Hill-hold assist’, ABS brakes, ESC, Traction Control, Brake Assist and EBD. Passive safety is not forgotten with ISOFIX rear seats and 6-airbags.
Car security is also very important and Proton has installed a ‘Thatcham’ approved security system to reduce or eliminate car thefts and give owners a piece of mind.
The ‘Electric power steering’ system used will reduce fuel consumption by 5% and provide a better feel and of course it reduces the overall weight of the car. Brakes are 14-inch ventilated disc on the front and 8-inch drum in the rear. Projector type headlamps offer great night time driving sight with ‘daytime running lights’ in the premium model and the LED tail-lamp’s ensure better visibility.
There is a reverse sensor and reverse camera for the high specification model. This Proton may be called a compact car but its dimensions show for more room than most of its competitors. Length is 3905mm, width 1720mm and height is at 1550mm with the rear wheels tracked wider than the front to allow for more cabin and luggage room. There is a multi-function steering wheel and water bottle holders in the rear door panels.
The top version of this car will carry a Proton derived engine which is 1.6-liter VTT that produces 107bhp @ 5750rpm and 150Nm @ 3750rpm. More information will be revealed in the next few days.
We predict the asking price will start from RM44,000 for the base 1.3 automatic to a reasonable RM62,000 for the top specification 1.6 VVT version.
