PROTON To Take On Skoda On Their Home Ground At Czech Rally

PROTON continues its campaign in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) when round seven of the championship returns to the high-speed and tricky asphalt roads of the Barum Czech Rally Zlin this weekend.

The team’s two Satria Neo S2000 cars will be piloted by two-time FIA Junior World Rally Champion P-G Andersson and double FIA European Rally Champion Giandomenico Basso.

Based in the south-east of the Czech Republic - some 300 km east from the capital Prague and about 200km north from the Austrian capital of Vienna - the 41st edition of the rally will be contested through the forests close to the city of Zlin. The event will consist of 15 special stages with a combined competitive distance of 248.48km.

Rallying begins with a 9.36-kilometre test along a super special stage in the town centre which will be run in the dark before day two takes teams through another nine special stages totaling 133.4km. The third and final day will feature six special stages with a distance of 115km. The event has also attracted 29 S2000 cars, 14 of which consisting of 14 Skoda Fabia S2000s, from a total of 123 registered entries. Other S2000 contenders comprises of Ford, Peugeot and Volkswagen.

“The Satria Neo S2000 has certainly enjoyed a more competitive season in 2011 both in the IRC and APRC. Much of the success so far has been on gravel and as we gain more experience and data competing on asphalt and tarmac, we hope to unlock the full potential and pace of the car,” said Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, Head of PROTON Motorsports.

“The roads on this rally can be quite bumpy with some broken Tarmac, which is good for me – this kind of condition suits me quite well. I haven’t competed in Zlin before, but I have heard a lot about the rally. I’m looking forward to getting out there and driving again to chase a good result,” said Andersson.

Meanwhile, team mate Basso who will be returning to the Barum Czech Rally Zlin after several outings in the past shares Andersson’s enthusiasm, adding that the roads in Zlin are also known to be notoriously difficult.

“The most important thing is to find a good confidence in the car on the bumpy surface. Barum is not like a normal Tarmac rally, it is very specific. The bumps make finding the right set-up complicated so there is a lot of work to do with the dampers. The roads in Zlin can be especially difficult when there is rain,” said the experienced Italian.


25.08.2011

Technician Is First Recipient In My PROTON Makeover Programme

SUBANG JAYA, 22 August 2011 – PROTON Holdings Berhad revealed today, the first recipient of its “My PROTON Makeover” programme, targeted at rewarding PROTON car owners who have loyally supported the brand over the years. Fadly Hisham Roplay, 33, will have his 1992 Proton Saga completely reworked by the R3 unit of PROTON Motorsports Division.

“Fadly’s story about how his Proton Saga has impacted his life was quite an inspiration to us all,” said PROTON Group Managing Director, Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir who launched the “My PROTON Makeover” contest at the announcement of PROTON’s “Committed to be Better” programme in July. The contest is part of PROTON’s programme to acknowledge and reward faithful customers of PROTON who have fervently supported the national car maker over the last 26 years. “My PROTON Makeover” requires entrants to submit their story involving themselves and their PROTON car. PROTON will then identify the best stories or most heart-warming and reward five other winners with a complete car makeover. Entries for the contest will close on 28 December 2011.

“When we kicked off this initiative, Fadly’s name came up as a model example. The story of him and his Proton Saga was lighthearted and entertaining. But more importantly, it was really heartwarming to hear about much he loves his car and the memories that his family and him share with the car. For this, we truly felt that he and his car deserved a big ‘Thank You’ and reward,” Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal said.

Purchasing his Proton Saga in 1999 from its original owner in Kuala Lumpur, Fadly, a technician with an international electronics manufacturer, drove it back immediately to his home town, where upon arriving at the Sultan Azlan Syah bridge in Perak, shouted out “Welcome to Kuala Kangsar!” to the car, as described by his mother who was travelling with him.

“He has such an attachment to the car that only he can describe best,” said his mother, Puan Hamiah Abdullah. “He once brought us down to shop in KL, and had his car towed by the traffic police as it was parked illegally. After frantically rushing to the impound and paying the fine, he ran over and hugged the car! We couldn’t help but watch and laugh!” she added.

When asked, Fadly expressed great sentiments of the car. “One of my most memorable moments, or rather nightmare involving the car was when I drove my mother over to my girlfriend’s house for her to convey the proposal of marriage to my girlfriend’s parents. I was sitting in this car, outside the house, trembling!” he recalled. His car has played a major facet in his personal story, being the vehicle used on his first date with his then girlfriend, who has since become his wife and mother to his two children.

“This car and I have shared many stories together. We have been the brunt of jokes by my family and friends. My father-in-law has even offered to pay the down payment for a new car, but I politely declined,” said Fadly. “It is a bit of a relationship, where my car keeps me going and I also keep her going,” he laughed after revealing that thousands of ringgits have been well spent over the years to keep the car as road-worthy as possible and for the regular service maintenance.

Fadly’s 19 year-old Proton Saga will now be in the R3 workshop for four weeks, for a full rework, from top to bottom, front to back and inside out. Speaking on behalf of the R3 unit of PROTON Motorsports Division, Head of Engineering, Tengku Djan Ley bin Tengku Mahaleel said that the department is very excited about the project. “It’s not often that we are given freerein to do up a car like this. Considering the background of the situation, we’re really looking forward to giving the car an outstanding makeover as a gift for Fadly.” 

The fully reworked Proton Saga will be unveiled in September.

“My PROTON Makeover” is part of PROTON’s “Commitment to be Better” programme. For more information, visit www.protonVIP.com.


MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2011

PROTON Offers Customers A ‘Money Can’t Buy’ Experience With The Transporter Contest

SUBANG JAYA, 5 August 2011 - There are some things in life that money just can’t buy, and now, PROTON is offering its customers an exciting experience through The Transporter contest, which will see the Grand Prize winner “transporting” three of Malaysia’s hottest celebrities all the way to Singapore to enjoy the exhilarating 2011 Formula One Singapore Night Race together with them.

Launched last week, the contest will run till 24th August 2011, and the winner of this online competition will win an exciting 4 day/3 night all-expense-paid trip to watch the Formula One race in Singapore on 25th September 2011. As an added bonus, the winner will be tasked to accompany Malaysian celebrities Yasmin Hani, Jojo Struys and Diana Danielle.

Entering the contest is easy. Lucky customers who purchase a new Proton car or service their existing Proton vehicles during the contest period will be eligible to participate in the online contest by logging on to the contest website at www.protontransporter.com. All customers need to do is to fill in their details at the website and complete a slogan on why they should be The Transporter. The customer who fulfils the contest criteria, and produces the most creative slogan will be chosen as The Transporter.

Ten consolation prize winners will also win themselves exclusive Lotus-Renault Grand Prix merchandise and a pair of tickets to watch the 2011 Formula One Singapore Night Race.

The contest signifies PROTON’s collaboration with the Lotus Renault Grand Prix (LRGP) team which is competing in the current season of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Iconic sports car manufacturer Lotus, which is wholly-owned by PROTON, is the title sponsor of the team. The contest is also a part of PROTON’s many customer hospitality programmes planned during the Formula One season in support of Group Lotus.

“Through this campaign, we hope to support Group Lotus in its sponsorship and involvement in Formula One, and at the same time our priority is to provide our customers with a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the F1 fever, something which money just can’t buy. It’s also our way of thanking our customers for their support and loyalty towards PROTON.” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

LRGP is currently fifth in the Constructor Standings of the 2011 Formula One season.

Interested parties can log on now to www.protontransporter.com for the chance to witness the exciting 2011 Formula One Singapore Night Race while being in the company of celebrities!

AUGUST 5, 2011

PROTON launches the new Inspira

PROTON Holdings Bhd unveiled the Proton Inspira, it’s new mid-sized four-door sedan, enhancing the upper C-segment of PROTON’s model line-up.

Unveiling the Proton Inspira was the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato ‘ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed who was accompanied by PROTON Adviser Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed. Also present at the ceremony was PROTON Holdings Berhad Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh and Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

The Proton Inspira is the result of an OEM collaboration between PROTON and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation of Japan. Changes made by PROTON include cosmetic as well as Ride & Handling enhancements.

“We are very encouraged by the customers’ response since our soft launch on 14th October 2010. As of yesterday, we have an overwhelming response of 1,800 bookings nationwide,“ said Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin.

“One of our product strategy is to introduce non-core models through strategic collaborations which provides a more efficient, timely, and cost effective product to the market. The Proton Inspira is an excellent example of this strategic collaboration,” explains Dato’ Sri Mohd. Nadzmi.

“PROTON will continue to focus on our own design and production of our own cars. We are in fact working on several new models. Customers can expect a new facelift model rolling out from our plant by end of this year and more next year and a new model in 2012 – all done by PROTON in total,” he assured.

We asked Tengku Djan, head of PROTON motorsports arm R3, of any plans to provide performance and hop-up parts and models: “At the moment we’re not permitted to make any changes that have not been presented to and approved by Mitsubishi, and neither can we race the car unfortunately. It still looks too much like the Lancer Evolution X and they are very protective of that.”

The all-new Proton Inspira is available in 1.8-litre CVT and manual transmission as well as in 2-liter CVT transmission.

Proton Exora MC unveiled – new colour, trim and exterior enhancements

We are at Proton’s Centre of Excellence (COE) now, where Proton have just launched the new Proton Exora MC. MC stands for minor change, which is one step less comprehensive than a facelift for the MPV, which Proton MD Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin said the company is already working on and will come later.

Back to the Exora MC, which looks much better and somehow “more premium” than the car it replaces. Most of the effect is from the new Plum Red exterior colour, which joins four other hues.

Other changes on the outside include the newly designed 15-inch alloys (now featuring five twin spokes) and a new bodykit.

The latter is most obvious up front, where the front lip follows the look of the Exora Prestige seen at the model’s debut last year.

Inside, the most obvious change is the colour of the trim, which is now in dark grey (from very light grey).

The centre stack used to have a “brushed metal” texture, but is now smoothened out with some subtle graphics in place.

The leather seats in the High-Line display model pictured here are also in black.

The door trim also sports a strip of suede/alcantara style of material, which lifts the ambience a bit.

There’s also a handy boot organiser (divided into three sections), which all trims except for the Base-Line model will get. The updates are small but make a big impact – the new colour really suits the car quite well, the chrome on the bumper complements the chrome on the grille nicely, and the darker interior looks better. Just in time for balik kampung.

OTR prices are up spec-for-spec by RM1,000. Here’s the list:

• Proton Exora B-Line MT RM58,998
• Proton Exora M-Line MT RM65,998
• Proton Exora M-Line AT RM70,998
• Proton Exora H-Line AT RM76,998

Proton Persona Elegance facelift – FULL DETAILS!

We just got back from the launch of the facelifted Proton Persona, which is officially called the Proton Persona Elegance. Available in three trim levels – Base Line, Medium Line and High Line – the Persona Elegance is powered by the familiar 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with 110 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm. Buyers can choose between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, but the High Line model only comes with the auto ‘box.

Although output remains, the Campro IAFM in the Persona Elegance comes with a new 32 bit ECU from Continental, which also supplied the previous 16 bit version. According to a Proton source, the new 32 bit ECU has more capabilities compared to the older 16 bit version – capable of more inputs, you can configure more parameters, and it can also interconnect with more systems such as “talking” to a Body Control Module such as the one in the Exora.

It is more of a future-proofing and cost-effectiveness move. Torque and power output remains the same as before. Firstly, Siemens VDO have been moving their global ECU manufacturing to 32 bit being the minimum, so it is not feasible for Proton to continue ordering 16 bit ECUs when the 32 bit version can be had at a far more competitive price. This move is also in preparation for the new Project Phoenix engine that we will soon see in Protons, which will require the capabilities of the new ECU.

UPDATE: Since we first published this article we’ve received more information on the new Persona Elegance. The changes go beyond just an aesthetic make-over. We already know there’s a new bodykit, front grille, bumpers and new LED tail lamps. But beyond that, here’s what’s different:

• The seat backrest angle has been changed to offer better comfort.
• Extra soundproofing material has been added to pillars to improve interior NVH.
• Despite power output and torque being the same, a source has indicated that the engine should feel livelier and more responsive. We’ll try to get an initial impression from the showrooms over this weekend.

The original story continues below…

There are a couple of changes to the exterior. As all of you already know from our previous reveals, the Persona Elegance comes with a new rear lamp cluster, now with LED brake lights. The nine LEDs are arranged in two rows – four up and five down. All trims except for the Base Line come with a bodykit, slim rear spoiler and foglamps, although the turning lamps on the side mirrors (illuminates in a cool light bar form) and chrome door handles are standard across the board.

Up front, the facelifted Persona uses the same nose as the Gen 2 CPS along with its “black out” headlamp housing, but with a different grille design. The Proton logo and its “wings” is pushed up to the top of the grille while the Gen 2 CPS has a central emblem. The 15-inch rim design is also new, although the 195/60 size of the tyres are unchanged. As before, the Base Line makes do with steel rims and hubcaps.

Inside, the most apparent change is the replacement of the previous custom designed audio head unit for a conventional single-DIN unit, once again by Blaupunkt. The USB compatible unit should be easier to operate than before with minimal and large buttons, and all trims but the Base Line get steering wheel controls. The meter cluster graphics are also new, now with white numbering and red needles plus a red inner ring, much more “premium looking” than the plain orange dials used before. Proton also says that the angle of rear seat has been changed for improved comfort.

Medium and High Line cars get a GPS navigation set stuck on the windscreen, driver’s seat height adjuster and electric side mirrors. Only the High Line gets leather seats and trim (Base and Medium Line sports a new fabric material), cruise control and remote release for the trunk.

Safety kit wise, the High Line comes with ABS and EBD, two airbags and two pre-tensioner seatblets. Out of this, the Medium Line only gets a driver’s airbag and pre-tensioner seatbelt, while the Base Line gets none of the above.

Here is the price list for the Persona Elegance:

Base Line (M) RM46,499

Base Line (A) RM49,499

Medium Line (M) RM52,999

Medium Line (A) RM55,999

High Line (A) RM59,499

Proton’s latest is available in two new colours – Chiffon Green and Bronze Garnet – in addition to silver and black. Brilliant Red is a colour exclusive to the High Line. Now in showrooms and ready for booking, the Persona Elegance comes with a 2-year/50,000 km manufacturer’s warranty plus a 3-year/125,000 km extended warranty programme – that’s a total of 5 years.

Pictures from the launch this morning, studio images, a video and a full scan of the brochure showing the equipment list of all variants are after the jump.

Click for enlarged version of image

Proton Saga FLX with CVT and ABS seen in showroom!

It is indeed an interesting Sunday afternoon for us, as we received news that the Proton Saga FLX is now available for public viewing at a Proton showroom in Kelana Jaya (within the Giant supermarket). More important than being able to view the car is the fact that we now have more juicy information to share with you. First of all, the Saga FLX with CVT is available in two trim lines. It starts off with the FLX 1.3 Standard which also comes with a manual transmission.

This is followed by the FLX 1.3 Executive, also available with a manual transmission as well. Let’s start with the former. The FLX 1.3 Standard uses a 6-speed CVT and the transmission has something called an SAT Switch which stands for Stepped Automatic Transmission, which sort of simulates the feel of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. This switch is located beside the gear lever.

Based on the Saga FL (AT) Standard, everything else remains the same according to the sales person, though the FLX 1.3 Standard with CVT does not feature ABS. Airbags are also not part of the safety feature list as well.

The FLX 1.3 Executive on the other hand comes with ABS, which allows you to steer your car while performing emergency braking. There is also EBD, or Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which adjusts brake force applied on each wheel.

Other than ABS and EBD, the Executive additionally comes with driver and passenger airbags, seat belt with pre-tensioners, steering wheel with audio controls, height adjustable driver’s seat, electric door mirrors, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler and finally side protector moulding. Also included is a multi-purpose container.

The entire FLX range is available in five body colour options including Solid White, Tranquality Black, Genetic Silver, Blue Rock and finally Elegant Brown, which is what we have here in the photos. Now for the pricing bit. Proton has yet to release official figures but according to the sales person, the FLX 1.3 Standard with CVT is likely to be priced at RM41,998 OTR, which is about RM1,000 more than the 1.3 (AT) Standard.

The same RM1,000 price bump is also expected for the FLX 1.3 Executive, giving an estimated price tag of RM44,298 OTR. The FLX is now available for pre-bookings but at the moment we are unable to confirm when deliveries will start. Nevertheless, something tells us it might be right before the Hari Raya celebrations. The sales person also mentioned that most Proton showrooms should be equipped with at least one Saga FLX display unit.

PROTON R3 Satria Neo – Built For Greater Performance And Driving Excitement

SUBANG JAYA, 8 February 2011 - Built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and injected a bigger dose of high performance into its products, national car manufacturer PROTON Holdings Berhad today unveiled for sale a limited number of Proton R3 Satria Neo hot hatches. 

Engineered for a more spirited drive by engineers from PROTON’s Motorsports Division, the R3 Satria Neo features Stage 2 upgrades to the standard 1.6-litre CAMPRO S4PH engine and is rated at 145 brake horse power at 7000 rpm and 168 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. 

Available only with a close ratio 5-speed manual transmission, the R3 Satria Neo sports re-profiled camshafts that increases valve lift and overlap; a performance calibrated on board computer with revised fuel maps for spirited drives; a carbon fibre air intake system; a higher flow 4-2-1 performance exhaust system; and adjustable aluminium camshaft pulley. 

Weighing in at 1,200kg, ride and handling has also been enhanced further to cope with the R3 Satria Neo’s personality. R3 performance springs drops the car 10mm lower to reduce body roll, and recalibrated alignment, toe and camber settings increases grip and steering precision. Complementing the overall handling and dynamic package, the R3 Satria Neo is fitted with R3 edition 16” inch gunmetal lightweight alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE001R 205/45 series profile tyres that have a softer compound. The R3 Satria Neo is also factory fitted with high performance brake pads capable of withstanding high-temperatures of up to 500 degree Celsius for increased fade resistance often associated with constant heavy braking. 

“The R3 Satria Neo is an extension of PROTON’s involvement and experience in motorsports which will see a new generation of selected showroom models being injected with greater dynamic elements and excitement, mainly in catering to a niche segment of customers and enthusiasts who desire vehicles that are purpose-built for performance,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. 

Offered only in exclusive Fire Red with a black painted roof, the R3 Satria Neo sports a very distinctive exterior styling which sets it apart from its predecessors. The all-round CPS bodykit is complemented by a redesigned R3 designed rear roof spoiler; a front lip which improves down force on the front axle and reduces undercarriage turbulence; prominent fender arches; and titanium coloured side strips or mouldings. 

The fiery theme extends to create a sporty, classy and alluring matte red and black twotone interior. The R3 Satria Neo also comes fitted with R3 limited edition front bucket seats wrapped in nappa leather with micro fiber finish, carbon effect PVC and detailed in red stitching; matte red dashboard trims, gear console and handbrake handle; twotone door trims; and R3 floor carpets. An engine start button, aluminium foot pedals and gear knob accentuates the R3 Satria Neo’s performance-driven attitude. All cars also come with solar and security protection. The car is also fitted with a 2-DIN audio head unit with 3D GPS navigation. Safety features include dual front airbags, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). 

The R3 Satria Neo is priced at RM79,797 (MT Metallic) and is available for immediate booking at all PROTON Edar showrooms in Peninsular Malaysia. Booking fee is RM2,000 and lucky early birds will be invited to the launch event and get photographed with our very own star drivers, Tengku Djan Ley and Faidzil Alang, both of whom are attached to the Motorsports Division of PROTON. 

For more information, visit your nearest PROTON showroom today, call our PROTON i-Care at 1-300-880-888 or log on to www.r3.proton.com.

New Proton Savvy Lite – from RM33,549

Proton has launched a new Proton Savvy variant called the Proton Savvy Lite that comes in both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT automatic form. The report by Bernama is a little too vague and only reports the price of these two cars – RM33,549 for the manual and RM36,549 for the AMT, a big saving compared to the standard Savvy’s price of RM40,240 for the manual and RM43,182.12 for the AMT.

I have no details on the differences between the Savvy and the Savvy Lite at this time, but I am guess steel wheels, cassette player and other really baseline specs like unpainted bumpers. Will get full details and post them soon.

Something that benefits all Proton Savvy owners is the announcement that prices of Proton Savvy replacement parts have been reduced by up to a maximum of 30%.

Proton Gen2 CPS M-Line Black Roof

The Proton Gen2 has been in the market since 2004.  Proton Gen2 CPS which is available in these few year are only in the H-Line model. Now, Proton decides to gives a little extra to the customers.  Proton did a few cosmetic upgrade on the Gen2 CPS  (most significantly the black roof). The part that interest most of the people is Proton Gen2 CPS is available for M-Line now.

If you are not familiar how Proton classify their car model range, M-Line means medium line. The good news is Proton has reduce the Proton Gen2 CPS M-Line price by RM1,500 making it RM57,480 ( Automatic – version).  The best part out of you getting the cosmetic upgrade is -You are getting the 125hp Proton Campro CPS red cover engine instead of the 110hp Camrpo IAFM. This is a definitely not a common scenario coming from car maker which just reminded me Toyota Vios with just facelfit without engine upgrades but “upgraded” the price. The Proton Gen2 CPS H-Line prices are remain unchanged as compare to previous.

Something that put me off a little bit is that, the Proton Gen2 CPS M-line is only available with automatic gearbox. However you will have 2 colours to choose from – Solid White and Fire Red, both with black roof top. Proton has also tweaked the front grille, rims and door handle. Not something that we can notice easily.

Inside the revised Proton Gen2 CPS leather upholstery is available only for H-Line. M-line will most likely get the standard Gen2 fabric seat. On top of that, the new Proton Gen CPS M-line also doesn’t come with bodykit as standard. Other than that, multi-function steering wheel & foglights are only available in H-Line Proton Gen2 CPS.

The new refresh Proton Gen2 CPS will be available for viewing on Proton Showroom this Saturday (22nd May 2010).  We will be taking some live shots for you. If you are looking for a more spirited racing drive, you need to get the Proton Gen2 CPS H-Line for the manual gearbox. Prices and Range of the new Proton Gen2 CPS as below.

High-Line (Automatic) – RM62,938 

High-Line (Manual) – RM59,958

Medium-Line(Automatic) – RM57,480