Proton Preve News

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)

Malaysian car maker Proton has been very quiet in Australia in recent times, but is planning to make more noise on the market in the coming few months. The company made some weird decisions on pricing in years gone by, asking big dollars for some models with the result that sales were all but non-existent at times. The lesson appears to have been learned and Proton is now proudly telling us its cars are amongst the cheapest on the market. Proton launched a model called Preve in four-door sedan format early in 2013 and will expand the range with the introduction of a sporty Preve GXR. It will be powered by the turbo version of the 1.6-litre Campro engine with 103 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque. Which should make it more lively than the sedan with its non-turbo 80 kW engine.  Preve’s CVT transmission has paddle shifters to let the driver choose between seven preset gears. Proton is proud of the fact that the driving dynamics of Proton Preve GXR have been Lotus engineered. This is something that has impressed us in previous Proton models, which had excellent ride and handling. Preve has a five-star crash test rating and will go on sale in Australia on November 1, 2013. An interesting model is the seven-seater Proton Exora people mover. Two models are coming down under; even the entry level Proton Exora GX is well equipped, with alloy wheels, a roof mounted DVD player; CD audio system with Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs, reverse parking sensors alloy and an alarm system. To that list the Proton Exora GXR adds a leather trimmed interior, cruise control, a reversing camera, and a rear spoiler. Proton Exora GX will have a driveaway price from $25,990. The topline Exora GXR begins at $27,990 drive away. Both versions of the people mover are powered by a low-pressure turbo-petrol engine of 1.6 litres, producing 103 kilowatts of power and 205 Newton metres of torque. They will have a CVT automatic transmission, with six preset ratios for the times when the driver feels the computer hasn’t selected the correct ratio for the conditions. Major safety items are ABS, ESC and four airbags. However, the Proton Exora has only received a four-star ANCAP safety rating in a time when many cars gain the maximum five stars.  On sale date of the Proton Exora range is October 1, 2013. Proton’s newest model, the Suprima S hatchback is further down the track, with an on sale date of December 1, 2013 being currently planned for. Pricing will be announced at a later date. Just introduced in Malaysia, the all-new Proton Suprima S will be sold in two models, both using the same turbo-petrol 1.6-litre Campro engine and CVT transmission as are installed in the Exora and Preve. However, a six-speed manual version will be available from the first quarter of 2014. The Suprima S has also gained a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. All new Protons have five years capped price servicing, a five years warranty and five years free roadside assistance; all of these have a distance limit of 150,000 kilometres. We will be interested to see how the new Proton range works out. Previous models have greatly impressed us with their ride and handling, but left us distinctly unimpressed with engines that were down on performance. Build quality was on the variable side in years gone by, but has hopefully been brought up to date. Certainly our visit to the then new Proton factory in Malaysia about five years ago showed that the team there is very determined to produce world-class cars.  

The sharpest knife is wielded by Proton, whose Preve sedan is now the cheapest small car in the country. Proton marketing general manager Billy Falconer says the cut -- which amounts to a 15 per cent shave off the original price -- is a reaction to the aggressive discounting of rivals.The flip is the annual/15,000km servicing cost is now capped for the first five years or 75,000km, rather than the free servicing as previously. "In order to compete with all these offers, we have reduced the price for the Preve range, with the manual starting at just $15,990 driveaway and the CVT auto Preve from $17,990 driveaway for a limited time only," Falconer says.The Preve is the first Proton to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a five-year warranty. The Malaysian brand is relying on the improved safety and features -- all Preve models have 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and controls for the sound system and phone mounted on the steering wheel -- to help boost sales.The company sold just 856 vehicles last year and is behind that number year-to-date with 353 sales to July. A new hatch and people-mover -- both built according to Proton's improved safety standards -- are imminent.Ford's Focus Ambiente is -- for now -- just $18,990 on the road, including free servicing for the first three annual/15,000km check-ups. Mazda's $19,990 deal on the Neo includes a four-year warranty and three years' roadside assistance. A Mitsubishi Lancer ES with a front and rear spoilers, side skirts and alloy wheels is available for $19,990 driveaway until the end the month.PRICE WARModel                                November 2012     NowCitroen C4                          $22,990                 $20,990Ford Focus                         $20,290                 $18,990*Holden Cruze                      $21,490                 $19,490Mazda3                              $20,330                 $19,990*Proton Preve                       $18,990*                $15,990*Mitsubishi Lancer                $19,990                 $19,990**denotes driveaway pricing

But the reduction comes at a cost -- customers will be no longer offered five years free servicing.The Preve will be priced from $15,990 drive-away for the 5-speed manual variant and $17,990 for model fitted a 6-speed CVT for the rest of 2013. In place of the generous free servicing promotion, Proton is introducing a capped price servicing scheme for the models first five annual services.Powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 80kW and 150Nm, the Preve boasts a pretty handy standard features list including 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, 60-40 split fold rear seat, and steering wheel audio and phone controls. Budget conscious buyers can also be reassured by the model’s five-star ANCAP safety rating.General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Proton Australia Billy Falconer said the Preve delivers excellent value for money. “These days everyone is seeking excellent value and keeping an eye on their spending.”“With this special offer we have Australia’s most affordable small car and the peace of mind of five years of capped price servicing, five years warranty and five years roadside assist. Added to that is the security of a five star ANCAP safety rating.”Joel Helmes is the editor of the Behind the Wheel radio program, heard on more than 150 stations around Australia, and www.behindthewheel.com.au 

Proton has finally earnt the coveted five star ANCAP safety rating for one of their cars.The Prevé is the first car in Proton’s range to receive the top safety rating – an achievement ANCAP Chairman Lauchlan McIntosh says is a testament to the Malaysian manufacturer's commitment to improving car safety."A lot of time and effort has been invested in improving the design and safety equipment of the Prevé and it is reassuring to see Proton reach this mark." McIntosh said in a statement. “Proton hasn’t let previous poor results for its vehicles hold it back; rather they’ve used this as an incentive to strive for the top safety rating for the Prevé.”The Prevé managed to match the rating of several cars in the same category, including Mercedes-Benz B-Class, BMW 3-Series and the Volvo V40.In the official ANCAP report the Prevé provided acceptable driver chest and leg protection, passenger chest protection in the even of an offset crash and side impact crash. The car received high ratings in all collision tests; however the only drawback was its rating in pedestrian protection."ANCAP is increasing the standards for pedestrian protection for all star ratings over the next few years," said Mr McIntosh. In order to achieve a five star safety rating, the minimum pedestrian protection rating is being raised from ‘marginal’, to ‘Acceptable’ from 2014. The Proton Prevé was released in January of this year. Its high safety rating and affordable price tag (from $18,990) may help make it a more attractive option in a crowded compact market.

The Malaysian maker is trying to haul itself out of the bargain basement using a mid-sized Preve with a value price and a five-year care package that sets a new standard in Australia.The Preve is on sale from January at $18,990 driveaway and will be followed by the Evora people mover in June. Both cars have a new ‘Five Star’ support package that runs to a five-year warranty, five-year roadside assist and five years of free servicing and Proton is also aiming for a five-star ANCAP safety score.But Proton has a disastrous stop-start history in Australia and admits it needs to change radically to build some confidence and support for the brand. Its sales this year are down by more than 20 per cent, even from a miserable base of less than 1000 sales by October 2011, at just 760 cars. And the Preve, even with a push direct from Proton chief Datuk Jamil, will struggle with a 1.6-litre engine in a field that includes the impressive Mazda6, Ford Mondeo and more than a dozen others."You have to put the peg in the sand and say this is our new starting point," Proton Australia's general manager of sales and marketing, Billy Falconer, tells Carsguide. "I wouldn't say it's the last chance but we've had re-launches before. What we want to do is reassure people."The Preve is a major change of direction for Proton, which has always exported baby cars developed for its Malaysian base. It looks good but the engine is underwhelming and the rest of the package - even with Lotus suspension tuning - is not going to win people across from mainstream brands. But Falconer is talking positive about the car and the new approach."It's been a long time coming. We've excited about it. I think the Preve is a better offer than the S16 at $11,990," he says. "Yes, it's the lowest price in the class. But price is not what we'll sell on going forward. With a five-year package we're showing we're supporting the brand.The Exora is a good looking seven-seater that will be priced around $25,000 on the road and Falconer says there are more newcomers for Proton by 2015. "We're not happy at all with our sales, but at the end of the day we've had no new models for three years. Now there are three other new models with two years."The Preve and Evora were previewed at the Australian International Motor Show, where Proton chief Jamil was optimistic about the future. "We think that, in Australia, the demand for mid-size sedan cars like this is very popular," he says. "In terms of projection we are looking at about 200 to 240 cars a month."That means an ambitious sales target of 2500 in the first year, rising to 4000. But Jamil says Proton is not renewing its efforts in Australia just to save face, or to lose money. "It's no point of us doing good numbers but losing money at the end of it. At the end of the day, it's the top and bottom line that matters very much to the company. Its not just about selling cars, it's about maintaining your name and your brand. 

Turbocharging comes as a fresh blast of air to Proton and literally boosts its new sedan and people mover ranges. The show is the debut for the Preve (pronounced prevay) sedan in GX and turbocharged GXR versions. Proton Australia’s general manager of sales and marketing Billy Falconer says the Preve is the first of Proton’s new generation cars. The Preve GX is powered by Proton’s 1.6-litre Campro engine mated to a five-speed manual. A CVT automatic, with six preset ratios will be optional. The car, which will be priced under $20,000 and goes on sale directly after the show, has an expansive feature and safety list. This includes 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, park sensors, LE D tail lights, electronic stability control and six airbags. The GXR version, with its turbocharged engine giving it the grunt of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, comes along in a few months. It will be the first in the Proton fleet to be fitted with a seven-speed ProTronic CVT with steering-mounted paddle shifters. Additional features in the GX include push-button engine start, automatic airconditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, leather interior, satellite navigation and electric folding mirrors. It’s the sort of offering to make people pay attention.  

It marks the Malaysian battlers' brand finally shifting gears here in Australia. The Preve the first Proton car developed for global sales, and not just an inwards-looking Malaysia market, and has new management at home to back the drive and end the perception that the company is just part of the country's public service. The Preve - pronounced 'pre-vay' - will be in showrooms in September with a starting price that should be around $18,000. Proton Cars Australia says the Preve will be a rival to the Kia Cerato and Hyundai i30 and will hit following the baby Evora people mover, taking over from underwhelming efforts including the S16 and - despite strong sales - the baby Jumbuck ute. It still only comes with a 1.6-litre starter engine, although there is also a turbocharged version of the small four. But Proton denies any desperation in the latest move. "No, it's not our last chance," Proton boss John Startari reveals to Carsguide. "This is the start of a new product range and a new position for the company. There's never been a time when the company has been able to compete on an even footing in Australia in terms of specification, features and safety." Proton has not had any four or five-star safety cars in Australia, based on ANCAP testing, and it has also sold cars with engines too small for local conditions and drivers. But Startari says that is changing and the company's new management, under the DRB-Hicom automotive conglomerate, is providing extra drive. "Proton has been very vocal in saying that Preve is the first global product. That can only benefit countries like Australia," he says. At present, Proton is only a blip on the Australian sales charts and has delivered only 379 cars to the end of April, a 23.7 per cent slide from 2011. Even though the Jumbuck is officially gone from its brochures, it is still the best seller with 111 deliveries. Startari refuses to be downbeat with new products on the way, although he admits his job is not easy. "Obviously, every car manufacturer in the country has plans for their future and there are extra cars to back this up at Proton.  "We've got Exora coming, which is a new segment for us and will fill a void from Jumbuck. Jumbuck had a niche of its own and it's the same for Evora, because non-one else has a small people mover. "Then we're looking at a hatch version of the Preve in 2013, as well as vehicles in other segments. But I cannot talk about that yet."