Proton Preve 2013 News

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."