2010 Proton Jumbuck Reviews

The Exora has just been unveiled in Malaysia, and will come to Australia, but it's the mechanical package under the family wagon which provides the real breakthrough.It will be spun in a number of directions, including an all-new Persona family car.Talk from Malaysia also points to a potential successor to the Jumbuck ute, which has been a rare success for Proton in Australia, as well as the company's first station wagon.There is no confirmation of the extended model plan, but Proton Cars Australia is already looking at the potential for the Exora down under."The Exora will come. We're evaluating it and seeing how we can get it here, in what form and what pricing," says Proton chief John Startari, who was in Malaysia last week."It would be our first seven seater, so we need to check the positioning. It would need to be under $25,000 and the timing depends on negotiations on pricing and the market study. It would be next year at the earliest."In Australia we don't have the small people movers that work in Aisa.It would be interesting to see if there is an opportunity."The biggest shortcoming in the Exora is the baby 1.6-litre Campro engine which restricts almost everything the Malaysian company makes.It is fine for home sales but barely adequate for export use in countries like Australia.Startari refuses to talk specifics on the Exora's mechanical package but admits Proton is looking at ways it can exploit the latest engineering development."The plan is to rationalise the number of platforms. There are currently six from the Jumbuck to the Exora," he says."The new platform is the first one since the Satria, which came after the Savvy."Proton sales in Australia have been hit badly in recent months but Startari says is developing a plan to give the brand some renewed impact."I have to admit that we're down considerably. But we're preparing to work through the dealer network, moving from 25 back up to 40 in coming weeks," he says."That will give an immediate sales boost. And then we are planning to release a new small five-door model."That car will be coming in August, but I don't want to say too much yet. We have to get everything locked away."It has just been unveiled in Malaysia, and will come to Australia, but it's the mechanical package under the family wagon which provides the real breakthrough.It will be spun in a number of directions, including an all-new Persona family car.Talk from Malaysia also points to a potential successor to the Jumbuck ute, which has been a rare success for Proton in Australia, as well as the company's first station wagon.There is no confirmation of the extended model plan, but Proton Cars Australia is already looking at the potential for the Exora down under."The Exora will come. We're evaluating it and seeing how we can get it here, in what form and what pricing," says Proton chief John Startari, who was in Malaysia last week."It would be our first seven seater, so we need to check the positioning. It would need to be under $25,000 and the timing depends on negotiations on pricing and the market study. It would be next year at the earliest."In Australia we don't have the small people movers that work in Aisa.It would be interesting to see if there is an opportunity."The biggest shortcoming in the Exora is the baby 1.6-litre Campro engine which restricts almost everything the Malaysian company makes.It is fine for home sales but barely adequate for export use in countries like Australia.Startari refuses to talk specifics on the Exora's mechanical package but admits Proton is looking at ways it can exploit the latest engineering development."The plan is to rationalise the number of platforms. There are currently six from the Jumbuck to the Exora," he says."The new platform is the first one since the Satria, which came after the Savvy."Proton sales in Australia have been hit badly in recent months but Startari says is developing a plan to give the brand some renewed impact."I have to admit that we're down considerably. But we're preparing to work through the dealer network, moving from 25 back up to 40 in coming weeks," he says."That will give an immediate sales boost. And then we are planning to release a new small five-door model."That car will be coming in August, but I don't want to say too much yet. We have to get everything locked away."

The Malaysian maker has been searching for a 'big brother' for more than three years and has finally gone back where it began, linking to the Japanese company which helped to establish Proton in the 1980s.It is a product connection with benefits on both sides, as Mitsubishi gets access to Proton's small cars and factory in Malaysia and its renewed partner can tap into a Japanese source for larger, semi-luxury cars.The new deal has only just been completed and and details are being kept secret."It's too early to be saying anything. These are long-term model plans which obviously need to stay confidential," says the CEO of Proton Cars Australia, John Startari.Proton originally intended to create a strategic partnership with Volkswagen for Asia but, when that plan floundered off the back of political infighting in Malaysia, it spoke to many other companies including Peugeot, Fiat and — through Holden — General Motors.It eventually settled on a deal with Mitsubishi as it prepares to spend more than $1.8 billion over the next five years on future models."It's good news. It secures a technology partner for Proton," says Startari."It's also a company that Proton knows well and is a strong and credible partner."Proton is likely to do the work for a shared city car, which would become the replacement for its current Savvy, with Mitsubishi lining up a replacement for the Waja which could be based on its new Lancer.The Malaysian company also plans to tap Mitsubishi's experience to improve its quality and design vehicles which will be more acceptable outside its home country.While the deal is an obvious win for Proton, Startari says the company is doing surprisingly well despite poor sales in Australia."Proton is one of the few companies anywhere in the world that's making a profit right now," he says.While Proton is struggling for cut-through in Australia, it is pushing ahead with new-model plans including its first people mover. It is about to go into production in Malaysia but local demand will delay its arrival downunder."We will definitely be getting the MPV, but it won't be coming until 2010," says Startari. 

For Proton to be competitive the price needs to be $14,990 instead of the list $16,990 which is only a grand short of a Nissan Tiida.You can argue that it comes with more year than a Tiida until you're blue, but in the end most people would rather buy a Japanese designed car.THE GOOD:Built in Malaysia. Sedan version of the Satria hathback. 1.6-litre four cylinder Campro engine produces 82kW of power and 148Nm of torque from 4000rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 6.6 litres/100km (we were getting 7.3). Handles okay thanks to input from Lotus which is owned by Proton. A long equipment list includes two airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, temperature controlled air, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking with boot release and 15 inch alloy wheels with Goodyear rubber. Asymmetric layout of centre instrument console shows some artistic flair. Bonuses include a biggish boot, trip computer and rear parking sensors.THE BAD:Comes out of a modern factory but the finish is not as good as competitors. Especially noticeable inside the boot where exposed speaker wiring could easily be damaged. Ticks all the right boxes but lacks even a hint of excitement. Boxing above its weight in terms of the engine department. Misses out on the cam profiling promised by the engine name. Performance okay but suffers from a lack of torque. Doesn't get going until you have at least 3500rpm on the dial. Takes pricier 95 RON premium unleaded too with no apparent gains. Steering wheel is rough on the hands. MP3 compatible CD sound with a handy 12 volt outlet but no AUX input for iPods. Only a space saver spare.THE DECISION:It's time Proton acknowledged its position in the market place and started to price its cars accordingly. How can it hope to sell more than a sprinkling of cars if it is not competitive? 

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton has pitched its new Persona at the budget end of the small-car market. At $16,990 for the four-door, five-speed manual Persona sedan, it is the cheapest in the segment, based on the superseded Gen.2 platform but slightly larger.A Persona hatch will arrive later this year, but the five-seater sedan arrives in one specification level for now.A second model is coming mid-2009, thought to be bringing with it stability control and additional airbags above the sedan's two front airbags.A four-speed auto adds $2000 and an after-market cruise control is coming and will cost $700 plus fitting.Proton has packed the car with a healthy list of creature features, including power windows and mirrors, 15in alloys, trip computer, Blaupunkt audio with controls on the steering wheel, reverse sensors and fog lamps. Under the bonnet is Proton's 1.6-litre four-cylinder CamPro petrol engine with claimed fuel economy of 6.6 litres/100km for the manual and 6.7 litres/100km for the auto, with emission figures of 157g/km (manual) and 160g/km (auto). But the engine is no dynamo, with 82kW of power and just 148Nm of torque available only at high revs.Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says the company is targeting young families, first-car buyers and retirees: “People who are looking more to running costs than power,” he says. “We believe we have the right compromise between power and fuel economy.”Mr Startari says Australia has been allocated only 600 Personas this year because of unexpected demand in Malaysia and limited production. Cynics rightly suggested that the Proton Persona launch drive from the top of Mt Hotham down to Melbourne might mask the engine's lack of power.Peak power is 82kW, which is respectable in this class and by no means the weakest, but it's at 6000rpm with the rev limit only a few cycles above. More importantly, peak torque of 148Nm only comes on at 4000rpm.In the real world where you will have to work the gearbox for even meagre results, the economy will blow out. On the launch drive, my Persona used fuel at a rate of 9.3 litres/100km.While the engine requires revs, it doesn't feel coarse when the tacho needle heads for the red line. The chassis, suspension and steering are capable of handling much more grunt.There is little body roll or pitch and the ride is compliant.There is a substantial amount of wind noise in the cabin, especially around the wing mirrors.The cabin is generally stylish and modern, and the interior fit and quality are good.

A move towards large cars is part of Proton's growth plan. After years of concentrating on small vehicles, the Malaysian brand will step up to bigger cars with a people mover and possibly a compact off-roader.Recently speaking at the launch of the new Persona small sedan, Proton Australia managing director John Startari revealed the company's plans for the next two years.Several updated models are coming our way next year, including the new seven-seat MPV.The people mover is a big step for Proton, which has had only compact sedans and hatches.The van will be officially unveiled later this year in Malaysia, but Startari would not reveal details of the new model.He says the company is also considering a move into the competitive compact off-roader market soon, but the deal hinges on the company's expansion.“Proton is starting to seek partners in Russia. That, I think, will help Australia immensely,” Startari says.Startari did confirm that an upgraded version of the GEN.2 hatch is due at the end of this year and will begin a busy period for the brand.The face lifted GEN.2 is expected to use the company's new CAMPRO CPS engine that lifts power from 82kW to 93kW.The Saga and Satria R3 will be introduced early next year. The Saga will replace the Savvy light sedan and be available with either a 1.3-litre or 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The Satria R3 is a performance version of the current hatch.Though the company hasn't said what will power the R3, Startari did say Proton is developing forced-induction engines.The Jumbuck light ute will also receive an update next year and is the “prime target” for Proton's eventual move into diesel powerplants.Since negotiations with Volkswagen for a joint-venture agreement to develop diesel engines broke down, Proton has been looking for a new partner.The Proton could produce a range of hybrid vehicles based on the Lotus-developed hybrid prototype. Lotus built the GEN.2 based EVE hybrid last year, but so far there has been no confirmation it will go into production. 

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal says the company is planning to enter more export markets, as well as looking to maintain a competitive edge in its home market.

Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir says the Malaysian carmaker has turned the corner and is ready for growth. Proton has chosen China, India, Russia and the Middle East for satellite production bases.It is also closing on an alliance with a big carmaker after failed talks with Volkswagen, Peugeot and General Motors.Proton is expected to go with Mitsubishi in an ambitious deal that should increase its products and allow it to reach its sales target of 10,000 cars a year in Australia.“The future looks better today,” says managing director Syed. “We are coming out with a series of models that are priced right and meet market requirements. The future is going to be really good but, at the same time, we are realistic in our approach.”Syed was at the Melbourne motor show to research the Australian car industry and the opposition his brand faces.He knows the company's 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines are small by local standards but hopes the price of fuel will make Proton more attractive.“Australia is very peculiar because of the requirement for large engines,” he says.“We need to be careful that the car fits into what the market needs.”Proton also plans a people mover and larger cars, probably in a deal with Mitsubishi.And it will probably rename the Gen.2 hatch as a second Persona to realign its local line-up and add the compact Saga sedan for $13,990.The first of the newcomers, the Persona sedan, will be here next month.“We have a program that will have a new car every year from now on. Last year we launched the Persona; this year is the Saga,” Syed says.“Next year will be an MPV, then a Waja replacement, then a D-segment car. So, as we go along, at least for the next five years, there will be a new product every year.” 

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe represents a shift in Hyundai’s design strategy with a V6 and rear-wheel drive.

IT has been a long time coming but Proton is set to produce a worthy successor to its Satria GTi. The Malaysian car maker will show off the GTi descendant when it unveils the R3 Satria at the Melbourne Motor Show later this month.The hot hatch version of the Satria is destined for an appearance on local roads inside the next 12 months.While the company is not prepared to divulge any details, the high-performance Satria was developed by the company's special vehicles and motor sport arm R3 - Race, Rally and Research - under the eye of former Lotus engineer and race driver Tengku Djan Ley.“We have very much focused on the Lotus philosophy of performance through light weight, utilising intelligent powerplant solutions while minimising weight and enhancing Satria's already impressive handling,” Mr Ley says. Expect the R3 Satria to have under body upgrades to match the exterior tweaks, with the R3 engineers targeting a “significant” power increase over the standard Proton Satria.The Malaysian hot hatch was thought to be a chance of getting a small-capacity turbocharged powerplant through one of the joint ventures mooted with Peugeot or Volkswagen. But given the lack of progress on that front, Proton looks like it will be keeping the powerplant in house, but forced induction is likely, as is a power figure above 120kW.The R3 Satria will share Proton's stand at the Melbourne show with the company's new Persona sedan, which goes on sale in April.The new Persona, based on the Gen2 Hatch platform, is powered by Proton's 1.6-litre engine with 82kW and 120Nm, using either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says the presence of the R3 Satria on the Proton stand at Melbourne will be a huge drawcard.“The question we get asked all the time is when will the next Satria GTi be here,” Mr Startari says. “The first-generation GTi carved a real niche for itself and it is a bit of a cult car." 

The Saga would become a sub-$15,000 price leader in showrooms here and instantly turn Proton from a 2500-cars-a-year tiddler into a 10,000-plus powerhouse. Click here to go to our Melbourne Motor Show page. The new car is the replacement for a 20-year-old howler that was so far past its use-by date that it was never considered for Australia. The starting price in Malaysia is 31,000 ringgit, (about $10,500). But it is not confirmed for Australia and there is little likelihood because of a huge order backlog at home. “The final decision has not been made, but we're fighting the battle,” the managing director of Proton Cars Australian, John Startari, says. He highlights two roadblocks for Saga — Malaysian and Asian sales and the need to get it here at the right price. “Everything is done on a business case and we have to justify taking the car,” Startari says. “There would be additional investment, for compliance and things. And it is a raging success over there." “They have about 12,000 orders and the car isn't on the road yet.” The car shares the same basic mechanical package as the baby Savvy hatch, but the design is a conservative four-door sedan. It has a 1.3-litre Campro engine developed by Proton, though there is no mechanical reason why it could not be upgraded to a 1.6 for Australia because the powerplants are externally identical. The Saga was known as the BLM — basic local model — during its development, which was completed in only 17 months at a cost of $171 million. That's a bargain basement deal considering cars such as the VE Commodore cost $1 billion. The mechanical package is predictable, with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearboxes, three trim levels in Malaysia and twin airbags as standard. But the big changes from the previous car, developed using a Mitsubishi mechanical package, are in the fundamentals such as quality, comfort, quietness and improved cabin space. Startari has been watching the BLM program closely and can see potential for Australia. But price in Australia will depend on specification. The battle for the Saga will shift into top gear next month at the Melbourne Motor Show.