Proton Wira Reviews

Proton Australia spokesman Jon Thomson confirmed there was a likelihood that the Saga could be sold here.“Once demand has been met in the Asean (region) and China, we are looking no earlier than 2009,” he said.The new Saga will have a starting price in Malaysia of about $10,000 ranging up to around $13,000 for the premium model.The current cheapest cars in the Australian market are the 1.2-litre Proton Savvy five-door hatch and 1.4-litre three-door Hyundai Getz, both costing $13,990.Thomson said he could not comment on whether the Saga would be the cheapest car on the market here.“I can't answer that because it is still too far away, and it is yet to be absolutely confirmed, despite being likely at this stage.”The new Saga is powered by an improved 1.3 litre version of Proton's own Campro; double overhead camshaft multipoint injection engine fitted with a new air-fuel intake designed for better torque and driveability.It produces 71kW of power and 120Nm of torque, sipping fuel at the rate of 6l/100km for the manual and around 6.3 for the auto.The car sits on front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam axle rear while braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.In Malaysia, it will come with two SRS airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.Proton Holdings managing director Syed Zainal said the company was targeting the Asean region with initial production of between 5500 and 6000 units a month.“This car, we believe, has high export potential for growing market segments such as the Asean countries, China, India and the Middle East. In terms of packaging, it has a potential global reach,” Syed Zainal said.“The initial foray will be in right-hand drive markets during the first half of the year in Asean countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, while the left-hand drive version will follow in the second half targeting export to China,” he said.Codenamed BLM, the Saga was developed in 17 months, and is the second new Proton to be launched in the past six months following the Persona.Australia will get its first look at the four-door Persona sedan when it debuts at the Melbourne Motor Show in late February.It goes on sale in March with a single specification model. Prices are yet to be announced but will be in the mid-teens.The new Persona is based on the Gen2 Hatch platform, it's powered by Proton's Campro 1.6 litre engine with 82kW of power and 120 Nm of torque; with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.It will initially be available in seven colours.Persona will join Proton's existing Australian light and small car line-up including Savvy, Satria and Gen2, and the small Jumbuck. 

Supplies of the Proton Jumbuck ute are starting to flow after months of tight supply that threatened to derail the little Malaysian ute's chances of success. The compact pickup looked like being a local hit until supplies dried up when component shortages limited production. But Proton is finally on top of the problem. And to celebrate, as well as boosting Australian sales, it is delivering every Jumbuck sold in January with a $2300 quad bike. The deal has a small hitch though, as buyers have to spend an extra $1000 on Proton accessories. Jumbuck prices start from $14,990 for the GLi model and $16,990 for the GLSi version. The 50cc ATV quad bike is a workhorse, not a play racer, and fits easily into the Jumbuck's ute tray. It was chosen because of the popularity of quads. Farmers are an important target for the Jumbuck. “It will appeal to a wide range of buyers, from security companies who could use the quad for patrolling ... to vineyard operators who can use the Jumbuck and its smaller mate to access the narrow vine rows,” Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says.

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

Malaysia's state investment arm, Khazanah Nasional, which controls Proton has discontinued negotiations with VW.VW was the latest in a long line of potential venture partners that included Fiat, Peugeot and General Motors.It had wanted to buy a 51 per cent controlling stake in Proton, but the Malaysian Government baulked at losing control of the carmaker.Carsguide understands this has been a sticking point with other alliance contenders. Some auto analysts say Proton may find it hard to secure a partner in the future.But Proton Australia chief John Startari, who is in Malaysia, says the change of heart by the Government demonstrates its faith in the carmaker “to continue the work they've done in turning the company around.”“They've given new management the opportunity to continue the work they've done in turning the company around after the losses last year,” he says.“They've made significant gains so far this year.”The arrival of the new Persona sedan and models such as the BLM (for baseline model) and a people mover augur well for the future.“Proton at no time has said it won't need a partner, or it doesn't need a partner,” Startari says.“It's just saying the timing at this point is not right.”Proton Australia has sold 2035 cars this year, up 25 per cent on last year, admittedly off a low base.The arrival of the Persona and other products should lift its market share.VW started talks with Proton in 2004 with the aim of forming a strategic alliance and giving Proton better access to new technologies, platforms and better quality standards.The Malaysian Government says it has also ended talks with General Motors.Proton's domestic sales and exports are improving, which prompted the cancellation of negotiations.But the Government has not ruled out a technology alliance with another global automotive player at some stage.Proton Holdings managing director Syed Zainal says the latest development did not detract Proton from continuing its efforts to seek opportunities to enhance its product portfolio and access to markets, technology and operational efficiencies. 

  Proton Cars Australia chief John Startari, in hosing down speculation it will get all-paw traction, says it was seriously considered but dismissed on cost grounds. “It would price the car over $20,000 and that's not acceptable,” Startari says. The Jumbuck entry GLi model costs $16,990 and the upper-spec GLSi $18,990. It has been a consistent hit with rural buyers wanting a no-frills workhorse. Proton Malaysia is close to signing off on the new Jumbuck's design and will soon start development and engineering work. Carsguide understands the new Jumbuck will have an extended cab like the new VE Commodore ute, which will allow more storage room inside. However, Startari says it will remain a low-cost vehicle. An all-wheel-drive Jumbuck would have filled a niche left wide open by Subaru when production of its Brumby ute ceased in 1994. The just-axed VW and Proton technology tie-up could have given Proton access to VW's 4motion all-wheel-drive systems, making a four-paw Jumbuck more viable. Apart from the Jumbuck, Proton is looking at a range of vehicles to join its line-up, including a small sedan called the BLM (for base-line model). The BLM is expected to be launched in Malaysia next year and will arrive here in 2009; with either a 1.3-litre or 1.6-litre four-cylinder Campro engine. It's expected to cost less than $15,000, and Startari says it will be packed with equipment. The BLM promises spirited performance in 1.6-litre guise. The five-speed manual weighs 1060kg and the four-speed automatic 1080kg. In Malaysia it will replace the long-running Saga model. The 1.3-litre BLM is expected to cost about $10,000. The sedan's platform can also support a hatch and wagon, but Proton is yet to decide if additional models will be built.    

AS ONE-FIFTH of the upbeat phenomenon Hi-5, Nathan Foley is known around the world. He has sung and danced his way to worldwide acclaim with the multiple Logie and ARIA Award-winning group and children's show. The 28-year-old has been part of the successful Nine Network show, which is aired in 83 countries worldwide, for eight years. And, along with the other four members of Hi-5, he has become a cult star for under-10s. Foley, who has recently written and produced his solo album, Discovery, loves V8 engines, riding motorcycles and karting.What was your first car?I bought a 1983 Mazda RX-7 when I was 16. I started performing when I was 10, so I saved to buy a car when I got my Ls. I bought it secondhand and I still have it. It's bronze-over-brown - sounds disgusting, but it's really funky. I'm trying to sell it.What do you drive now?My main car is a 2003 Ford Explorer. I also have a 2003 Triumph motorcycle, and I've just sold a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang. In 1998 I won a Proton Satria in a singing competition and traded it in for the Mustang. I sold it because I want to renovate my house.Do you have a favourite drive, and who would you take along?I love driving down the south coast of NSW to Coolangatta with my girlfriend Melissa (not Coolangatta in Queensland). It's about a two-hour drive from Sydney.How far would you drive in an average year?Oh boy. We tour a lot and I drive both and in New Zealand. I live on the NSW central coast so I do a lot of driving back and forth to Sydney. I'd average three to four hours a day. What's that over a year? A lot of kilometres.Do you have a favourite motoring memory?I used to visit my dad on weekends at his farm in the central coast area. He bought me a $200 paddock-basher - I think it was a Corona. It was a five-speed manual, so I learned to drive a manual at a young age. I was 10 years old and had my own Dukes of Hazzard course. My mates would come over and we'd go around the paddock-bashing course.What would you buy if money were no object?I'm not a huge fan of new cars - they all look the same to me. But if I had millions of dollars to spend I would buy 50 to 100 classic cars. Get all the muscle cars from the late 1960s and early '70s.What music is playing in your car?I'm a huge Stevie Wonder fan but at the moment I'm really getting into Ben Harper -- Both Sides of the Gun. I always travel with my iPod. I have this huge transmitter that's really strong, so if I'm travelling in convoy with friends in three cars they can all pick up the frequency.How much is too much for a new car?I think car prices are going up ridiculously, especially if it's just to get you from A to B. The only way I would buy an expensive car is if it would hold its value like an investment. That's why I got the Mustang. If you spend $80,000 to $100,000 on a new car - which I haven't, that's way too much money -- in a few years they're down to $40,000. I think $450,000 is too much to pay for a car. If big businessmen have the cash to do it, then do it, but I think it's ridiculous.What should be done to make driving safer?People need to be more aware on the road. I find when I'm on my bike, people just don't look where they're driving. They don't indicate. I think everyone should do a road-rules test and be taken on a course once a year. If they're not up to scratch they should lose their licence. I really believe that. My pet peeve is people going slow in the right-hand lane on the freeway. It bugs the crap out of me.Are you sponsored by a car company?No, but I'm looking.

A new Malaysian flagship is being prepared for action in Australia next year. The Proton Persona sedan, unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, is locked into a role here next year at the top of the local range. It will slide in above the Gen.2 hatchback, which provides the Persona's mechanical and body package. But there are more improvements in the newcomer, which is expected to create about 20 per cent more sales for the company and improve customer satisfaction. “We have addressed concerns of customers in Australia,” Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says. “It's a fantastic car. It's very encouraging.” The changes include a new dashboard with a glovebox, something missing from the Gen.2, and better seats with more headroom. “Basically, it has an all-new interior. There is a new console, cupholders in the rear and the electric-window switches have been moved. It's a big change from the Gen.2,” Startari says. Proton has been overwhelmed in Malaysia, with more than 10,000 advance orders, and this has pushed the start of local sales back to next year, he says. “We will launch the Persona at the Melbourne Motor Show in February,” Startari says. This is not the first time Proton has had a Persona in Australia, the car was also sold as the Wira, but it is a big change in direction. The previous model was over-priced and underdone, but Proton knows it must do better this time. That means two models, with a starting price that should be in the low-to-mid $20,000 range. Standard equipment is expected to include twin airbags, anti-skid brakes, airconditioning, electric windows and parking radar. “The price will be somewhere around the present Gen.2,” Startari says. “The Persona will give us an extra 600 cars a year. It will be our flagship and help us improve on this year's target of 3200 sales,” he says. That should easily better the result of the Gen.2, which has struggled here after early quality problems.  

Audi was 123% more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle, followed by BMW (117%).However, the other German luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz was up only 19% on the average.The 2006 Suncorp statistics do not provide actual numbers, type or age of vehicle, only proportions stolen.Vehicles below the average were Volkswagen, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kia, Peugeot, Daewoo, Nissan and the least likely to be stolen was Daihatsu.The research showed that the more expensive the vehicle, the more likely it was to be stolen.The most stolen vehicles were those in the $60,000 to $100,000 bracket, despite the fact that these have better theft protection.Suncorp also released claims information on crash frequency which shatters the theory that the better the car, the better the driver.Claims where the driver was at fault for the accident were 10 per cent more likely for cars that were worth $60,000- $100,000. Alfa drivers were 58% more likely to make an at-fault claim than the average driver.Suncorp motor insurance general manager Daniel Fogarty said the results could suggest that drivers of prestige motor vehicles may feel safer in their cars, which could lead to over-confident attitudes, resulting in more accidents occurring.“On the other hand, drivers of new prestige vehicles may feel slightly more nervous on the roads than if they were driving a mid-range car, which might potentially cause more accidents, as the financial implications of accidents are higher,” he said.One of the most common types of claims that Queensland drivers made was for a single-vehicle accident.Holden Special Vehicles drivers were 50% more likely to make a single-car accident claim, followed by Audi (49%) and Chrysler (44%).Least likely to make such a claim were Daihatsu drivers at 30% less than the average.The statistics also show that if you lend your new car to a friend or relative there is a 12% chance that they will scratch or damage it, but a 93% chance they will also own up to it. Frequency of thefts1. Audi 123%2. BMW 117%3. Jaguar 100%4. Alfa Romeo 89%5. Saab 74%Frequency of at-fault accidents1. Alfa Romeo 58%2. Proton 19%3. Mazda 13%Frequency of not at-fault accidents1. Audi 102%2. Alfa Romeo 94%3. Proton 75%Frequency of single-vehicle accidents1. HSV 50%2. Audi 49%3. Chrysler 44% Source: Suncorp claims statistics for 2006 

Proton is jumping on the popular light-car segment in Australia by reintroducing the Satria after a two-year absence. The Satria (which means warrior), joins Proton's other small cars, the Saavy and Gen-2. While the new model may not exactly be up to Braveheart "warrior" standard, it is up to the benchmark of other cars in its class.The Satria Neo, as it is now called, is available in two specification levels: the GX, starting at $18,990 and the GXR at $20,990, both drive-away prices. That's dearer than the likes of Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz but Proton is pitching the Satria further up the ladder, against the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.The three-door hatch features a revised and redeveloped 1.6-litre, four-cylinder CamPro engine, with 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Don't expect a thrilling ride, but for a car priced under $20,000, it's not bad, either. This is only the third car the Malaysian brand has fully developed using its own engineering and design team, as well as drawing on the expertise of connected brand, Lotus.The Satria Neo is attractive. It incorporates its own design mixed with some familiar elements from other small cars. Proton claims a European influence in the styling.Both models have a similar exterior, but for an extra $2000 for the GXR, you feel a bit short changed. You want something that advertises your superior status, apart from the rear spoiler. Alloy wheels are the only other physical difference, although even these aren't very different in design.The exhaust, on the other hand, is a real stand-out, with the single-mounted chrome tail pipe located smack bang in the middle of the Satria's posterior.On the inside, it feels a bit small, especially in the back seats. It has one of the tiniest gloveboxes so you can forget about storing accessories (although, I guess, it would fit a pair of gloves). Further storage is a stretch, with only cup holders in the middle and no real area to store wallets or mobile phones.The layout of the centre console is simple, but it seems to work. Proton claims it has gone with the Lotus minimalist concept on the interior. The airconditioning is basic and, in the GX model, struggles on a typical Australian summer day.The boot continues the minimal storage theme, and a relatively low roof means reduced interior space. So no, it's not a great car for a tall person.In terms of handling and ride comfort, the Satria is impressive for a small car. This is largely because of its Lotus DNA. It wears a small badge on the back advertising this.The new Proton boasts an entirely new, stronger platform and is an evolution from the previous best-selling Satria GTi, the performance model.On the road, the Satria Neo grips well and takes corners at faster speeds soundly.The five-speed manual transmission is smooth with a high gear ratio.Both specifications are also available in a four-speed auto for an extra $1000, which has been improved with smoother shifting and a more even power distribution.Taking into account the type of car this is, its performance is certainly reasonable. But you do notice it's just missing that extra bit of life to make it a truly enjoyable ride. The car hits peak power at 6000rpm, which takes a while to get to, especially on slight inclines.There's a fair bit of road noise, especially on the entry-level model GX, with the inferior tyres. The Continental SportContact-2 tyres on the GXR are slightly better.The Satria also uses new materials to reduce noise levels in the cabin.The equipment list is impressive, with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, airconditioning, electric windows, power steering, rear sensors and a CD player all standard.The GXR adds a rear spoiler, front integrated fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as cruise control on the auto only.It has a claimed 7.2-litres per 100km for the manual, 7.6-litres for the auto, although our test on winding roads, mixed with some quiet town driving, saw a reading of 8.6-litres per 100km, and 8.2-litres on the return highway, combined city trip. That extra power may not be far off, with a new GTi model a possibility for the near future. Proton is forecasting 600 sales for the year.While Satria Neo has given off a decent first impression, although a little pricey, only time will tell if this Malaysian trouper has the durability and tenacity of a real warrior.

The show, which opens on Friday, will feature the Australian debut of several models at the affordable end of the car world.Leading the way, Holden is expected to take the "top secret" covers off the Epica, its next lower-priced, mid-size sedan.The Korean-made Epica — tipped by dealers to start at $24,990, with the choice of two six-cylinder engines — replaces the European-made Vectra.The Epica will fit into the Holden line-up alongside the Barina and Viva, budget-priced Korean replacements for models previously designed and built in Europe.Malaysian brand Proton will launch its second-generation Satria Neo three-door hatchback in the city that has been its strongest Australian market.The Satria Neo, with a 1.6 litre engine, looks chunkier than its predecessor and will be $18,990 drive away.Honda will unveil a fresh-design CR-V all-wheel-drive wagon, with prices expected to start near $30,000.Nissan's compact Tiida model, given a $2000 price cut to start at $17,990, is expected to attract budget-minded shoppers. Like the Honda CR-V, production of the Tiida has been moved from Japan to Thailand.Continuing the price-down trend, Suzuki's new face will be the SX4, a 2.0 litre all-wheel-drive wagon that officially goes on sale on Thursday, priced from $24,990. It had been expected to be $26,990.French brand Peugeot will use the show for the Queensland unveiling of its new small car, the near-$20,000 207, about to go on sale with 1.4 litre, 1.6 litre and 1.6 litre turbo petrol engines, and a 1.6 litre diesel.The show, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, runs from Friday to February 11. It is open noon-10pm on weekdays, 10am-10pm on Saturdays and 10am- 6pm on Sundays. Admission is $16 for adults, $10 for children, and $42 for a family (two adults, three children).