Yup. Finally. After months of speculating and waiting on when would Proton launch the new Perdana they finally have. And it was over at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre where the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak had the honours of unveiling the car. Let's just move on to the car shall we.
It will cost RM113,888.00 and RM138,888.00, for the 2.0 and 2.4 variants respectively. The new Perdana 2.0 comes with a 4-cylinder 16-valve SOHC engine producing 154 horsepower and 189Nm torque, while the Perdana 2.4 comes with a 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine producing 178 horsepower and 222Nm torque. Both get a 5 speed automatic transmission. The whole setup is pure Honda.
The exterior has been reworked by Proton quite comprehensively. You get a whole new front end and the whole rear end has been reworked. It looks very European in execution. More like a Jaguar but with a lot more overhangs front and rear. You have to blame the front wheel drive set up for this. But the car has road presence. I think much more than the car it was based upon. As for the exterior differences between the 2.0 and 2.4, there are only a few. The 2.0 does not get a front lip and fatter side skirts. The alloy wheels have black highlights on the 2.4 and none on the fully aluminium grey finish on the 2.0. The 2.4 has a '2.4' badge on the boot. The 2.0 has no numbers tacked on the rear. That is all.
Perdana 2.4 interior
The equipment list is quite good for a D segment car that is priced at the C segment price range. What more could you want? Aside from no ESC (electronic stability control) everything else is there. HID projector headlamps, LED rear combi lamps, dual zone air-conditioning and all round sensors with reverse camera to name a few. For the price offered, it is alright in my books. As for visible differences, the 2.0 gets half leather seats, the 2.4 gets a full leather seats. And the 2.0 gets a monotone dark finish whereas the 2.4 gets the two toned executive look to it. Oh, and lighter toned 'wood' inside it. I like the double screen. Very like the current Honda Accord.
Proton intends to sell at least 6,000 units of this D segment car annually. Of course I think half will go to the government sector where senior government officials will get to use it. This replaces the previous, slightly facelifted Honda Accord rebadge that are now a familiar sight in Malaysia.
The have an arrangement with Honda in which Proton has an annual limit of 7,000 units annually. The previous 8th generation Accord's chassis has been radically modified for this new Perdana, unlike the government issue model. In 2018, when Proton slots in their new GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines into the Perdana, we shall see a major revision of the suspension to suit the engine as well as to make it decidedly more Proton in terms of ride and handling. When this happens, Proton will only be using the body in white, or the structure and everything else is Proton. When this happens, the Perdana will be allowed to be exported. So expect a larger change come 2018. I also heard that there may be even more changes to the body.
But what do I think about this car? I think it is fantastically priced. Where else can you find a pretty good looking D segment car with Japanese reliability going for the price of a C segment car? It is actually larger than most of the D segment cars out there actually. It drives like a Japanese car because it basically is a Japanese car. Proton is giving you a chance to buy something good at a very affordable price.
Remember the Proton Inspira? I remember people snubbing the car at first and then when production was winding down people started wanting the car. Now people, this is another chance given by Proton again, albeit slightly more expensive. But here's another chance to own a larger car at a lower price.
The DRIVE EXPERIENCE is HERE.
The boot is actually HUGE.
PRESS RELEASE
PROTON UNVEILS THE NEW PERDANA
· The 4th Generation Perdana comes in 2 variants, 2.0 and 2.4
PUTRAJAYA, 14 June 2016 – PROTON Holdings Bhd (“PROTON” or “the Company”) is proud to unveil the new 4th generation Perdana, the highly anticipated car that seamlessly integrates dynamic design and elegance for an enjoyable drive.
Held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), the new Perdana was unveiled by YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Hj Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, accompanied by YBhg. Dato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON and YBhg. Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.
The unveiling marks PROTON’s re-entry into the D-segment market with the 2.0 and 2.4 variants, featuring a sophisticated yet sporty executive sedan.
Perdana 2.4 (above)
“PROTON stopped the production of the Perdana in 2010 and the anticipation of the general public for us to produce a new Perdana has pushed us to produce a new level of affordable premium comfort, packaged in this distinctive stylish car. We took great care to ensure that the car is ready to be launched as the new Perdana signifies a new PROTON - we want to give a new experience to our customers - Customer First. The new Perdana symbolises a new aspiration for PROTON to give the best to its customers - best value for money for cars and after sales services,” said Dato’ Fuaad.
“We are truly blessed that we have a large following and strong interest in the new Perdana long before the launch and we appreciate all the feedback we received. We know that Malaysians want us to do better and we cannot disappoint them. We took our time to ensure that the new Perdana is ready for the launch,” Dato’ Fuaad added.
“Since we started to open bookings for the new 4th generation Perdana in February 2016, we have received around 900 bookings nationwide and we expect to sell around 3,000cars by end of 2016,” he added.
Developed by PROTON via strategic collaboration with Honda Japan Ltd, the new Perdana, under the platform-sharing initiative has been further enhanced by PROTON in terms of the car’s handling and comfort. In addition, PROTON has also made significant aesthetic and aerodynamic enhancements to the new Perdana to suit the current market requirements.
Priced at RM113,888.00 and RM138,888.00, for the 2.0 and 2.4 variants respectively, the new Perdana 2.0 comes with a 4-cylinder 16-valve SOHC engine producing 154 horsepower and 189Nm torque, while the Perdana 2.4 comes with a 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine producing 178 horsepower and 222Nm torque.
“Conveying both class and exclusivity with simple elegance, the aerodynamic bold exterior features, distinctive Proton “wings” front grille, HID projector headlamps, LED rear combi lamps, dual zone air-conditioning, and all round sensors with reverse camera, among others, make the car such a pleasurable drive. Our cabin on the other hand, redefines interior space with its multi-contoured seats and generous legroom and headroom,” Dato’ Fuaad added further.
“Besides exuding a stunning design, the 4th generation Perdana is engineered with safety in mind. Its suite of driver’s aids, independent double-wishbone front suspension for improved grip and better stability when braking, and active and passive restraints ensures optimal protection for both driver and passengers,” he said.
With advanced GPS navigation system and PROTON infotainment system, the new Perdana allows one to optimise and customise the driving environment, making journeys even more comfortable and confident.
“Coming into a new era after 30 years, we recently made a pledge to our customers to offer cars with better value, enjoyable drive and safety. From the smooth handling to the spacious interior to distinctive features, the new Perdana personifies the new PROTON,” Dato’ Fuaad added.
A brand new Ruby Red is introduced to the new 4th generation Perdana with five other colours available for both variants. They are, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Cotton White, Midnight Black and Citrine Gold.
Customers can view the all new 4th generation Perdana in all PROTON Edar showrooms nationwide and it can be booked with a deposit of RM1,000. Test drive units are available at selected PROTON showrooms and customers are advised to contact Customer Care at 1 800 888 398 for more information on the nearest PROTON outlet for the test drive.
- End-
(c) 2016 motoring-malaysia.blogspot.com
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