The Proton Ertiga has been launched. Proton Ertiga is a compact sized MPV and it is the first model introduced through Proton’s collaboration with Suzuki. It comes in 2 variants – the Executive (manual [MT] and automatic [AT]); and Executive Plus (AT) transmissions respectively with prices starting from RM58,800 up to RM64,800 for Peninsular Malaysia.
This is the last of four cars that Proton had promised to launch this year. We had the Perdana, which was a very reworked previous generation Honda Accord. We then had the Persona, which is a 100% Proton and the second generation Persona. We had the new Saga next, and now we have the Ertiga. This final car is another joint venture project, but instead of Honda, we have Proton working with Suzuki. This is quite a feat as we have platform sharing from two different Japanese companies.
We Malaysians get quite a bit of benefit from this. More affordable Japanese tech and still playing by the rules and regulations set by the Malaysian government. It shows that if you want things cheaper, you have to adhere to localisation of vehicle content with local assembly, work with a local manufacturer and then get EEV ratings to save more costs which will then be passed down to the consumer. Sometimes shouting and screaming will get you nowhere. Play within the rules and you do get benefits.
Now unlike the Proton Perdana, which was actually re-engineered by Proton in many ways, the Proton Ertiga is purely badge engineered and assembled with kits from Indonesia. Everything is Suzuki Ertiga Indonesian spec with the exception of the front grille with the Proton badge, the rear chrome strip (which is plain without the 'ERTIGA' lettering and the addition of a rear fog light located in the rear bumper.
You can get other detailed specs in the Press Release below. I have to add that it is mighty refined when I drove it at the Proton test track a week or so ago. 120-130kmh and it is quiet (for a compact vehicle). I also can get in and out of the third row seats easily (even though I am a chubby fella). Read about the Ertiga first drive here folks. It is pretty good overall.
Price comparison with the Proton Exora and the Perodua Alza
And now since we know the price of the Ertiga, we know that it is cheaper than the slightly larger (shorter wheelbase but longer overall - with slightly more boot space) Proton Exora. The top spec Ertiga comes in at under the RM67,000+ price of the entry level Exora Bold.
The Ertiga would still find itself with a fight on its hands in terms of going head to head with the Perodua Alza - The top specced Alza 1.5 Advance has 100cc more in terms of engine capacity and a touchscreen infotainment system at RM64,931.99 (solid colour) compared with the RM64,800 of the Ertiga Executive Plus. It is slightly larger overall though and the 1.4 engine does not lose out by much in terms of lugging power. The Alza S Manual is priced at RM52,332.00 and is therefore cheaper than the Ertiga Manual. It does sound like an uneven fight here but the Ertiga is a more refined vehicle at highway speeds. This car is essentially a Suzuki and Suzuki does the highway cruising speeds (and a bit more) very well indeed. And it has slightly more space inside compared to the Alza. If space is what you want then this could be the affordable MPV for you.
PRESS RELEASE
PROTON WRAPS UP 2016 WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE PROTON ERTIGA
· Malaysia’s 1st Compact MPV EEV
Shah Alam, 24 November 2016 – True to its commitment to launch 4 cars in the year 2016, PROTON Holdings Bhd (“PROTON” or “the Company”) officially launched Proton Ertiga at the Setia City Convention Centre, Setia Alam, Selangor. Proton Ertiga is the fourth and final model launched by PROTON for the year and the model was launched by YBhg Brigadier General (K) Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Chairman of DRB-HICOM.
Proton Ertiga is the first model introduced through PROTON’s collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan. It comes in 2 variants – the Executive (manual [MT] and automatic [AT]); and Executive Plus (AT) transmissions respectively with prices starting from RM58,800 up to RM64,800 for Peninsular Malaysia.
“Proton Ertiga is Malaysia’s first compact MPV with Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status accorded by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI). The 6 seater people mover family car is fitted with the 1.4 VVT (variable valve timing) engine made from lightweight aluminium for both the variants. The multipoint powered injection enables economical fuel consumption at 5.7L/100km for the (MT) and 6.0L/100km for the (AT) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) which combines both urban and extra urban cycles. Meanwhile, the drive-by-wire technology enhances the car’s performance in terms responsiveness,” said Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.
“One can feel Ertiga’s refinement which at a speed of 110km/h and at 2900 rpm, the engine seem to be fairly muted, and the good suppression of road and wind noise gives the car commendable drivability and significantly quieter noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) level,” continued Dato’ Fuaad.
He further added, “In response to the dynamic and demanding modern family lifestyles, the Proton Ertiga is not only fuel efficient, it also provides more space and comfort. The large 2nd row air conditioning vent ensures that cool air reaches the 3rd row seats which coupled with spacious headroom and legroom provide comfortable seats for 2 adults. The one touch smart access lever on the 2nd row seats allows for convenient and easy access to the 3rd row. The foldable rear seats not only provide versatile seating arrangements, it also creates ample cabin space to transport oversized items especially when the 2nd and 3rd row seats are folded to provide a storage space of 735 litres.”
“In addition, the light and warm interior exudes luxury and spacious cabin ambience. The seats are of high grade quality fabric designed to be water resistant to ensure that they can be easily maintained to keep them in pristine condition,” stated Dato’ Fuaad.
In terms of dimension, Proton Ertiga is 4265mm long, 1695mm wide and 1685mm in height with a wheelbase of 2740mm. At 185mm ground clearance, it not only provides adequate buffer for cars going through rough terrain or humps but also provides elevated visibility for the driver. Coupled with its EEV status, the more than adequate fuel tank size of 45 litres affords longer driving distance.
Both variants have added comfort and convenience features such as sliding seats which promote ample space for the 3rd row seats, a 60:40 fold 2nd row seats, a 50:50 fold 3rd row seats, a 45 degree 2nd row seat recliner, 2nd row arm rest, headlamp levelling and 4-speakers sound system. Proton Ertiga also comes with electric steering with tilt adjustment, radio/CD/MP3 and USB/ iPod Jack.
The Executive Plus variant is further fitted with auto fold side mirrors, audio switches at the steering wheel, 2 tweeters, in addition to the 4 speakers, and back pockets for driver and front passenger seats, turn signal at the outside-rear-view-mirror (OSRVM) and driver seat height adjuster. In addition, the chromed finished inner door handle and fog lamp garnish as well as tinted film give it a more luxurious feel.
In terms of safety, both variants are accorded 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating and are equipped with various passive and active safety features such as the ISOFIX and top tether, 2 front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), power window auto-up and anti-trap (for driver’s side), front fog lamp, rear fog lamp and reverse sensors.
Proton Ertiga is now available for test drive and booking at all Proton Edar outlets nationwide. Experience the first compact MPV EEV in Malaysia with Proton Ertiga – Spacious ▪ Comfortable ▪ Economical. Visit our showrooms for a test drive.
For more information, customers can contact PROTON Customer Care at 1800 888 398 or email to us at customercare@proton.com. Customers also can visitwww.protonertiga.proton.com or our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
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