PROTON conducted another over the internet launch today where the Malaysian car manufacturer launched four Special Edition models at one go. The limited production models have been given the moniker Black Edition for the Persona and Exora models and the R3 Limited Edition for the Iriz and Saga. These new limited run variants were designed to broaden the appeal of each model while offering more choice to customers. Note the slightly more mature and discreet 'Black Edition' moniker for the more family oriented Persona and Exora and the return of the R3 branding for the more youthful Iriz and Saga (starter boy racer or ricer) models.
Proton was spurred on by the successful reception of the Saga Anniversary Edition from last year. That limited run Saga variant sold out its allocation of 1,100 units in just five days, It basically showed that the Special Edition models designed to satisfy customer demand for unique Proton models is indeed a good business model. So this time around, it isn't just the Saga getting some TLC but the whole range of legacy models that still make up a large part of Proton's customer base.
Using the word 'Black Edition' has been usually synonymous with the Black credit card which usually has more premium features attached to it. So the Persona and Exora Black Edition adds style and luxury to vehicles that are usually sold on their practicality and comfort. You could also imagine someone who now dresses up a bit with a suit and a pair of oxfords rather than track bottoms and trainers. It is still the same person underneath but better dressed.
As the name suggests, the Proton Persona and Exora Black Edition are presented in black with gold accents subtly accentuating the bumpers and alloy wheels. Inside, both come with black leatherette seats, door trims and floor console with the Persona receiving the black treatment for the headlining, while the Exora is fitted with an overhead monitor for the kids at the back to keep themselves entertained. .
As for the more youthful Proton Iriz and Saga R3 Limited Edition variants, these were made to celebrate PROTON’s successful motorsports division, R3. The R3 badge has always been reserved for the sportiest Proton models and both the Iriz and Saga are worthy recipients of this moniker due to the fact that these cars actually performed well during the recent Merdeka Endurance Races. And since racing still sells to a certain crowd, usually the younger set (or 50 year old kids), it is a good move to use the 'R3' moniker again.
Anyway, each car is painted black and adorned with the distinctive R3 livery used on PROTON’s race cars. The Iriz is equipped with 16-inch R3 alloy wheels while the Saga is equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with matte grey finish. The sporty R3 bodykit completes the outer changes while inside, a unique black-yellow interior, leatherette seats and R3 carpet mats create a distinctive ambiance with sporty appeal.
“By launching four Special Edition models today, PROTON is giving its customers more choices. These are products manufactured in Malaysia targeted to Malaysian car buyers and are reminders that PROTON is and always will be a ‘full-service’ car manufacturer with the ability to design, develop and build our own cars from a clean sheet of paper,” said En. Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON Edar.
However, be warned that this exercise is merely the addition of some bodykit, stickers and some yellow bits inside and outside. So you will still be driving something with the same 1.3l or 1.6liter engines in all of these limited production models. Of course, there is a market for these types of cars as a bit may go a loooong way for some.
Of course,I would prefer an Iriz 1.6 with a 170hp 250Nm turbocharged engine to go with it. But then it wouldn't be affordable to many. And this is actually a celebration of what PROTON has achieved on track. Maybe they will do so once things get really profitable again. And in this current economic climate where a pandemic rules supreme, even a RM75k Iriz would be hard to swallow. The R3 Iriz based on a 1.6CVT variant only comes in at a still affordable RM52,900 which is only a slight premium over the standard model.
All in all, I do quite like the Iriz R3 the best as it does look modern, chic and actually sporty looking compared to the others. Well, actually the Iriz does look like the nicest among these group of Protons.
On-the-road prices without insurance for the Proton Special Edition models are:
Proton Saga R3 Limited Edition: RM42,300 - More Photos of the Saga HERE
Proton Iriz R3 Limited Edition: RM52,900 - More Photos of the Iriz HERE
Proton Persona Black Edition: RM54,700 - More Photos of the Persona HERE
Proton Exora Black Edition: RM67,800 - More photos of the Exora HERE
* Valid for Peninsular Malaysia only
** Valid until 30 June 2021 with Sales Tax exemption
No comments:
Post a Comment