Proton has confirmed their commitment to the Australian new car market with the announcement of the three new models launches before the end of 2013. Over the next three months Proton Australia will debut the Proton Exora a seven seater MPV, a sporty version of the Proton Previe in the form of Previe GXR and the new Proton Suprima S a small five-door hatchback.
With help from head of office in Malaysia, who have promised that Australia will be the first export market for all new Proton's ahead of Singapore and Thailand. With this sort of commitment from HQ there won't be a huge lag between new models being launched overseas and arriving in showrooms downunder.
The first new car that will be hitting our shores is the Proton Exora which will be available in 2 variants. The GX and GXR will both powered by a 1.6litre 103kW/205Nm engine. Coupled with a 6-speed CVT transmission, fuel consumption is rated at 8.3litres per 100kms.
Aimed at the price savvy buyer the Exora will have a list of family friendly features like a roof mounted DVD player,16' alloy wheel and bluetooth. The GXR model will gain leather seats, reversing camera and cruise control.
At launch the Proton Exora will come with ABS, ESC and four airbags and a 4-Star ANCAP safety rating. The Proton Exora will be in showrooms from the end of September 2013, pricing for the Proton Exora is:
Proton Exora GX $25,990
Proton GXR GX $27,990
Next on Proton's list is the 5-star ANCAP rated Proton Preve GXR a sporty 4 door take on the Proton Preve GX . The suspension the GXR has been tuned by Lotus.
Due to be launched in November 2013 the Preve GXR will come standard with leather interior, auto headlights, auto whippers, Push button start and a turbocharged 7 speed CVT engine with paddle shifters. A 6 speed manual scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2014.
Proton Australia are still in negations with HQ back in Malaysia about final pricing.
The final car on the list and by no means last is the Suprima S five-door hatchback. Due to be launched in Australia in December. The standard features list will include a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, daytime running lamps, and park assist.
Proton hope the Suprima S will offer up some competition to the likes of Mazda3, Kia Certo and Hyundai i30. Power comes from Proton’s 103kW/205Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels via Proton’s seven-speed Protronic CVT transmission. Like the Preve it will be 5-star ANCAP safety rated.
All three new models will be backed by Protons five year warranty, capped priced servicing and road side assistance.
Carshowroom will be at the launch of all three models in the coming months.
