Five safety stars for Proton Preve

The Preve has become Proton’s first model to score a maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasia New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Unlike the sub-standard Jumbuck ute and S16 light sedan, the all-new small sedan attracted praise from ANCAP for scoring well in all of its crash tests, proving that “the new vehicle’s structure is much improved over previous Proton models tested by ANCAP”.

“This is the first five-star ANCAP safety rating for Proton - a testament to the commitment of Proton senior management and its engineers to incorporate high levels of safety into their new vehicles,” said ANCAP Chairman, Lauchlan McIntosh.

“Proton hasn't let the previous poor results for its vehicles hold it back, rather they've used this as incentive to strive for the top safety rating for the Preve.

“A lot of time and effort has been invested in improving the design and safety equipment of the Preve and it is reassuring to see Proton reach this mark.”

ANCAP awarded the Preve five stars overall despite a relatively poor pedestrian protection rating, for which it earned criticism.

“ANCAP will however encourage Proton to work on improved pedestrian protection, since the Preve earned a 'Marginal' rating in this area. ANCAP is increasing the standards for pedestrian protection for all star ratings over the next few years,” said Mr McIntosh.

Officially launched alongside the new Exora people-mover at the Sydney motor show last October, the Preve is sold as standard with twin front, front-side and head-protecting curtain airbags, and other safety equipment including electronic stability/traction control – a first for the Malaysian brand since its launch here in 1995.

As we’ve reported, the Preve became available in Australia from January, priced from $18,990 drive-away with five years’ free servicing, five years’ roadside assistance and a five-year/150,000km warranty.

The Preve sedan is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offering 80kW/150Nm, coupled with either manual (five-speed) or automatic (CVT six-speed) gearboxes, the latter going costing $20,990. Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 7.2L/100km for the manual and 8.0L/100km for the auto.

Billed as the nation’s cheapest mid-size sedan, the entry-level Prevé GX variant comes as standard with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, reversing sensors, electric windows, active front head restraints and a large 508 litre boot.

A more powerful GXR version of the front-wheel drive sedan, powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a newer CVT (with seven-speed 'steps'), will become available mid-year.

It will be fitted with leather seat trim, satellite-navigation, cruise control, push-button engine starting and automatic headlights and wipers.

When he unveiled the Preve in Sydney last year, Executive Chairman Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil said Proton was acutely aware of the importance a five-star ANCAP safety rating carries in Australia, and that Proton is working towards achieving the top rating.

“We want to emerge stronger as a global car company and redefine Proton as both a product and brand in the realm of a rapidly evolving and highly competitive global automotive industry. And to do this, we are strengthening our presence in key strategic markets, including Australia,” he said at the time.

“Both the Preve and the Exora represent a new and higher level of standard for Proton cars in all aspects, encompassing key aspects such as safety, performance, comfort, build quality, technology, overall design and convenience,” said Mr Jamil.

Proton's new Exora people-mover - the Malaysian car-maker's first home-grown seven-seat vehicle – is also expected to attract a five-star safety rating when it arrives in Australia in mid-2013.

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