Proton divulges S16 sedan price

With a driveaway price of $11,990, Proton's new S16 sedan easily slips into the market as Australia's lowest priced new car.

But the initial driveaway prices are expected to apply only for a limited period as higher-spec cars, presumably price-adjusted, follow the first batch of arrivals from July 2010. The Malaysian-built 1.6-litre four-door sedan has been in the wings for some time as Proton has been talking for months about its plans to make the new model the cheapest on the local market.

Proton has built the Yaris-size sedan on a stretched Savvy platform and, in initial GX form, comes with air-conditioning, remote central locking and a CD audio system -- as well as five cup holders. And the boot is big. Proton claims a capacity of 413 litres, which compares to larger sedans. A full-size spare is part of the deal too. The S16 GX comes with a driver's airbag only, and no ABS, but Proton says the car "meets all required Australian design rules for safety and emissions." The car has not yet been crash tested by ANCAP.

Dual airbags and ABS will come with a higher-spec GXR version planned for introduction in July 2010.

The four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine comes from the Gen 2 Proton model and produces 82kW. It is expected the torque figure will replicate that of the 148Nm Gen.2 engine. It drives either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmission and, according to Proton, averages 6.3L/100km -- presumably in manual form.

Proton Cars Australia general manager sales and operations Billy Falconer said the "S16 will be the only new four door sedan available in Australia for less than $16,000 and will outpoint low-cost hatches and three-door models by offering a 1.6-litre engine and great equipment levels.

"Proton is known for its Lotus engineered ride and handling and strong styling and will now also be known for its market leading value."
 
The company will employ glamour to introduce Australians to the new low-price model.

"Miss Universe Australia 2009 winner Rachel Finch will be the face of the new Proton S16 and will be featured in TV commercials and print advertising campaigns," Mr. Falconer advised.

Proton S16 sales start from December 1 with the GX manual model. From July 2010 we will see higher-spec manual and auto GX models replacing the initial cars. The further upmarket GXR version with manual or auto transmission, dual front airbags, ABS, reversing sensors and alloy wheels will also be introduced in July 2010. Pricing for the upgraded GX and the GXR have yet to be announced, although you can expect the cheapest-car status to take a bit of a battering as incoming Chinese imports begin to take hold.

The S16 will come with a three year unlimited kilometre warranty as well as free 24-hour roadside assistance.

A dedicated website detailing the new S16 Proton has been launched at New Sedan.com.au with links from Proton.com.au.

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