Proton names its new entry-level sedan
Malaysian importer announces naming and indicative pricing for the "lowest cost four door sedan" in AustraliaAustralia's cheapest sedan arrives on November 1 -- and it is to be called the Proton S16.
The Malaysian company's long-awaited entry-level sedan, which will be sold at a "driveaway price under $13,000", will spearhead a new assault on the Australian market by Proton, which has spent some time reorganising its local dealer network and revising prices across the board to help arrest a year to date sales decline of more than 33 per cent compared to 2008.
More details about the S16 -- a new-generation light sedan based on a stretched Savvy hatch platform -- have been released by the company, including fuel economy and basic equipment.
Although full specification details will not be available until the new car is introduced, Proton says the S16 will come with air conditioning, power front windows, power steering, remote central locking, immobiliser, AM/FM/CD audio, height adjustable driver's seat and tilt-only adjustable steering.
The Yaris-sized Proton will offer a surprisingly large 413-litre boot containing a full-size spare wheel.
The press material does not mention active or passive safety aspects, but it is expected the new Proton will come with at least a driver's side airbag. Presumably ABS is on a future wish-list for Australian S16s, although Proton says the car currently "meets all required Australian design rules for safety and emissions."
Proton has confirmed that the 1.6-litre 16-valve engine -- as already used in its Gen.2 model -- will produce 82kW while returning an average fuel economy figure of 6.3L/100km. It is expected the torque figure will replicate that of the 148Nm Gen.2 engine.
The S16 will come with a three year unlimited warranty as well as free 24-hour roadside assistance.
It will supplement Proton models on sale in Australia, including the Satria Neo three-door light hatch, the Persona and Gen 2 small sedans, and the Jumbuck ute.
The first demonstrator S16s will be delivered to dealers during October and dealers will start taking customer orders prior to the official launch.
A dedicated website detailing the new S16 Proton has been launched at www.newsedan.com.au with links from www.proton.com.au.
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