Proton's new model onslaught

One of Australia's most affordable brands, Proton, has just tweaked the pricing of its product line-up with its entry level S16 G priced at $11,990 before government and delivery charges are added.

The Malaysian car maker has also confirmed a new halo model will make its way to Australia in December, the Lotus Racing Satria Neo R3 (second image). Though the price of the R3 is still to be confirmed, this hot hatch model provide the Proton fleet with a high performance offering that will raise the marque's profile.

Getting back to Proton's new S16 model, which is the lowest-priced sedan in Australia, it spans three models, the entry-level G, the mid range GX manual ($12,990) and the GX automatic ($14,990), the latter of which adds 14-inch wheels, electric mirrors, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.

Proton will embark on its most extensive new model onslaught in 2010, with more models in the S16 range (GXR and LE) coming from July, followed by the Persona LE four-door sedan in August, and the Exora seven-seater MPV, which will arrive in November.

"Our philosophy for Proton is to provide the best priced cars, with great handling, quality and features ensuring a compelling purchase proposition for our customers," said Billy Falconer, Proton Cars Australia's general manager of sales and operations.

"Buyers are embracing S16 because of the $11,990 price which includes three years' warranty and 24 hours roadside assistance and as a result we now have a four week waiting list on the car," added Falconer.

The affordable new S16 model has resulted in a massive 110 per cent increase in Proton's 2010 sales in Australia, year on year, and other pricing changes across its range are expected to further boost interest in the brand throughout the year.

The Satria Neo G manual is now priced at $14,990, the Satria Neo GX manual $15,990 and the Satria Neo GXR manual now fetches $16,990, a price reduction of $1000. All Satria Neo models can be ordered with an optional automatic transmission $2000.

Persona G and Gen.2 G models have also had price adjustments, and the Jumbuck is still the most affordable ute in the country, undercutting even the Chinese imports. For a full price list (prices do not include government and delivery charges), see below or check out Proton.com.au

S16 G: $11,990
S16 GX manual: $12,990
S16 GX automatic: $14,990

Savvy Manual: $13,990
Savvy AMT: $14,990

Jumbuck GLi: $14,990
Jumbuck GLSi: $16,990

Satria Neo G manual: $14,990
Satria Neo G automatic: $16,990
Satria Neo GX manual: $15,990
Satria Neo GX automatic: $17,990
Satria Neo GXR manual: $16,990
Satria Neo GXR automatic: $18,990

Persona G manual: $15,990
Persona G automatic: $17,990
Persona GX manual: $17,490
Persona GX automatic: $19,490

Gen.2 G manual: $16,990
Gen.2 G automatic: $18,990
Gen.2 GX manual: $18,490
Gen.2 GX automatic: $20,490
Gen.2 GXR manual: $19,990
Gen.2 GXR automatic: $21,990

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