Savvy replacement a Saga: more new models for Proton

The Savvy and Gen2 nameplates are likely to disappear from the Proton line-up as the Malaysian carmaker renews and expands its model line-up. Indeed, the current models will be replaced by the end of the first quarter of next year.

In the case of the Savvy (pictured), the replacement in the wings is the new Saga sedan which will arrive Down Under in the first quarter of 2009.

Already on sale in Malaysia, according to local Proton boss, John Startari, final specifications for the local version of the sprightly styled small sedan are still to be signed off. It will, however, definitely arrive in both 1.3 and 1.6-litre variants.

Just what the car will be called is up in the air. According to Startari, however, it’s unlikely to retain its Malaysian market Saga badging.

Things are clearer for the Gen2. Set to benefit from the structural, mechanical and interior changes developed for the new Persona sedan, the Gen2 will be relaunched in Australia as the Persona Hatch. It is likely to offer a sportier chassis tune than the sedan, but will retain its economy-biased 1.6-litre powertrain, Startari says.

Expect it to arrive before the end of 2008.

On the horizon for Proton are the long-awaited replacement for the Satria GTI, the Satria R3, and an all-new MPV, that is yet to be named.

The R3 was displayed in near-production trim at this year's Melbourne Motor Show. Signifying 'Race, Rally and Research', R3 is destined to become a halo sub-brand for the manufacturer. It is intended that other R3 models will join the Satria in due course.

The powerplant that will power the Satria R3 is still to be announced. The hot tip is a turbocharged version of the existing CamPro 1.6-litre, complete with variable valve timing.

Proton is believed to be targeting an output of around 115kW for the hot hatch. It will also feature bespoke Lotus suspension tuning.

Proton's MPV will be the biggest vehicle the company has marketed Down Under. It is currently set for a mid-2009 launch and will be unveiled in Malaysia later this year.

Startari was tight-lipped on details of the powerplant for the three-row seven-seater. He described the vehicle as "Avensis-sized" and vowed it would not becoming Down Under without an appropriate powertrain.

It is believed Proton will feature a "joint venture" engine in the vehicle. It could in fact be the first diesel Proton to be sold Down Under.

In the past Proton has partnered with both Renault and Mitsubishi in terms of powertrain sharing. Startari ruled out Renault oilers making it under the bonnet of a Proton model anytime soon, however.

Startari did confirm a new Jumbuck is on the way, but we won't see it here before 2010. Proton has placed both diesel and all-wheel drive versions on the wishlist for the light commercial vehicle.

At this stage, there are no plans to add a passenger-style SUV to the Proton range, although the marque's move into markets like India and Russia could, however, see one launched in the medium term. Proton's Lotus subsidiary showed a potential SUV model, its APX concept, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2006.

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