PROTON X70 CKD Coming “Very Soon,” X50 Due Before Year-End

At a luncheon event with the media today, CEO of Proton Cars Dr. Li Chunrong said that while 2019 has been an excellent year for the national flagbearer, the company has no intentions of slowing down.

Remarking that the company has successfully sold in excess of 100,000 cars in 2019 (an increase of over 55% over the preceding year), Dr. Li says the company is targeting a number over 130,000 this year, in an attempt to push its marketshare even further. PROTON successfully claimed the #2 spot in overall passenger car sales last year, and this year Dr. Li is insistent that they do even better.

To do this, Dr. Li says that the locally-assembled version of the highly-successful X70 will be coming “very soon,” packing updated and refreshed features better suited to the local market. These are, according to sources, inclusive of features like updated upholstery options, ventilated seats, and a power boot. There is also some talk of improved ADAS systems, though this remains speculative.

What is more concrete is the updated powertrain, with the 1.8 TGDI engine massaged to produce more power and torque, sent to the wheels via a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That should see improvements in fuel economy, a major issue with the current car, of up to 15%.

Another contributor to PROTON’s bold sales figures is the long-awaited introduction of the X50 compact SUV, which will arrive in our market packing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the same 7-speed DCT, and full local assembly.


Between these two models and the continued improvement of PROTON’s perception in the eyes of the buying public, the company is well on its way to improving its overall marketshare here. But one of the big factors in PROTON’s overall growth through 2020 will be its export activities, with Dr. Li hoping that the company will export to “more than 10 countries” by the end of the year.

PROTON appears to finally be on the right track with Geely, with our talented team of local engineers, supported by its vendors and suppliers, finally able to produce globally-competitive vehicles. Should they be able to maintain the momentum, it would not be without reason to believe that the Tiger will roar louder soon than it has ever been.

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Lands – 3 Variants, ASA 2.0, RM35k-RM50k

National carmaker Perodua has today unveiled their refreshed Perodua Bezza, arriving to the market some 5 months after the launch of the updated PROTON Saga, and some four years after the model was first introduced. The Perodua Bezza has comfortably held the position as the most popular A-segment saloon since it was first launched back in 2016, with 184,000 units sold – critically however, that position has since been threatened by the new Saga, with the PROTON snagging the title as the best-selling compact saloon in the segment for two months in 2019.

This refresh then is critical for Perodua, as this updated Bezza will be tasked with fending off PROTON’s new contender for a few more years. But with the Saga holding a clear price advantage, the new Bezza truly tests Perodua brand loyalists like never before, with a gap as wide as RM10,000 in favour of the Saga at the top end. However, with pre-facelift models sold out since mid-December, bookings for Bezza models from last year were converted into bookings for the new car, which were then added to the 2,000 bookings received for the new Bezza since the registration of interest opened 5 days ago – which means that right off the bat, the new Perodua Bezza has some 10,000 orders already locked and loaded, with a further 4,000 units a month expected to move once orders stabilise.

The new Bezza continues to offer the same array of engines, with a 1.0-litre three cylinder motor in G models, and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder in the X and AV models. The pair put out 67hp/91Nm & 94hp/121Nm respectively, with a 4-speed automatic shared across the range. Only the base G comes with the option of a 5-speed manual now though, with manual X models being dropped from the lineup.

The changes with this refresh are limited to just specs and aesthetics, then. The new Bezza arrives with a more aggressive face, topped by new slim headlights and a new grille. The headlights are now LED and standard across the range, a move taken from the larger Myvi and Aruz. Down the flanks there are new alloy wheels – the 14s for the G models are shared with the smaller-capacity Myvi variants, while the 15s for the X and AV are an entirely new dual-tone design.

At the rear, changes are limited to a new bumper with a more aggressive design and ‘diffuser,’ as well as a new garnish between the taillights.

Inside, Perodua has lightly tweaked the aesthetics, though some changes are more obvious than others. The first thing that stands out is the incorporation of a contrasting silver element that runs across the dash, flicking upwards in the middle and framing the new centre stack. That centre stack itself now houses a new infotainment unit, again nicked from the Myvi and Aruz, which should offer things like satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. Elsewhere there’s a new instrument cluster, featuring a more sophisticated look designed to inspire drivers (kononnya) that’s also now backlit in white for improved legibility.

There are no changes to report in the rear-half of the cabin though – unfortunately the rear bench remains as upright as it has ever been, a serious gripe among Bezza owners and potential buyers, though they seem to be a bit more sculpted to improve comfort somewhat. There are also no changes to the boot, with 508L of capacity on offer still. However with the facelift, Perodua has opted to add a small luggage net to the side of the boot, to improve load carrying capabilities a little bit.

Safety-wise, the Bezza continues to do well, at least for the posher variants. The X and AV models soldier on with 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, while the G models make do with just 4. ABS and EBD are standard across the range, while vehicle stability (VSC) and traction control (TSC) are the reserve of 1.3-litre models, with the AV going further by adding ASA 2.0.

Overall, the new Bezza certainly seems ready to take on the new PROTON Saga, albeit at a price disadvantage. That said with benchmark levels of kit and ten thousand units set to be delivered by the end of January, the Perodua Bezza shouldn’t have a tough time finding its way into the hearts and minds of buyers at all.

REVIEW: 2020 Hyundai Elantra – Surprises All Around

One of the drawbacks of being a motoring journalist feted with test cars frequently is that you stop getting wowed by things. New technology, evolutionary engineering, and improved build quality and materials have become de rigueur in the automotive industry, and writers like me stop getting impressed with new cars sooner rather than later.

But the Hyundai Elantra, refreshed in mid-2019 to take on the C-segment saloon space against cars like the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla Altis, and the Peugeot 408, was a truly amazing surprise. Available in Malaysia in just one trim at one price (of RM109,888), it’s clear that Hyundai Sime Darby is focused on getting the left-field buyers, rather than appealing to the broad spectrum that makes up C-segment saloon buyers. This could perhaps end up playing to their advantage by reducing overhead costs – with so many buyers moving towards SUVs, the space for such cars is shrinking rapidly, and having a large and overly-complicated range of products could simply end up spelling financial ruin.

Now with (literally) sharper styling and improved ride & handling, the new Elantra saunters in with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 152PS and 195Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Unfortunately that marks the end of the 1.6-litre turbo Elantra Sport, a car that caught alot of attention when it was launched, but ultimately failed to entice enough buyers. That engine does at least live on in the excellent Hyundai Tucson Turbo.

With all new cars offered with a 3-year/100,000km service package as well as a 5-year/300,000km warranty, the new Hyundai Elantra is certainly an appealing prospect. With tidy road manners, excellent refinement, and the sort of roughty-toughty build quality that will last ages, will the refreshed 2020 Hyundai Elantra be just the car you need for you and your family?

2020 Perodua Bezza Open For Booking – Specs Confirmed, Prices Leaked

Following our publication of leaked publicity shots of the 2020 Perodua Bezza last night, we received early this morning news from Perodua that the order books are now open on the new model.

Included in the press release regarding the commencement of bookings was a helpful graphic to list down all the new features of the Perodua Bezza, helping to confirm some of the specifications we speculated about in our earlier post.

It confirms that the Bezza will follow the same route as the recently-facelifted Axia, offering only three trim levels: G 1.0, X 1.3, and AV 1.3. Only the entry-level G variant will be offered with a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, with the rest of the range getting only the automatic transmission.

Additionally, only the G models will go on sale without safety features lke vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC). ABS and electronic brake distribution (EBD) are, mercifully, standard. So too are electric side mirrors, with G & X models now getting integrated turn signals, and AV models getting electric folding units instead.

The bigger news pertains to the X and AV models, with both featuring VSC and TRC as standard, but the AV now gets advanced safety assist (ASA 2.0) for the first time, just like the facelifted Axia. This is in line with Perodua’s goal of moving the industry forwards by offering innovative features at unbeatable pricepoints to set the bar higher for its competitors.

The press release also confirms what we already know – there are new bumpers on either end, standard LED headlights across the range, a smaller upper grille (with different finishes for 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre models) and larger under-breather, and new alloy wheels (14-inch units for the 1.0-litre, and 15-inch ones for the 1.3-litre models). The facelift Bezza also touts a redesigned instrument cluster (now featuring white backlighting) and keyless entry & go (1.3-models only).

What we’ve also managed to get our hands on are price-lists for the new 2020 Perodua Bezza, though so far we cannot confirm the veracity of these documents. It states that the prices for the new Bezza will be as follows:

  • Perodua Bezza G M/T – RM34,580
  • Perodua Bezza G A/T – RM36,580
  • Perodua Bezza X A/T – RM43,980
  • Perodua Bezza AV A/T – RM49,980

*all prices are on-the-road, without insurance

What’s worth noting is the RM7,400 price gulf between the G and X variants, a gap that’s large enough to lose some customers in between. Normally carmakers will try and price their products close enough that potential customers can be ‘upsold’ to the plusher model, but it seems that Perodua is taking a slightly different tact here.

Additionally, the Perodua Bezza AV is now nearly RM10,000 more expensive than the new PROTON Saga Premium, which is also offered with a 1.3-litre engine and a 4-speed automatic. This is again in keeping with Perodua’s shift to becoming a value-driven brand rather than a maker of economy cars, as they have no doubt that buyers keen on getting the best features in the category (like ASA 2.0, LED headlights, and keyless entry/go) will not be swayed by the more affordable PROTON.

Two body colours new to the Bezza – Garnet Red (exclusive for 1.3-litre models) and Granite Grey – join the existing four colours on offer (Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue, Sugar Brown) to make a total of 6 available colour choices.

What do you think of the new 2020 Perodua Bezza? Do you think it has what it takes to take on the PROTON Saga, currently Malaysia’s top-selling A-segment saloon? Let us know in the comments below.

SPYSHOTS: 2020 Perodua Bezza Publicity Shots Leak Ahead Of Launch

Our friends at Perodua are known for running an amazingly tight ship, with information only spread within relevant departments to reduce the risk of information leaking out ahead of official announcements. We know this for a fact because even when we lightly tortured staffers there, they refused to give up any information regarding new models or proposed timelines.

But despite their best efforts, photos have managed to leak out anyway. Posted in a Facebook group called Live Car Breathe Car by group administrator Chin Swee Hoe, these photos show the new 2020 Bezza in all its glory, revealing its new updates almost in their entirety.

The new Bezza seen here is strutting its stuff in a new colour, which appears to be a halfway-point between the Rosewood Maroon & Ruby Red offered by its main competitor, the PROTON Saga. It’s clear to see that up front, the new bumpers frame brand-new headlights which appear to be packing LED lighting for the first time in the A-segment, which is most certainly a good sign. The front bumper itself is far more aggressive in this iteration with large pseudo air-intakes around the fog-lights and a more aggressive lower breather, and it gives it a face that isn’t too far off what we’re seeing with the current-generation Toyota Vios.

Down the back there’s just a new bumper with similar pseudo air-intakes to be seen, as well as a prominent rear diffuser. We’re certain that Perodua will reason these upgrades as ways to make the car appear broader and more stable, though overall we’re fully aware that this more aggressive design is in response to market demand.

There are also new alloy wheel designs – the ones seen here are the 15-inch units, which we believe are reserved for the 1.3-litre models, while 1.0-litre models will get the 14-inch ‘turbine’ alloys from the Perodua Myvi 1.3.

Inside there are more changes than we anticipated, with a new dashboard design put forward, with silver accents (though these are likely to be reserved for the top-most ‘AV’ trim). The overall design of the dash appears to incorporate traits from the Aruz flagship SUV (notice how the silver accents tick upwards around the centre stack), as well as existing bits from the Bezza (like the rectangular air vents on either side). If you squint, you can almost make out a new, more sporty meter cluster (said to use white backlighting this time round) as well as a new infotainment unit.

On that infotainment unit, it’s clear that the new Bezza will receive the same touchscreen head unit as seen in the recently-facelifted Perodua Axia, offering bluetooth, smartphone mirroring and the like, as per the Axia AV. And given that the Axia AV also introduced advanced safety assist (ASA) with the latest refresh, we can expect to see that incorporated here too.

There also appears to be a new boot net in the… uh, boot. Which is nice.

There shouldn’t be any changes to the powertrain, with the Bezza soldiering on with either a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine or a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. We expect to only see the manual available for base 1.0-litre models only though, just like what happened to the Axia with its facelift.

There aren’t any major price revisions expected with the 2020 Perodua Bezza, which is rumoured to be launching within the next couple of weeks. We should see either a slightly shuffled lineup with the new Bezza, or maybe no changes at all given the popularity of the compact saloon in our market.

We’re made to understand that the booking forms will be opening on the new Perodua Bezza soon, with a launch date within the next 14 days. Either way, we’re glad to see that the Bezza has been revised to keep it fighting fresh for the new decade (ha!) and we can’t wait to put this up against our own grey PROTON Saga.

UPDATE: 2020 Perodua Bezza Specifications Confirmed, Bookings Opened, PRICES LEAKED

Ferrari Introduces New Roma – 3.9l V8, 612bhp

“La nuova dolce vita,” or ‘the sweet new life’ is the tagline that legendary Italian marque Ferrari have gone with to usher in the arrival of the Ferrari Roma, a new front-engined V8 coupe that sits above the Portofino cabriolet and below the mid-engined F8 Tributo. Sporting a new design language for Ferrari’s mainstream models, the Roma’s design is inspired by the 50s and 60s grand tourers that personified the era, and is described by Ferrari as a new-generation GT car.

Technically a 2+2 (with the two rear seats reserved for the friends you wish hadn’t asked you for a lift), the Roma sports the award-winning 3.9-litre V8 engine, producing 612bhp and 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch auto, capable of rocketing the thing from 0-100km/h in just 3.4-seconds (which to us, means one second faster than a Volvo S60 T8).

The new Roma is also the first Ferrari to feature the new 8.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen that works in tandem with the digital instrument cluster to create a visual & technical experience never before enjoyed in Maranello’s products. You also get a “totally new” exhaust system for drivers who can’t be bothered with the infotainment nonsense – we’ve no doubt that valuable information will be displayed via the enormous 16-inch instrument cluster screen too.

No word from Ferrari Malaysia – Naza Italia regarding availability (to be fair it was only just unveiled) but we’ll sure be asking tomorrow morning…

PERODUA Axia Style Rocks Sri Lanka At Colombo Motor Show

On the opening day of the Seylan Colombo Motor Show, Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has debuted the favourite of the refreshed Axia range, the Axia Style, to the delight of fans in Perodua’s largest overseas market. The Motor Show, being held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall between today and the 10th of November, came forward as the best possible location for Perodua’s stylish new A-segment hatch to make its entrance into the Sri Lankan market. 

Sri Lankan Perodua distributor Unimo Enterprises has opened the books for the Perodua Axia Style today too, with deliveries expected to begin within Q1 2020. The crossover-like Axia Style will be priced at Rs3.895-million (or RM89,000 at the time of writing) in Sri Lanka when it arrives.  

“As Sri Lanka is the Perodua brand’s biggest overseas market and one that has always been accepting of the Axia, with some 3,000 units sold since 2015, it is fitting as the new Perodua Axia Style’s first export destination. Sporting rugged-looking bumpers with skid-plate elements, all-round body cladding, a rear spoiler and striking 15-inch five-spoke alloys, the Axia Style reflects owners’ lifestyles while retaining the hallmark Axia qualities of practicality, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and ease of driving.” – Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua 

The 2019 Perodua Axia Style in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Since its launch in September, over 2,000 Perodua Axia Styles have found new homes with bold, daring owners. Overall, over 10,400 of the new 2019 Perodua Axias have been delivered, from the over-20,000 bookings received for the refreshed model. 

“SUVs & crossovers are enjoying a big rise globally, and we forsee the same trend in Sri Lanka. The new Perodua Axia Style offers the active & trendy looks of a crossover in a compact, fuel-efficient, dependable, and value-for-money package that we believe will strike a chord with Sri Lankans.” – Mr. Mahesh Gunathilake, CEO & Executive Director, Unimo Enterprises 

Since establishing the first Perodua dealership in Sri Lanka back in 1997, Unimo Enterprises has sold nearly 16,000 Perodua vehicles. The lineup there consists of just the Axia and Bezza, with the Bezza taking the crown as Sri Lanka’s best-selling new sub-1.0-litre saloon. 

For 2019, Perodua aims to export 3,270 cars, marking a 50% increase over last years’ figure of 2,184 units exported. Since Perodua began its export activities, over 80,000 Perodua vehicles have left our shores and found homes abroad. 

PERODUA DELIVERS 55 ARUZ SUVS TO KPDNHEP

The Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has purchased 55 units of the Perodua Aruz AV, marking the seven-seater SUV’s entry into the government sector and the model’s first fleet deal.

A delivery ceremony was held today at the ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya, where KPDNHEP Secretary-General Datuk Muez Abdul Aziz symbolically handed a mock key over to KPDNHEP Director of Enforcement Dato’ Haji Iskandar Halim Haji Sulaiman.

“We thank KPDNHEP very much for choosing the Perodua Aruz and in doing so, supporting the Malaysian automotive supply eco-system, as over 90% of the Aruz’s components are locally sourced. The same is true of all our current models,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

The Perodua Aruz is not merely the SUV of choice for KPDNHEP, but also of the Malaysian public. With over 23,000 units already sold out over the 33,000 bookings received since the car was launched in January, the Perodua Aruz is not only the best-value SUV Malaysia has to offer, but is also the country’s best-selling SUV.

Perodua continues to move from strength to strength with its new products, with the latest fleet deal with KPDNHEP a resounding signal of confidence in Malaysia’s largest carmaker. With the company raking in accolades both at home and abroad, Perodua is set to continue to excite and inspire the Malaysian market, with one new model at a time.

2019 PROTON SAGA LAUNCHED – RM33K-RM40K

After a long wait and numerous leaks, the latest baby from PROTON’s stables has finally joined in the fun. The PROTON Saga is a critical model for the company, being one of the marque’s fastest sellers and marking the entry point into the PROTON lineup. With these latest updates, the Saga is now set to put up an even greater fight than ever before, particularly against its arch rival, the Perodua Bezza.

The 2019 PROTON Saga lineup has been cleaned up, with the removal of the ‘Executive’ variant for this iteration. Instead, the Saga will be available as a Standard in Manual (RM32,800) or Automatic (RM35,800), as well as an automatic-only Premium model (RM39,800). These new prices are a slight reduction over the outgoing model, and PROTON is keen to point out that when combined with the added value that comes with it, the price reductions are rather significant.

Style-wise the Saga has only been given a small nip and tuck. The front sees the incorporation of the Infinite Weave grille pattern that is now part-and-parcel of every new PROTON model, as well as a revised front bumper with a more pronounced air intake. The Premium model loses its front foglights though, with PROTON offering up LED daytime running lights, a first for an A-segment saloon.

Down the sides there are new-design alloy wheels (14-inch for Standard models and 15-inch for Premium cars), while the rear sees the logo deletion in favour of the wide PROTON script we’ve seen on their newer cars, as well as a new boot-lip spoiler and more sophisticated rear bumper design.

Inside there are more significant changes, starting with the seats. They remain a fabric-only affair, but they’re now wrapped in a higher-quality and softer cloth that should serve families quite well. There’s also new headlining and soft-operation roof-mounted grab handles for passengers, as well as a new LED-lit cabin dome light that sits just above the driver’s central mirror.

But up front is where the biggest changes have taken place. The top-half of the centre stack is now completely new, housing a free-standing 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the aircond vents moved below (Standard models get a non-touchscreen radio instead). Between the two sits a plastic panel with ‘PROTON’ lettering across it, which looks rather swish. The 7-inch touchscreen isn’t the fully-fledged GKUI infotainment system like in other PROTONs, so no 4G connectivity and ‘Hi PROTON’ voice command here, but it does offer Android smartphone mirroring. Standard across the range is Bluetooth connectivity, while the Premium model gets things like a reversing camera and four speakers thrown in as well.

There’s also a new instrument cluster sitting ahead of the driver, with two new white-backlit dials flanking an information display that’s now capable of displaying average fuel consumption, opened doors, distance to empty, and others. It’s not a full-colour screen like you get in say an Iriz or a Persona, but it’s not half bad, and is a marked improvement over the outgoing car. You still get a multifunction steering wheel with rake adjustment, though reach adjustment remains a luxury the Saga does not afford.

Under the bonnet there have been some updates, but not to the engine itself. The Saga continues to offer a 1.3-litre VVT petrol engine with 95PS at 5,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is now paired to either a 5-speed manual in the base-model as before, or a 4-speed automatic gearbox sourced from Hyundai. This is a significant change for the Saga, addressing some of the biggest bugbears with this model. The 4-speed automatic promises improved noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) levels and responsiveness – there’s even a Sport mode, should the mood take you.

The new Saga has also been treated to a brake upgrade, with larger discs in the front and bigger drums in the rear, taken off the PROTON Iriz. Critically, all cars now benefit from anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist, previously unavailable in Standard models. The Premium offers additional front parking sensors, TCS, ESC, and Hill-Hold Assist, though all models continue to offer two airbags.

The 2019 PROTON Saga is now available in five colours, namely Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red (the ‘hero’ colour), and Rosewood Maroon.

Although PROTON has chucked a whole bunch of new kit into the Saga, the value proposition has gone up significantly. The new Saga is available with very attractive packages, like the free 1st year (or 3-time) servicing, attractive financing rates (from 2.98%p.a.), and a comprehensive insurance package (betterment cost waiver for up to 10-years, agreed value coverage for up to 12-years, key-care coverage of RM1,000 value, flood relief allowance of up to RM1,000, and even personal-accident coverage for the policy-holder for up to RM15,000.

Not bad eh for an entry-level car?

We absolutely cannot wait to sample the 2019 PROTON Saga, and pit it head-to-head with the Perodua Bezza in the near future. We commend PROTON on these massive improvements for their most affordable model, in keeping with the same goals to mobilise the masses and offer the best bang-for-buck, just like the original Saga did back in 1985.

For the best deals on a new car, be sure to hit up our Facebook page, and we’ll put you in touch with one of our verified dealers to ensure that you get the best deal at the best price on your brand-new ride.

2019 PROTON SAGA SPECS CONFIRMED – 3 Variants, 4AT & 5MT, Prices TBC

With just hours to go before the wraps are pulled off, it seems that netizens are beside themselves with excitement as PROTON prepares to launch its updated entry-level Saga.

The spec sheet, leaked to us from an avid #MalaysianMotorist

Preliminary specsheets have been sent to us via one of our readers who sought to remain anonymous, and it’s helped to confirm a few things. First, we can now confirm that the 2019 PROTON Saga will replace its problematic CVT automatic gearbox with a 4-speed automatic slushbox from Hyundai, while the 5-speed manual will soldier on. We can also confirm that the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment headunit, LED daytime running lights, and 15-inch wheels will remain exclusive to the Premium model; Standard variants will make do with a “Standard” infotainment unit, two speakers, and 14-inch wheels, but all cars now get a remote trunk release and a flip-type key fob.

We can also confirm that there will be 5 colours available for the new Saga, namely Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Rosewood Maroon, and Ruby Red.

UPDATE: The 2019 PROTON Saga has been launched in full, with prices starting at RM32,800 for the Standard M/T and rising up to RM39,800 for the Premium A/T. Details on our latest post.