Posts

2021 PROTON Perdana Render Proves The Relevance Of D-Segment Saloons

/0 Comments/in , , /by

With the meteoric rise of SUVs, it seems like every other category of passenger car out there has been left by the wayside. Saloons especially have been heavily hit as SUVs become more and more prevalent, with buyers keen to associate with the more active and engaging image that comes with buying and driving a sport-utility vehicle.

Earlier this week however, Chinese carmaker Geely unveiled the production-ready version of its Preface saloon, a large D-segment three-box machine that would sit where the PROTON Perdana once was. With its bold design and assertive stance, the Geely Preface is a solid indicator of where the company intends to head design-wise for its saloons – and that’s important for the local market too.

Where SUVs have become the de rigeur accessory for up-and-coming families, the large saloon car still has its place, as shown expertly in these renders by image-manipulation whiz Theophilus Chin. The ‘2021 Perdana’ seen here is based on the Preface and incorporates various current PROTON design elements like the Ethereal Bow grille and Infinite Weave pattern into the overall car, and shows exactly why models like these remain appealing. 

The Geely Preface is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which was primarily engineered by Swedish marque (and Geely subsidiary) Volvo. CMA has since been employed notably on the Volvo XC40, and is designed to accommodate internal-combustion, petrol-electric hybrid, and full-electric powertrains.

GALLERY: ‘2021 PROTON PERDANA’ by Theophilus Chin

SPIED: ’19 PROTON Saga In Showrooms Ahead Of Launch

/0 Comments/in , /by

It seems that PROTON’s all ready to reveal its newest baby, a heavily-updated version of the current-generation Saga that’ll go a long way in righting a few wrongs. The PROTON Saga is a favourite among the MalaysianMotoring team (both videographers own one, albeit different generations) and with the newest model, PROTON aims to address bugbears that have bothered current-gen Saga owners for a while.

These spyshots, courtesy of our friends at Funtasticko reveal much about the new model. For starters, the exterior has been given a light going-over in the same vein as the updated PROTON Iriz & Persona, with a new colour palette (this one is called Rosewood Maroon and we like it), updated bumpers front and rear (with the fronts now gaining LED daytime running lights for the Premium variant), and new alloys (14″ for entry-level variants and 15″ for the Premium).

Inside the changes are pretty major though, with a floating central touchscreen infotainment system, with the full ‘Hi PROTON!’ GKUI system in the Premium, and the usual non-touchscreen system for the lower tiers. There’s also an updated instrument cluster ahead of the driver that now features a more modern speedometer & tachometer, as well as a dot-matrix driver’s information display nestled between the dials. Looks rather snazzy, doesn’t it?

While there’s been no official confirmation from PROTON, we’re made to understand that under the skin, the ’19 PROTON Saga will continue to use the same 1.3-litre VVT engine as the outgoing car with no major changes to the engine, but the Punch-sourced CVT-automatic gearbox has been swapped out with a 4-speed auto unit from Hyundai. This should improve NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels in the car dramatically, as well as address the Saga’s current issues of lacklustre transmission response, particularly in town and when driving spiritedly.

It may also hamper fuel consumption over long-distance drives, but that remains to be seen.

PROTON has yet to release official pricing for the ’19 PROTON Saga, but with the launch slated for later today, the wait shouldn’t be all too long now.