Proton Aria city car rendered, based on Suzuki Celerio

18727561439_21c58369d2_b

A few weeks ago, Proton made the news in a big way through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Licence Agreement to build and sell Suzuki models, with the first car – widely tipped to be an A-segment car to allow Proton to gain traction in a market that’s a Perodua stronghold – expected to see the light of day as early as August 2016.

Fast forward to today, and rendering whiz Theophilus Chin has whipped up his second vision of what that car could look like. You may remember that soon after the signing event, he Photoshopped a photo of the Indian-market Alto K10 with Proton badges; now, he believes a Celerio would actually be a better fit, and has modified Suzuki’s global city car to suit, dubbing it the Proton Aria.

Apart from the obligatory Proton emblems on the grille and wheels, Theo also got to work on extending the grille downward (much like Toyota’s Vios-based Yaris), adding a silver skid plate-like appliqué and finishing it off with some neat SUV-like plastic body mouldings.

Proton_Aria_interior

Theo also added the Iriz‘s steering wheel to the no-frills interior – equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox! The result, in this writer’s books at least, certainly succeeds in adding some visual flair on what was a slightly bargain-basement car.

The Celerio is available with either a 67 hp/90 Nm 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol engine (which we probably will be getting) or a 47 hp/125 Nm 793 cc two-cylinder turbodiesel (which we probably won’t), mated to either the aforementioned five-speed stick shifter or a CVT.

If Proton is serious about retaining its safety credentials, the Celerio would be a good fit, as it’s available with stability control and even six airbags in other markets. So, what do you think of Theo’s efforts?

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Just re-badge Suzuki Ciaz.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
    • Same L0rrrr on Jun 30, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Now you see Proton stupidity:
      1. Already has Persona, still want to launch Inspira (same C segment)
      2. Already has Persona and Inspira, still want to launch Preve (C segment)
      3. Already has Persona, Inspira and Preve, still want to launch Suprima S (C segment)

      While 4 C segment models crashing each other, still want to launch another hatchback to compete with its own poor-selling Iriz.

      Launch your Accorddana, would you?

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 74 Thumb down 20
      • Proton Penipu on Jul 01, 2015 at 1:33 am

        You still believe this shit company? Last time their chairman said no more rebadging but now they continue with this practice. Proton is penipu!

        http://paultan.org/2014/01/14/proton-chairman-rebadging-future/

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 59 Thumb down 4
        • samelorstpd on Jul 01, 2015 at 9:41 am

          Persona is not really C segment. It sits between saga and waja last time

          Preve is homegrown where inspira is rebadged. Why so much fuss?

          Penipu or not, that cannot beat same engine and transmission after decades and still penipu until now!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 17
    • Buah Peria on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Proton macai have no moral right to blame Perodua as rebadge king anymore.

      Rebadge Suzuki car konon. Piiirahhh hypocrite 1st class!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 14
      • Same L0rrrr on Jun 30, 2015 at 5:24 pm

        Yea, you and me shit everyday. It is fully organic and genuine. Do you proud of your poo poo?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
        • Proton the Poo on Jun 30, 2015 at 7:15 pm

          You’re as fake as the fake Lotus in China. Go eat your own shit, Proton macai

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 8
          • At least some Lotus DNA is there. Fake what?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
    • Nazgul on Jun 30, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      Hopefully Proton can rebadge more Suzuki models. I’ve always want Suzuki Wagon Stingray price at 45k-62k.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • Proton Paria on Jun 30, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    Don’t call this car Proton Aria. Better to call it Proton Paria. Because that is what a proton is….Pariah

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 68 Thumb down 46
  • tolonglah jgn. hodoh betul. bt jd bahan kritikan ja. apasal tak kecilkan aja saiz Iriz. better. target market ASEAN pulak

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 6
    • Ah Beng (Member) on Jun 30, 2015 at 2:45 pm

      don’t be so dumb huha..reducing car size not as simple like reducing your ball size

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 10
      • Buah Peria on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:07 pm

        Since Proton always slap its own face better use name Proton Kipidap!

        Keep it up Proton! Rebadge ko hijau!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
      • Ah Beng No Balls on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:25 pm

        Your Proton is as corrupt as IMDB, sucking money from 30 million rakyat for 30 years. You still have balls to talk here?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 5
  • worth buy if, it is a Suzuki engine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
    • worth to consider.
      if RM25k to RM40k….

      and it gonna kill Proton Iriz Sales.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Gargantia on Jun 30, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Theophilus Chin good job and even the interior… Please keep up the good work.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
  • kalau org malaysia cuba buat sesuatu untuk tambah dan kembangkan pengetahuan dan teknologi semua salahkan dan caci maki. tapi kalau negara lain yang buat macam tu, semestinya di puji dan di puja seantero dunia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 27
    • Low Budget on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:49 pm

      Oleh sebab Malaysia tak ade technologists, scientists, innovators yang canggih, yang ade tu semua ‘half past six’.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 5
      • Itu sebab la Proton cuba buat usahasama dengan pihak Suzuki. Mereka cuba belajar. Tapi orang-orang di sekeliling lagi ramai yang mengutuk dari cuba membantu. Semestinya ramai yang akan katakan pihak Proton tidak ada idea sehingga mengambil keputusan untuk rebadge kereta Suzuki. Ibarat budak sekolah yang kurang bijak cuba mendapat tunjuk ajar dengan pelajar yg bijak tetapi pelajar-pelajar disekeliling mengutuk pelajar yang cuba mendapat ilmu. Sesungguhnya inilah mentaliti rakyat Malaysia. Tidak mengira bangsa mahupun agama.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 13
        • Pak Lah on Jul 01, 2015 at 1:23 am

          Apa? Proton sudah dalam bidang ‘rebadge’ lebih 30 tahun, Mitsu, Renault dan Honda semua bukan direbadge Proton kah? Pelajar bodoh pun sudah jadi bijak jika dia sanggup belajar tekun 10 tahun. Tapi Proton? Bukan shj bodoh, tapi malas dan dolop juga. Proton hanya tahu minta wang drpd G untuk so called ‘R&D’ tapi ‘R&D’ itu cuma Rest&Dining shj. Ini evident drpd rebadge dengan Suzuki. Jika real ‘R&D’, buat apa rebadge? Buat apa minta wang drpd G? Proton is wasting wang rakyat yang diberi kepadanya selama ini. Proton hanya tahu tunggu wang drpd G while Proton staff hanya tahu tunggu waktu rehat untuk makan kuih lapis dan kongkeng awek. Mentaliti company yang sebegini kamu ingat boleh diselamatkan kah?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 9
          • bills on Jul 01, 2015 at 9:45 am

            Even Aston Martin rebadges Toyota IQ, what say you?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
          • awak kerja dengan Proton ka? Disebabkan banyak perkara yang saudara tahu tentang etika pekerja-pekerja Proton

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
          • guna otak on Jul 02, 2015 at 9:22 am

            Bodoh punya pak lah.. ko ngat buat keta mcm ko awek ko ker… habis sekolah dulu lah baru datang komen sini..

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
        • IrizX on Jul 06, 2015 at 5:23 pm

          Dah 30 tahun. Tua nyanyuk, still nak belajar and cannot produce? pe mati lah.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • hodoh..
    NEXT!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
  • I rather buy Proton A-segment than Proton Iriz..

    this gonna kill Proton Iriz’s sales.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
  • abang ismail on Jun 30, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    wow… kalau rupa camni memang laku cam pisang goreng panas la…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
  • SeA PiRaTesS on Jun 30, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Cant design new car ehhh…?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • wiralama on Jun 30, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    In terms of car renderings, Theo always deliver a good job…but Proton should be thinking of producing something better…a more innovative model rather than a copy paste…that is not the best effort to capture bigger market share world wide…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • Stop giving false hope to the government so that you can keep your job for another 2-3 years. Just kill off this brand and everyone will be better off.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 10
    • Buah Peria on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:09 pm

      A- Hey yo, what car you driving there?

      B – Proton Peria, taking a vegetable name.

      A – What?? Pariah??

      B – Sigh…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
  • mohammad ikmal on Jun 30, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Nape proton x buat rebage skyline je ??? Lagi senang … ni suzuki rebage kahkahkah

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
    • ahseng on Jul 01, 2015 at 10:00 am

      Kenapa Toyota x buat rebadge Lambo je??Lagi senang…ni pakai enjin cepat rosak BMW kahkahkah

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • pok mang on Jun 30, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    please rebadge suzuki kizashi & sell below 90k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
  • Ong Chee Boon on Jun 30, 2015 at 3:55 pm

    Well if Proton is under new leadership, i do not think they will rebadge a hatchback anymore.

    Most probably they will rebadge a proven Suzuki SUV.

    1) Hatchback = Iriz (need to improve its CVT)
    2) D segment sedan = Accordana (basic or with turbo)
    3) B segment wise = Persona or Saga facelift with a new engine and various improvements
    4) SUV = Suzuki SUV rebadge.
    5) MPV = Exora (VVTI turbo, Iriz-standard safety)

    And finally a performance model: either they revamp the Satria neo into “GTI” series, or they can take concept from “Hang Lekir” prototype coupe.

    That’s if things go smoothly and no other “unfathomable” plan from the top management though.

    P/S: All mentioned above is just my own opinion. Just my 2 cents.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 1
    • Buah Peria on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:12 pm

      Suzuki also have mini truck just like Daihatsu. So Proton should rebadge it since Perodua never sell mini truck (new segment also).

      Proton Peria lori mini, bagus untuk petani moden lagi bijak.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Lotus having 1.8 VVt-i engine.
      Proton should use that engine in Proton Preve and Exora at the first launch itself.

      If MPV, it will be SUZUKI ERTIGA -> Replacing Proton Exora.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Seriously, Theo, Proton should hire you as their design head.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • Makise on Jun 30, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    seriously proton? with those steering wheel?
    what you try to do here? small compact car with premium stylish interior? even the seat are same with viva standard.
    i not gonna mad at proton here but i feel sick look at photoshop pic.. use ur brain la mr.photoshop! ur action give proton bad name. if this thing came from top mngt, then proton screw up.. i have nothing to say..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • anakbochek on Jul 22, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      I guess you can do a better job right? Why don’t you post your own version of photoshopped Proton Aria. And why Theo’s action give Proton a bad name? It’s just his impression and he’s not even working with Proton. Anyone can have their own version of Proton Aria, why don’t you come up with yours?

      I guess you should say nothing man…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • peace on Jun 30, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    I dont think an A segment will do, think Iriz already in it.
    They still dont have a crossover or suv, so why not do them?
    Or maybe a superbike? Kapchai?
    But dont just rebadge, learn the technology too.
    I think proton is improving, look at iriz, but i still hate the transmission. Is it Punch?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Rebadging a car with known faulty brakes? Good on you Potong.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
  • Mc Kangkung on Jun 30, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Seem like Proton is on the way becoming the most pariah car manufacturer in the world. Kacuk this, kacuk that….until become unrecognizable mutant…Zero identity.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
  • Allroadquattro on Jun 30, 2015 at 6:56 pm

    ETCM pls bring in the Twingo!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Aero (Member) on Jun 30, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    Car safety has become one of Proton’s strongest USPs now. Proton should specify their new Suzuki-based, A-segment, Axia rivalling model with above average safety equipment.

    I am hoping for something like the Iriz’s current configuration; ABS, EBD, BA and most of all ESC and TC on all variants. 2 airbags on the lower spec models and the maximum 6 on the higher spec models. If Proton chooses to omit ESC and TC from the base models, it is understandable as the cheaper ‘happy-face’ Axia doesn’t even have ABS ! The more expensive ‘angry-face’ Axia has ABS, EBD and BA, but still no ESC and TC. Airbags are just 2 across the board.

    I hope Proton will continue to stick to their commitment on car safety, in the long run, safety will then become a characteristic of all Protons, much like their older USP, Lotus Ride & Handling.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
  • Effendi on Jun 30, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    Just close & ship out the whole
    Proton team stock lock amd barrel.
    Where is the game changer?
    Such a shame when we have to beg
    Suzuki for their low spec expertise.
    Should have just sticked with Mitsu
    from Day 1.
    As usual awesome rendering Theo !!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Somewhere over the rainbow…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Whynot on Jun 30, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    Too much time and too much money are given to P1. Is time to show that you truly worth your R&D! Rebarging means your engineers can be replaced with technicians! You should have improve the front of your Persona model or copy an Estima or Honda Jazz and improved from there! What the hell is Proton doing now after so long. Still wearing sarong to work?*#*”*#

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • orang malaysia tak sedar diri on Jul 01, 2015 at 7:47 am

    kalau rasa kamu semua bagus,apa kata yang negatif komen pasal kebanggan negara,korang masuk contest ni
    Subang Jaya: Proton Holdings Berhad (Proton) melancarkan Pertandingan Rekaan Proton 2015 dengan tema Rekaan Kereta Berkonsep Keluarga Malaysia bertujuan memupuk semangat kreativiti dan inovasi.
    Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah berkata, pertandingan itu juga memberikan peluang kepada pihaknya mendekati belia dan memberikan rakyat Malaysia pengalaman dalam mereka bentuk kereta untuk industri automotif.
    “Proses ini bukan sahaja melukiskan reka bentuk kereta, tetapi mereka juga perlu memikirkan konsep keseluruhan berdasarkan model dicipta serta menjual idea dan hasil rekaan ini,” katanya dalam kenyataan, di sini.
    Menurutnya, berdasarkan kepada penyertaan kali pertama tahun lalu, pihaknya mendapat sambutan menggalakkan daripada semua peringkat umur khususnya mereka yang berbakat terhadap reka bentuk automotif.
    – See more at: http://www.hmetro.com.my/node/60836#sthash.WXn49EOU.dpuf
    x sedar diri puii..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
    • Nenek Kau on Jul 01, 2015 at 11:01 am

      Pthuih! Danny Bahar yang design 5 Lotus concept lawa tu pun Proton sanggup pecat. Apa yang Proton tak boleh buat? Proton ibarat kacang lupakan kulit. Sedarkan lah diri, Proton macai…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • thedarkside on Jul 01, 2015 at 10:32 am

    can proton also do agrement with premium car maker? i kinda fancy the new e class but cant afford. maybe proton benz…or proton 3 series…hahaha..i dont mind buying.call me paria or anything…i dont give a shit. can save the extra money for travelling, education etc…hehehe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mighty Snoopus on Jul 01, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    More than 20 years in the making,depriving Malaysians to better cars. Killing other brands of cars. Buying Lotus that does nothing to the brand, Just more corruption upon corruption. Such a disgrace to the country’s image. Just kill and bury Proton. Or just let a Chinese Malaysian together with a Indian to run the company. Remember MAS?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Proton4Life on Jul 04, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    Proton is best car in this world.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • chin peng on Jul 13, 2015 at 8:49 am

    enough la theopilus chin,your design suck!!go on study industrial design first la beng..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
 

Add a comment

required

required