Ni hao from Beijing! Youngman Lotus took the wraps off this relatively handsome high-rider at the very busy Auto China 2012 earlier today. We’re here covering it live. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this is hardly earth-shattering news, but this vehicle may become the base for Proton’s first SUV in the near future.
Dubbed the T5, the front-wheel-drive pre-production vehicle is based on the Proton Gen-2 platform and therefore shares the same 2,600 mm wheelbase. A four-wheel-drive version is also planned.
It will have two engine choices when it officially goes on sale in China at the end of the year: the Campro CPS and its turbocharged CFE variant, both displacing 1.6 litres. The Campro engines are built under license in China and Proton receive royalties from Youngman in exchange for the usage of their engines.
Proton MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin, who was present at the Youngman stand, said that talks are ongoing between Proton and the Chinese-British joint venture, and Proton may adopt the T5 as its first SUV if things pan out – Syed Zainal added that if this comes about, there will be some repackaging involved for the local model.
The T5′s nose shares some similarities with the recently-launched Proton Preve‘s front end, particularly in the visual relationship between headlamp and grille. However, Lotus engineers declined to comment on Proton’s involvement in the project.
Unfortunately, the interior was shut from prying bodies, but a quick peek inside revealed an elegant-looking interior, complete with leather seats – we did manage to get a shot of the gear shift column, if only to hint at how it shapes up.
Prices for the T5 variants have not been confirmed, but are estimated at 115,000 to 130,000 RMB (RM57,500 to RM65,000).
Founded in 2001, China Youngman Automobile Group predominantly produces buses and trucks, but sells the Gen-2 and Persona in China under the Youngman Lotus and Europestar brands.
Proton launches another Proton Platinum Showroom, this time it is in Jalan Ampang in KL. The Showroom was officiated by Proton Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. The construction of the showroom began in June 2011 and was completed before the end of September last year.
Its architecture design is similar to that of Proton’s Platinum Showroom in Mutiara Damansara, PJ. Among the exterior features are the slanting façade and frameless glass walls. It also boasts a huge glass entrance, a spacious and comfortable customer lounge, dedicated discussion rooms, a pantry, restrooms and Surau.
This latest Platinum Showroom occupies 619 square metres and has an ample floor area to display six Proton models. The Showroom also features a dedicated covered car delivery area that fits two more cars.
The opening ceremony also saw the presentation of keys to the five early bird customers of the Prevé. Feroza Ghulam Sarwar, Ng Chee Thong, Ahamad Shahril Zainuddin and Zainal Abidin Sulaiman took delivery of a Prevé CVT Premium model while Nurhafizah Hamrun drove home her Metallic Blue Lagoon Prevé CVT Executive model.
The showroom’s opening also marks the conclusion of the five-day Proton Prevé Motorcade, which toured the country to share the excitement of the car company’s first global car.
A set of images picturing a Proton Preve suffering accident damage causing the front right wheel to appear crushed in has been making its way all around the internet today, especially on social media spaces such as Facebook and forums.
Proton Edar’s Facebook account has posted a clarification on what they are claiming actually happened with the car. According to Proton Edar, the accident happened around 4.45pm yesterday where the red Proton Preve in the picture driven by a Proton Edar sales advisor hit a divider and landed in a such a manner that caused the lower arm to break, resulting in the awkward position of the front wheel in the photo.
We think Proton Edar has used its social media channel effectively in this case – rather than try to bury the story it has come out to try to explain what actually happened (many people were coming up with their own conclusions on how the wheel ended up in such a position), and signed off with an advice to everyone to drive safe so that such accidents would not happen. Of course, only those at the scene would have really 100% known what really took place exactly. There doesn’t appear to be much other damage that can be seen on the car other than the wheel.
Perhaps the sales advisor was too enthusiastic about the new turbo engine’s torque. We at paultan.org would also like to remind everyone to drive safe. Proton has entered a new era with turbocharged engines in two of their models now – the Preve and the Exora Bold. The new turbo engine makes more torque at a lower RPM than most people are used to, so don’t go crazy before you learn your new car’s limits.
Give yourself some time to get acquainted with the car, which is especially hard to do if it’s a test drive unit – there’s definitely not enough time to learn the car’s full behaviour! It’s really not necessary to drive a test drive car as if you stole it just because you can – after all how often are you going to trash your car during your course of ownership?
You can click the image above to view the full message or head onto Proton Edar’s Facebook.
Proton’s Prevé is a crowd puller all right – not only did it push this website’s April 17 pageviews to over 1.6 million hits, Proton showrooms were full of people wanting to touch, feel and drive Proton’s global car. For those who haven’t yet seen the car, Proton will be bringing the showroom to the people, so to speak.
The Prevé nationwide motorcade was flagged off from Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama two days ago. The convoy consists of eight Prevés, four Inspiras, and one unit each of the Persona and Exora.
The first stop was Proton’s Platinum Showroom in nearby Mutiara Damansara, where Group MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin presented keys to the Prevé’s first few owners. Next stop was the EON showroom in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, KL. The motorcade then proceeded to make two more stopovers – Menara Maybank on Jalan Pudu, and at the Ambank HQ on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng.
After the city tour, the convoy headed south to Senawang and Melaka before stopping for the night in JB. Yesterday saw the fleet travel 560 km covering Yong Peng, Segamat, Bahau, Temerloh, Mentakab and Kuantan.
A 450 km journey awaits them today, where the Prevé will visit East Coast towns Kemaman, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu, Jerteh, Bachok and Kota Bahru, followed by the towns of Tanah Merah, Jeli, Baling, Sik, Alor Setar, Sungai Petani and Penang. The final day of the five-day tour will see stopovers in Juru, Ipoh and finally at Jalan Ampang, where Syed Zainal will launch a new Proton showroom.
We have covered the Prevé extensively. Click here for the main launch report, here for some videos and here to view the Sapphire concept. We’ve also driven the car, read the report here.
At the preview drive of the just-launched Prevé earlier in the month, mention was made that the next Proton offering on the cards will be the P3-22A, which is a hatchback variant of the form. The word on the grapevine hints that the car is “ready,” though at exactly what level remains a mystery.
Automotive manipulation guru Theophilus Chin offers a take on how things might shape up with the next one, working on the assumption that it’s a hatchback (and not a notchback). The hatch version of the Prevé is likely to have export markets set squarely in its sights – what do you think of Theo’s venture of a Prevé without a tail?
We grabbed three videos off the wall last night during the launch of the Proton Prevé. Just in case you have not read our launch report yet, click here.
In the first of three videos, which Proton calls “The Making of Proton Prevé”, shows the work that went into making the national car company’s first global car. The video also features the respective head of departments and their insights into the thought that goes into the different aspects of the car. Then the video moves on to the hopes and dreams that the citizens of Proton have for the Prevé.
The second video is the launch of the Prevé by the Prime Minister. Three colours were on stage – Genetic Silver, Fire Red and Blue Lagoon. Directly after that was the debut of the Prevé’s TV commercial.
Final video shows Jean Alesi at the wheel of the Prevé. He gives us his thoughts on how the Prevé drives – the power, the braking and the handling. Then he moves to the design of the car and how he likes its shape. Also, watch out for French tiger claws.
At the Proton Prevé launch last night at the MIECC, a special version of the car was also seen – the Sapphire, as it’s called, is a concept drawn up by Proton Design to showcase the possibilities with the Prevé.
The car features a matte gun-metal finish, and the shade does look very fetching in the metal. Changes from the base version include a dark tan leather interior and two-tone five-spoke 18-inch alloys wrapped with Yokohama S.drive 225/40 series rubbers. Oh, and the braking system elements and ride height have seen changes as well.
There’s also a new, dynamic-looking front bumper, which transforms the nose and tightens the frontal presentation of the car – Proton’s head of styling, Azlan Othman, mentioned that the bumper is set to see the light of day at some point in the future.
Also on, new side skirts and a revised rear bumper, with additional lip strapped on.
There’s plenty of contrast play against the matte exterior shade finish – silver highlights on the bumpers, brushed metal bits and window-frame chrome bezels dress things up further.
It looks sharp, the Sapphire. Word has it that this is a bit of a peek into what may turn out to be a Special Edition version in the months ahead. Like what you see?
The wait is over. Proton has officially introduced its latest addition to the fold with the arrival of the Prevé. The car was launched an hour ago by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at the Mines Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan.
It’s a huge car for the company, as its managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin stated at the launch. “The Prevé is a very important milestone for Proton in many ways. It represents a new and higher level of standard for Proton cars in all aspects encompassing safety, performance, comfort, build quality, technology, overall design and convenience,” he said.
“More significantly, it reflects on Proton’s maturity, technical knowledge and technological capability as a car manufacturer and to evolve from a domestic and regional player into a global car company,” he added.
As mentioned in our preview article about the car, the Prevé is available in three variant forms at point of launch, with two engine permutations and three transmissions – the list is led by the 1.6 CVT Premium, in turbocharged CamPro CFE form, followed by the 1.6 Executive CVT and 1.6 Executive five-speed manual, which both feature the normally-aspirated CamPro IAFM+ mill.
Both CVT-equipped variants feature a Punch CVT drivetrain – the High-line CFE variant gets the seven-speed VT3, dubbed the ProTronic, while the Medium-line spec’d IAFM+ runs with the six-speed VT2. The VT3 transmission is a derivative of the VT2 – both share the same package, but the VT3 is capable of higher maximum input torques (215 Nm as opposed to the VT2‘s 186 Nm).
Speaking of output, the CFE – which features a low-pressure turbocharger – is good for 138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm between 2,000 – 4,000 rpm, and performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds and a maximum top speed of 190 km/h. As for fuel consumption, the CFE manages 6.6 litres per 100 km, based on a combined cycle.
As for the IAFM+, the mill equips the two M-Line versions of the car, and output numbers for this one are 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. As for performance specs, the CVT version has a 170 km/h top speed and a 12.5 second 0-100 km/h time, while the manual does 180 km/h tops and does the century sprint in 12.0 seconds.
Consumption-wise, Proton states that the IAFM+ offers 5.8 litres per 100 km for the CVT version, while the five-speed manual manages 6.2 litres per 100 km, both sets on a combined cycle measurement.
Prevé
Waja
Persona
Length
4,543mm
4,470mm
4,477mm
Width
1,785mm
1,740mm
1,725mm
Height
1,524mm
1,420mm
1,438mm
Wheelbase
2,650mm
2,600mm
2,600mm
Front Track
1,542m
1,475mm
1,475mm
Rear Track
1,542mm
1,470mm
1,470mm
Luggage
506L
408L
430L
Kerb Weight
1,340kg
1,235kg
1,245kg
Dimensions-wise, the Prevé measures in at 4,543 mm long, 1,786 mm wide and 1,524 mm tall, and has a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Both the front and rear track is identical at 1,542 mm each, and the car has a ground clearance of 155 mm, and all the numbers are universal across the Prevé model range.
As mentioned in an earlier story about its dimensions, the Prevé is larger than its two predecessors, the Waja and the Persona – here’s a recap of the comparative figures. The earlier figures were accurate, with only a single mm difference in the width (earlier reported as 1,785 mm) as well as with the boot capacity of 508 litres (earlier, 506 litres) being the only items needing revision.
Prevé
Inspira
Altis
2012 Civic
Jetta
Forte
2012 MD Elantra
Length
4,543
4,570
4,540
4,525
4,644
4,530
4,530
Width
1,785
1,760
1,760
1,755
1,778
1,775
1,775
Height
1,524
1,490
1,465
1,435
1,482
1,460
1,445
Wheelbase
2,650
2,635
2,600
2,670
2,651
2,650
2,700
Luggage
506
475
464
510
495
485
Weight
1,340
1,335
1,315
1,295
1,417
1,359
1,269
Elsewhere, a recap too in comparing the Prevé with other C-segment sedans, including its own Mitsubishi-derived stablemate, the Proton Inspira, as the table below shows. The comparison is based on models with the biggest engines and specs (and thus the heaviest). The only thing missing from the table is the boot space capacity of the Inspira – it’s not the same as the Lancer, since the boot floor is raised to fit a full-sized spare.
Meanwhile, in terms of kerb weight, the 1.6 Premium CFE tips the scales at 1,340 kg, while the 1.6 Executive CVT is 1,325 kg and the Executive manual is the lightest of the trio, at 1,305 kg. The car comes with a 50 litre capacity fuel tank.
Suspension type is a MacPherson front and multilink rear, and all three variants wear 10-spoke 16-inch alloys, with GT Radial Champiro 205/55 series tyres, and features ventilated front /solid rear disc brakes. Water-resistant fabric seats feature across the range, as does hydraulic power steering – the choice for the latter was explained in our preview story.
Kit-wise, the Prevé comes with front and rear fog lamps, follow-me-home lights, driver’s seat height adjustment, vehicle immobiliser, projector headlamps with LED position lamps as well as ABS with EBD and dual SRS airbags as standard across the entire model range.
The top-of-the-range CFE gets brake assist and traction control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Isofix seat mountings as well as two side airbags on top of that found as standard fare. It also gets tinted window film as part of the kit.
As expected, the CFE also comes loaded with the bells and whistles in terms of features and functions, with a push-start ignition, cruise control, auto headlamps, auto wipers, auto climate air-conditioning, a rear spoiler and a CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity and integrated touchscreen GPS navigation unit.
There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto fold side mirrors and steering-mounted paddle shifters. Both the Executive variants don’t get leather for the steering wheel, but all three variants feature steering audio controls. Likewise, the CD/MP3 player on the two Executive versions come with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, but the GPS navigation is an external (portable) unit.
The vehicle is also equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SID) that displays information such as average fuel consumption, distance to empty, battery health and faulty bulb indicator, gear shift lock indicator, home lamp indicator and vehicle intrusion warning, among others. And also on is on the move WiFi – the Prevé comes YES 4G-enabled.
Six colours are available across the range for the Prevé, and these are Blue Lagoon, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White, Tranquility Black and a new shade called Elegant Brown. Ah, yes, prices are as follows (on-the-road, inclusive of insurance):
The Prevé 1.6 Premium CVT: RM72,990 (metallic) and RM72,540 (solid)
The Prevé 1.6 Executive CVT: RM62,990 (metallic) and RM62,540 (solid)
The Prevé 1.6 MT Executive: RM59,990 (metallic) and RM59,540 (solid)
A first for Proton – the Prevé comes with a full five-year or 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). As of tonight, there have been 1,200 bookings for the car, with around 75% being for the CFE-equipped version.
By the way, about the surprise mentioned in our preview … we still don’t know what it is, because it was never mentioned during the launch!
Update: More pictures of launch in the gallery, and studio shots as well as brochure scans incorporated. Also, the official TVC of the Proton Prevé in all three languages, as seen below.
Proton Prevé Official TVC: English
Proton Prevé Official TVC: Bahasa Melayu
Proton Prevé Official TVC: Mandarin
Report by Anthony Lim, Danny Tan and Chris Ng. Photos by Sherman Sim.
The Proton Prevé is set to be officially launched by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, later tonight. We’ll be there to cover the event, and will be bringing you all the details about the car when it’s formally introduced, so do check back tonight.
We’ve already previewed the Prevé in both its 1.6 litre turbocharged CFE and normally-aspirated IAFM+ forms through a test drive session a couple of weeks ago, but you’ll finally get to know everything about the car tonight, from price to the entire features and kit to be found on it. Stay tuned for more!
As a follow-up to our previous breaking news, here’s the official statement from Proton that just came in:
“We refer to the news report in The Edge Financial Daily dated April 10, 2012 on the resignation of Proton’s group managing director, Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. Proton is not aware of the source of this speculation. Datuk Seri Syed Zainal is still holding the position of the group managing director of Proton, and his services are still required in the company.
The post-acquisition exercise is still proceeding smoothly and upon the completion of the same, Proton is expected to have a strong synergy of current and new management team members that will provide Proton with the necessary impetus to lead the company in its aspiration to become a globally successful automotive player.”
Read the statement closely and you’ll see that Proton is not denying nor confirming the speculation of the resignation. As far as Proton is concerned, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin is still in the driving seat.
However, according to The Malaysian Insider, Syed Zainal has indeed resigned and will remain in Proton until the middle of the year, when he will have completed his notice period. This means that Syed Zainal will be present to launch the Prevé, Proton’s global car that was conceived under his watch.
The report adds that the person being lined up to fill DSZ’s position is DRB-Hicom COO Datuk Lukman Ibrahim who, like Syed Zainal, once held a top managerial position in Perodua. What is undeniable is the fact that the post-acquisition exercise is still on-going and there are more changes to be expected once the dust settles.
