Now that the Proton Suprima S has been officially launched, the question is of course whether there are plans to introduce a manual version of the hatch, or indeed, a R3-type performance variant, given that the hatchback bodystyle invariably invites such an approach.
We’ve already seen what the Suprima R Concept, an unofficial rendering by Theophilus Chin, would shape the five-door hatch to be if it was sported up.
In an interview with Datuk Lukman Ibrahim during the launch, the Proton deputy CEO intimated that such plans were afoot, that a manual version of the car as well as a R3 performance version were indeed in the pipeline. Lukman also revealed that a R3 version of the Preve sedan would arrive before the Suprima S R3 – will it have elements seen on the Preve Sapphire, we wonder.
Lukman also revealed export plans for the Suprima S, which conforms to ECE and ADR regulations – as mentioned in our launch report, the car will next make its way to ASEAN markets (Indonesia and Thailand) before the year is out. Lukman added that this will be followed by the car’s introduction in developed markets such as Australia and the UK, as well as a new export market, South Africa.
The choice of Turbo badging to replace the CFE emblem was also explained – the adoption of a well-known descriptor makes it easier to distinguish, especially in international markets.
Click to enlarge pic
Some other points from Saturday’s launch. Highlighted was the fact that the car was benchmarked against a number of competitors in this segment, with four being bandied about during the presentation.
Two cars in particular, a ‘RM148k German car’ and a ‘RM128k American car’, were evaluated against the Suprima S over nine aspects of technical competence, ranging from steering linearity and straight-line handling to body control.
Click to enlarge pic
Though no direct mention was made as to their identity, the nationality and pricing effectively cements them as the Mk 6 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (baseline form, sans foglamps, Bi-Xenon DCC headlamps) and the current third-generation Ford Focus Sport +. The other cars mentioned as benchmark competition were the Peugeot 308 Turbo and Mazda3, though no performance aspects were displayed.
Save for four parameters where the two equal the Suprima S in one way or another, the Suprima S is supposedly to have aced the duo in terms of cornering ability, lane change, body control, wheel control and steering linearity. Those are certainly big claims, so we’re definitely curious as to finding just how good the Suprima S is during the upcoming media test drive soon.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Proton Suprima R3 and manual variants highlight skepticism about Proton's claims of superior ride and handling, with many urging independent reviews and real-world testing, especially to compare with established European models like Golf and Focus. There is considerable concern about the car’s high price, fuel consumption, and perceived lack of quality and safety features compared to international standards and competitors, especially Japanese imports. Many critics blame Malaysia’s heavy car taxes for inflated prices and argue that global competitors offer better value and safety at similar or lower prices, with some calling for abolishing taxes to benefit consumers. The comments also reflect frustration over Proton’s marketing strategies, perceived unfair comparisons, and the overall quality and safety issues, while some defend Proton’s efforts and criticize the so-called "jepun celup" (rebranded Japanese) cars.