Yes, these are yet more spyshots of the 2016 Proton Perdana, but this time, these high-resolution photos – courtesy of reader Daniel Soon – show the full, completely undisguised interior for the first time. It’s clear from the sole cabin image that while the dashboard borrows a fair bit from the previous-generation Honda Accord on which the car is based, there are a few detail changes that set the Perdana apart.
The first is the colour scheme – the Perdana goes from an all-black scheme on the Accord 2.4 to a black-and-beige palette as seen on the Accord 3.5 V6 model sold here, and also gains the range-topping model’s brown wood trim (the 2.4 litre model had grey wood panels instead).
Other changes concern the infotainment system – the standard radio/CD player head unit has been replaced by what appears to be a more modern touchscreen system. Like the Accord, the upper display also looks to have been retained, although whether it is a monochrome display as on Malaysian-market Accord models or a new colour screen remains to be seen.
Elsewhere, the button beside the gearlever – used to control the rear window blind on the Accord 2.4 – has been blanked out, suggesting that it has been removed on the Perdana. Otherwise, it’s the same as on the Honda – which is a shame, considering that Proton chairman Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s “Accordana” limousine featured, among others, a Jaguar-style rotary gear selector and an electronic parking brake.
While the focus is on the interior of the car, the clearer exterior spyshots also shed new light on some of the details on the new Perdana. For example, this is the first time we’re seeing the flagship D-segment sedan with a full bodykit – complete with side skirts – of the kind that we saw at the official preview of the new car.
We also spot new, flatter door handles that replace the Accord’s distinctive “winged” items, while the top-down view shows that there is indeed no sunroof fitted to the new car – contrary to what was assumed previously.
To be built at Proton’s Medium Volume Factory in Shah Alam (current government-only Perdana is made by Honda Malaysia in Melaka), the 2016 Perdana is expected to launch in the first quarter of this year, retaining the Accord’s 154 hp/189 Nm R20A3 2.0 and 177 hp/222 Nm K24Z2 2.4 litre i-VTEC engines and five-speed automatic transmission.
A revision is slated to arrive by the end of 2017, with the Perdana set to receive a new NE01 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, acquired from Petronas in 2012. Also being considered is Proton’s new 1.5 litre turbocharged, direct-injected TGDI engine, claimed to be able to produce 180 hp and 250 Nm. Whichever powertrain ends up being slotted in, a new torque converter CVT automatic is expected to become standard fare come end-2017.
GALLERY: 2016 Proton Perdana teased
GALLERY: 2016 Proton Perdana rendered
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments reveal mixed reactions to the 2016 Proton Perdana's interior, with many disappointed by its outdated, cheap-looking design, especially the wood trim and dashboard resemblance to older Honda Accords. Some criticize the lack of modern features like electronic parking brakes and argue the interior fails to meet expectations, reflecting perceptions of Proton's quality issues. Several commenters see the car as a rebadged older model, questioning its value and criticizing Proton's reliance on outdated technology. There are also comments expressing frustration about Proton's reputation and government support, with some supporters defending the car and Proton's efforts. Overall, the sentiment is largely critical, highlighting dissatisfaction with the interior quality, perceived lack of innovation, and concerns about Proton's credibility.