Spyshots of the 2016 Proton Perdana just keep coming. This latest one by reader Alex Leong shows the clearest view of the rear of the national flagship D-segment sedan – based on the previous-generation Honda Accord – yet, with much of the disguise stripped off the car.
From here, the shape of the rear diffuser is clearly apparent, and match the one shown in the official preview. The rather tall rear lip spoiler also loses the previous box-like cover, showing the actual, more rounded profile of the bootlid addendum. Elsewhere, the L-shaped LED tail lights can be seen clearer here, as is the chrome bar linking the two lamp modules.
Last week, we saw the interior of the car, which featured a black-and-beige colour scheme with brown wood trim (as opposed to the all-black palette with grey wood veneer of the Accord 2.4 sold here) along with a new infotainment system with what appears to be a touchscreen.
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 express mixed feelings about the Proton Perdana spy shots and upcoming launch. Some are skeptical about Proton's quality, reliability, and past issues like the OCH problem and interior design, while others are hopeful it will be a good product if properly developed. Several comments criticize Proton's rebadging strategy, slow development, and perceived lack of innovation, with a sense of frustration over delays and building negativity around Proton's reputation. There are also unrelated political and personal attacks, but relevant comments focus on the car’s design, reliability, and Proton’s history of rushed launches and quality issues. Overall, sentiments range from cynical to cautiously optimistic, highlighting skepticism about Proton’s ability to produce a competitive, reliable vehicle in a challenging market while also criticizing the prolonged spy shot releases.