Not long now before Proton unveils a new MPV. The model in question is based on the Suzuki Ertiga, as confirmed last month by Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, who added that the car will debut in October this year. “Proton Ertiga” test mules have been spotted roaming the country of late.
There’s progress, as Suzuki’s Indonesian arm that produces the Ertiga in Cikarang is now ready to fulfil Proton’s demand for the knocked down kits, and is just waiting for order confirmation from the Malaysian company. That is expected to happen next week, Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) deputy MD Davy Jeffry Tuilan told KompasOtomotif on Tuesday.
SIS expects bookings of 1,500 units per month from Proton. The company exports the Ertiga as a CBU model to the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to the tune of 800 to 1,000 units per month, but this is its first CKD export order.
SIS revealed in January that the Ertiga will be exported to Malaysia in knocked down form, from Q2 2016, at a rate of 1,500 units per month. Production of the kits will start from May, it was revealed then. Proton officially announced in January that the first Proton-Suzuki joint model will enter production before the end of 2016.
In existence since 2012, the Ertiga was given a minor facelift last year. The test mule in camo is wearing the pre-facelift bumper, which has a central rear fog lamp and a shapelier “diffuser” area. The 15-inch wheels, which are paired with GT Radial tyres, are from the facelifted car, though. We’ve not yet seen the front, so it’s not clear if the MPV has already undergone “Protonisation”.
The seven-seat Ertiga has a 2,740 mm wheelbase (Perodua Alza 2,750 mm, Proton Exora 2,730 mm) and is powered by a 1.4 litre engine with 92 PS and 130 Nm of torque. The K14B motor is paired to a five-speed manual and four-speed auto. An Ertiga Dreza variant with a unique face and more equipment is also available in Indonesia and Thailand. There’s a Mazda-badged Ertiga in Indonesia too, the VX-1.
Check out renderings of the “Proton Ertiga” as well as the original Suzuki MPV below.
GALLERY: Spyshots of Proton testing the Ertiga in M’sia
GALLERY: Proton-badged Suzuki Ertiga renderings
GALLERY: Suzuki Ertiga facelift at GIIAS 2015
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express skepticism about Proton's CKD Ertiga exports, criticizing rebadging practices and comparing it unfavorably to Perodua's successful rebadges. Many are disappointed with Proton's engine choices, safety features, and overall quality, perceiving it as undermining Malaysian pride and competitiveness. There is suspicion that Proton's focus on low-cost models and rebadging reflects a decline in innovation and R&D, leading to negative sentiments about Proton's relevance and future in the Malaysian automotive market.