Probably the worst kept secret in the car world, the new Proton Perdana has been finally launched. Fittingly, the fourth-generation Perdana (as Proton calls it) was officially revealed by Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Putrajaya this morning.
The long wait is noted. “We are truly blessed that we have a large following and strong interest in the new Perdana long before the launch and we appreciate all the feedback we received. We know that Malaysians want us to do better and we cannot disappoint them. We took our time to ensure that the new Perdana is ready for the launch,” said Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, CEO of Proton.
The 2016 Perdana is based on the previous-generation Honda Accord, like the current Perdanas used by government officials. This one however, can be purchased by all Malaysians who have RM113,888, which will buy one the 2.0L Perdana. The 2.4L range topper is priced at RM138,888, both prices on-the-road including insurance.
Also different from the “government Accord” is the styling, which is obviously unique to the Proton. Measuring 5,020 mm long, 1,845 mm wide and 1,475 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm, the Perdana is a lot longer that the 4,849 mm Accord, which was already quite a big car.
For some context, the current-gen Accord is 4,870 mm long, while the Toyota Camry is 4,850 mm long. The Mazda 6, which is visually the largest among current Japanese D-segment sedans, is 4,865 mm long.
Should the Perdana’s sheer size not stand out enough, there’s that rear end. The sloping roof and fastback profile culminates in a tall behind that’s very busy, to say the least. Plenty of elements competing for attention here, but the two main teams are the lamp and chrome garnish combo (which is similar in style to the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia), and the diffuser panel, which is largely in body colour. Yes, even the exhaust tips (they’re not real) are in body colour. Possibly a world’s first.
The 2.4L comes with a bodykit and spoiler, two-tone rims and HID headlamps; exhaust tips non-functional
The red car you see here is the 2.4L, which comes standard with a bodykit and boot spoiler, HID headlamps and dual-tone 17-inch wheels. The latter, wrapped with 225/50 tyres, are in a single-tone for the 2.0L, which is the grey car here. The smaller-engined car comes with halogen projector headlamps, but LED daytime running lights are standard. Spec scanners might notice the 2.0L’s shorter overall length of 4,999 mm – the 21 mm difference is from the 2.4L’s bodykit.
The new Perdana will retain the i-VTEC engines and gearbox from the Honda it’s based on, which means the familiar R20 2.0 litre SOHC engine with 154 hp at 6,300 rpm and 189 Nm at 4,300 rpm; and the K24 2.4 litre DOHC unit with 178 hp at 6,500 rpm and 222 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. Both are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, with steering paddle shifters for the 2.4L.
The “bones” of the Perdana are unchanged from the previous-gen Accord. Hydraulic power steering (before EPS became default), all round disc brakes (fronts are ventilated), front double-wishbone suspension and rear multi-links are under the skin.
The 2.4L comes with a beige interior; ESC, GPS, full leather seats and paddle shifters are exclusive to it
We come to equipment. Standard kit include part leather seats (leather on the door cards and steering), steering buttons for audio and cruise control, auto headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone auto air con, rear AC vents, eight-way powered driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment and the Proton Infotainment System.
The latter is a 6.2-inch touchscreen system with reverse camera, Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity, with jacks in the centre console. It’s connected to six speakers. The screen is located below the AC vents and controls, and is not the dash top item that was the only screen in the donor Accord. That top screen is retained – it shows a clock on the 2.0L and touchscreen navigation on the 2.4L.
Other items exclusive to the 2.4L are full leather seats, four-way powered front passenger seat, a subwoofer and the already mentioned paddle shifters and navigation. On the safety front, the Perdana comes with four airbags (dual front and side), ABS, EBD and Isofix child seat mounts, but electronic stability control (ESC) is only for the 2.4L.
If you’re attracted to the rev-loving K24 engine or the top line car’s longer list of kit, you will have to like/accept the mandatory beige theme for the spacious cabin, with wood trim. The 2.0L’s interior is all black with metallic trim. Speaking of colours, six exterior hues are available, and they are Ruby Red, Graphite Grey, Sterling Silver, Cotton White, Midnight Black and Citrine Gold.
Once again, the new Perdana starts from RM113,888 for the 2.0L and goes to RM138,888 for the 2.4L, OTR including insurance. Proton’s factory warranty for this Shah Alam-assembled Perdana (government Perdana was manufactured by Honda in Melaka) is five years or 150,000 km (whichever comes first).
Since the sedan’s order books opened in February, Proton has collected 900 orders for the Perdana. The carmaker is targeting sales of 3,000 units this year. So, what do you think of the “fourth-generation Perdana”? Check out and compare detailed specifications of the Proton Perdana 2.0L and 2.4L on CarBase.my.
GALLERY: Proton Perdana 2.4
GALLERY: Proton Perdana 2.0
