Proton Preve LHD Spotted

As described during the launch of Proton Preve mid last month, Proton Preve will make it out of Malaysian shore within this year. Typically the LHD goes to the countries like GCC region. Anyway, the left hand drive (LHD) has been spotted on Shah Alam Highway.

The car is obviously pre-production car. This is due to the fact that the IP is visibly shiny, not the matt textured like the mass-produced RHD Preve we've seen in the showroom. The steering wheel badge is also not chromed line. However, the trunk lid garnish is finished in chromed instead of body-colored with the Malaysian's Executive and Premium variant. One more photo after the jump.

Proton Preve CFE driven - it is global enough?

It is very easy to get crush on any new national car. Somehow, they just blown your mind away the first time you see them. Same case for Proton Preve here. It makes me thinks that my brain must be dysfunctional to still consider those tong kosong that are priced to the north of RM80k. Furthermore, many people think that they have "graduated" or has some degree of success when they finally can ditched their Proton and gets the entry level foreign sedan. Does it still intelligent to do so when Proton Preve is here? Here it is, a 4.5m sedan that is priced from RM59k, a clear C Segment at the fraction of the foreign B Segment car. The fair comparison for Preve is Naza Forte, which up until today is the most sensible C Segment car in Malaysia.

Styling wise, Preve can be described as a safe and non-adventurous design. Take it as a 2012 Waja and you won't stray far. The front end for example is the evolution of Waja 2D design, rendered in more elongated 3D profile. Side profile and rear fascia are refreshing though. Crisp character line and flared-out arches adorn the side of the car, preventing it from looking slab-sided. However, the height of the car is so obvious. Preve is extremely tall at 1,524mm. For comparison, Perodua Myvi and Honda Stream RSZ both stands at 1,545mm, just 21mm taller than the sedan-bodied Preve. Anyway, the size gives Preve  class leading interior space, including a massive 508L which is as cavernous as it can get.

Proton tries hard to inject some charisma in the Preve exterior outlook. As can be seen in the rear end shot below, the pert notchback is busy with design elements. The swept back trunk lid fascia, the two-piece staggered tail light and a run of character line that dented both the bumper and rear light in one single sweep into the trunk lid upper edge. As can be seen here too, Proton seems to try to give the impression of forging the car out of the solid billet, which very visible edge line surrounding the rear end fascia. 

More after the jump.

Proton Preve Executive - photo compilation + manual version

Lately, people has been complaining about the lack of Proton Preve in cheaper guise to be seen at the showroom. The author did check this out, and found that the showroom car was indeed the most expensive CFE variant, so is the Test Drive car. There are a few Executive model that can be seen lurking somewhere in the showroom precint, but these car customers car, shut lock, ready for delivery.

For those not in the know, the Executive variant does have some differentiators to the more expensive Premium version. Apart from the equipment level and drivetrain that we all have come to know, the interior trimmings are different too. Gone is the simulated wood on the fascia, and in comes the gold-ish panel that adorns the dashboard and the front door trim. The steering also is not leather wrapped and the panel that housed the Premium's starter button has been simplified with slotted item. The touchscreen ICE is gone too. The CVT gear console lack the manual-slotted item found on the Premium version that comes with ProTronic CVT. The difference are small, but enough to make the interior feels differently.

MMN managed to snap some photos during the launch last week. Here are compilation of them.

General Cabin

More and more photos after the jump.

Proton Preve - full details & mega gallery

Overview

Proton Preve is a C-Segment sedan, conceptualize to shift public perception not only in Malaysia, but also to spearhead Proton more meaningful penetration into the global market. Hence, Proton Preve has been engineered to meet the rising global standard in terms of crashworthiness, emission as well the expected perceived value in the design and engineering. 

However, in Malaysia, the competition is somewhat distorted by the tax structure, whereby Preve will be tasked to fend off the emerging Korean, in the forms of C- Segment best value for money, Kia Forte as well as the svelte-looking newly introduced Hyundai Elantra. Both are locally assembled and has a particularly super-high equipment level and competitive pricing. Other than that, the easy prey would be the B-Segment Japanese stalwart which has been hanging on for a long time based on their brand reputation, namely Toyota Vios and Honda City. None are loaded to the brim and neither are keenly priced. So watch out Japs!

For the introduction model, Proton Preve comes in two specification, Executive and Premium. The cheaper Executive model is powered by the IAFM+ engine paired with either Getrag-sourced 5 speed manual or Punch-supplied CVT with 6 pre-set ratio. Priced for these variants are RM59,990 for the manual and RM62,990 for the CVT. The range topper is powered by the turbocharged CFE engine paired to ProTronic CVT gearbox with 7 speed overrides. This version goes for RM72,990.

Exterior

Proton has commissioned Italdesign Guigiaro for both exterior and interior design. We are used to see some of the recent Italdesign showcars of the late adopting a simple front and rear fascia graphic, and Preve is no exception. The smooth front end is dominated by the rising headlight with elegant inner graphics and flanks the simple horizontally aligned grille bar, topped by the traditional Proton's wing. Curiously though, the top radiator grille and bottom outer opening are horizontally laid out whereas the middle lower opening adopts the mesh pattern. The hood is of the semi-clamshell type, reminiscent of Waja's hood. Overall it gives a clean in an unadventurous way aesthetically. 

One of the plus point at the front is the headlight that are fully covered by the hood. This could be car-park friendly. Unlike some car that has gigantic wrapped-around headlight, when the car is being pushed in the car park repeatedly, the fixing bracket sometimes can be broken.

The rear end is Germanic looking, with Audi-styled slim rear light, albeit punctuated by the first the character line that run vertically through the rear light, and secondly the smaller inner-section with curiously unmatch color-wise for the clear lens. MMN thinks that the character line that runs through the bumper, uprising into the rear light bound the thin lines between being fussy and distinctive, more towards the former. The body colored horizontal garnish does reduce the visual mass of the tall trunk lid, but it adds the overall fascia fussiness at the rear, giving an impression of unresolved design.

The side profile though is flourished with small details that garnished the body well, preventing it from looking like a heavily booted hatchback thanks to stubby notchback. The window line is virtually lengthened by the blackened front plastic quarter, and the C-pillar garnish that smoothen the rear door glass line. The flared wheelarch lends some mascular look, supported by the very pronounced lower sills and crisp belt line. It is from the side that the rear end appears a bit indented, pressed-in kind of look which take some time to get used to.

Overall, Proton Preve is aesthetically pleasing to look at, with no intense styling elements that can cause tiresome to the eye upon long look-out. It was designed to last long, perhaps incorporating the taste of the intended captured market both domestically and internationally. 

Proton Preve measures 4,543mm long, 1,786mm wide and 1,524mm tall. Wheelbase stands at 2,650mm. For comparison between Preve and the immediate challenger in Malaysian market, refer to previous MMN coverage HERE. Kerb weight is 1,340kg for the CFE version. The car obviously generously-sized, but global  trend for the compact sedan is like this, boundary 4.5m in length.

Interior

Proton has taken the leaf out from the European OEM in partitioning the interior plastic quality in a very effective manner. The upper part of the dashboard, upper part of door trim and the horizontal fascia for door arm rest are REAL soft touch plastic with padded feeling. Obviously, Proton strived hard this time around to enhance the perceived quality of the cabin.

However, the fascia is a bit too plainly upright with no surface segregation. The fascia basically just fall down from the centre aircond outlet, falling down flatly all the way to the gear console. It is undoubtedly simple, but can be perceived as bland by some.

The Exora-based steering has been given a new cover with prominent chromed Proton emblem embedded in. The steering wheel switch too has throw away the plasticky item, replaced by sturdier item separated by elegant chrome bars.

While cabin color is predominantly dark, the Executive and Premium version are differentiated by the dashboard fascia trim. While the Premium version gets the premium-looking simulated wood outlook, the Executive has to settle for less appealing golden trim. The trim color extends to the front door inside handle housing as well. All version gets silver floor console garnish, with piano-black-like gear console surround. The Executive version has to make to SAT function for the gear change with neither gated sequential shifter nor the paddle shifter. All version come with water-repellent seat fabric, which is pleasing to touch and to sit on to.  

As can be seen below, the simulated wood finish on the dashboard really gives the interior a much needed ambiance uplift. Space is good, with legroom for the front seat is 930mm while the rear legroom is 815mm, class leading figure. Storage space is littered across the interior where each door trim can fit a tissue box or 3 bottle of 500ml bottled water. A couple of cupholder is located in the floor console, while the other two can be found in the foldable rear armrest.

Boot space is voluminous at  508L, some 2L more than the Honda City which is the class-leader in the B & C Segment. However, wheelarch intrusion is quite significant, where the boot narrows significantly towards the centre of the car inside the tyre arches. However, the volume is regained by the very tall boot. However, Proton has dropped the trunk-lid multi-link hinge like the Persona. This goose-neck hinge applied here is a lot cheaper, but will surely eat some usable space in the boot.

Engine

There are two powertrain options, 1.6L IAFM+ and 1.6L CFE. The IAFM+ engine is for the Executive, while Premium version gets the turbocharged power of the CFE engine. Drive is channelled to the option of Getrag 5 speed manual or CVT with 6 preset ratios in the Executive model with IAFM+ powertrain. The CFE version is exclusively paired to the ProTronic CVT gearbox with 7 preset ratios selectable via paddle shift. Otherwise, driver still can access the sequential mode via the gated gear shifter in the Premium model.

The IAFM+ engine produced 108bhp@5750rpm and 150Nm@4000rpm. The drivetrain is sufficient to thrust Preve to 100km/h in 12s (12.5s for CVT) on the way to 180km/h (170km/h for CVT) of top speed.  The Premium version is powered by the CFE engine kicking 138bhp@5000rpm and 205Nm@2000-4000rpm and is enough to punch the Preve from nought to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds on the way to 190km/h top speed. Fuel consumption at constant 90 km/h is quoted as 6.2L/100km for IAFM+ 5MT, 5.8L/100km for IAFM+CVT and 6.6L/100km for the CFE Premium. For greater detail on CFE engine, refer to MMN previous coverage HERE.

Chassis

Proton Preve is blessed with Proton R&H which is essentially Lotus trained personnel. The setup consists of McPhersons struts the front, and the rear is taken care by the costly multi-link suspension setup, unlike the cheaper torsion beam of the competitors. 

Proton has resisted from shifting to Electric Power Steering, retaining the trusted Hydraulic setup. Braking power is provided by vented disc up front and solid disc at the back, both 15" in diameter. Proton claimed they have tuned the braking performance to be a class leader, where it can stop the car from 100 km/h to standstill in mere 36.8 meters.

Equipment Level

Unlike any other Proton before, the Preve is equipped to the brim. Safety wise, all version gets ABS+EBD, dual front SRS, front active headrest to reduce whiplash injury and immobilizer while the Premium version gets an added Brake Assist and Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, side airbags, ISOFIX rear seat mount and auto headlamps.

The steering wheel is audio controlled button is leather wrapped in Premium version. The Premium version also gets an electrically folded side mirror, whereby both version are equipped with LED side indicator. Audio systems for both model comes with MP3, Bluetooth, USB and iPOD connectivity but the Premium version gets an additional touch screen feature that has build-in GPS.

The Premium version gets an automatic aircond, a first in Proton cars. Starter button, auto cruise, auto wipers and rear spoiler are included too for the Premium. However, the Executive model still gets Follow Me Home Light and Remote Trunk Release as standard. 4G Wifi is standard feature across the range too. 

Detail gallery

Proton Preve is full with interesting design touch like no Proton of the past. Below is the huge gallery, outlining the general outlook as well as detail part of Proton Preve. Head after the jump for the mega gallery.

Proton revealed its first global car, the Preve

Proton Preve was launched last night at MIECC by Malaysia's Prime Minister. Touted to be Proton first global car, Preve has a lot of hype to live to. However, if the sheer motivation of the staff and the appreciate from the (departing?) MD to the Protonian is anything to go by, Preve should meet all those expectation.

As expected, three variants are available. The entry level model is the manual-geared 1.6L IAFM+ model at only RM59,990. The same engine but with CVT (with 6 preset ratio option) is next in line at RM62,990. The range topper turbocharged CFE with ProTronic 7 speed CVT is still dirt cheap at RM72,990. Take a look at the price and remember that this car is as big as the Honda Civic.

More news to come later today, including the detail gallery of the new comer. MMN was there last night to cover the event, hence picking up stories too. Among the interesting ones are: DSZ is really leaving, R3 Preve is coming and DRB is contemplating to buy  an engine design entity based somewhere in the nearby postcode.

Stay tune!

Proton Preve - Distinctive Exterior Outlook

4 more days to the launching. All the details of the Preve is now widely known, from pricing to engine range and even the complete specification, thanks to various leaked, spy shots and not forgetting Proton official release of the teaser to build up the excitement for their most competent model yet.

Priced from mere RM59,040, Preve offers amazing meter cubic per your RM spent. At least that's what deduced from the spec sheet and the indicative price. Can Proton deliver it this time around?

Two more photos of white Preve in the showroom and the Fire Red unit with the interior photos after the jump.

Proton Preve - the glory of the interior & yours from mere RM59,040!

The interior of Proton Preve - revealed in all the glory - perhaps captured when Proton Edar IT vendor was trying to test the new page for the Preve. The specification for each model was there too, but contains some minor mistake in terms of equipment level. In the meantime...enjoy these...Proton's first global interior.

The price has been revealed too, and it is lower than earlier announced. The Executive MT IAFM+ is priced  at RM59,040, the 1.6L Executive CVT is RM62,540 and the top-of-the-line Premium model (1.6L CFE CVT) is RM72,540. Still want that 3.66m hatchback?????

Proton Preve - The Preview

Promised to be the best Proton ever, Proton Preve has a lot of expectation to live up to. Proton claimed they have put substantial effort in the development of Preve to ensure that it meets the global standard to ensure the car in marketable in the global market. Make no mistake though, it's not like all previous wasn't properly engineered, in fact all models were in fact engineered to the homologation standard of many region such as Europe and GCC to name a few. But Preve is different, it has to meet also global expectation on perceived quality, global standard of aesthetic design, state-of-the-art engineering material optimization as well as competitive in terms of safety standard to stand on par with its potential competitor from established manufacturer. Hence, Preve has a lot to prove.

What's in the name?

"Preve" is meant to be pronounced as "prae-vae". According to Oxford dictionary, preve means to prove. So it is consistent with Proton justification is the naming and spelling. However, the pronouncation has been changed to make it sounds more commercial. So here it is. The Proton with a lot to prove.

Styling and Package

Proton Preve adopts global and trendy design concept that is timeless. Hence it explains why Proton choose to work with inoffensive design cues that blend the perfect compromise between blandness and intensely intricate. However, Proton has packaged many state-of-the-art features with car such LED DRL. The styling is entirely different from old-Korean looking crops for Savvy, Saga and Exora, instead it adopts a Euro-smooth kind of surfaces with flush fitting lighting. The design detail is a derivation from modern Proton, such as the winged grille garnish, notched at the bottom of the front grille and the rear combi inner graphic  is what previewed by the Saga FL/FLX. The body lines are crisper too. As can be seen above, rear fascia is characterized by a character line that runs all the way from the trunk lid panel into the rear combi and rear bumper before melting to join the trunk lid shut lines.

The interior is packaged to have a class-leading level of spaciousness. The legroom for the front seat is 930mm while the rear legroom is 815mm. Apart from voluminous 508L boot space that is class-leading, the storage space is littered across the interior too. Each door trim can hold can fit a tissue box or 3 bottle of 500ml bottled water. A couple of cupholder is located in the floor console, while the other two can be found in the foldable rear armrest. Hmm...how to use the rear cupholder if there are 3 occupants back there? More detail after the jump.

Leaked - test drive unit Proton Preve in Fire Red

After the leaked apps screen grab, and a leaked website named protonpreve.com, now there is the real deal. The test drive unit of CFE version in Fire Red shades. Quite a looker I would say.

It is called Proton PREVE

As per the title, P3-21a official name is Proton PREVE. Sounds global innit? However, if one look closely in Paultan page, all the entry about P3-21a in Proton Power of 1 events were tagged with Proton Preve already since then. So do you think it's true yet?

Well, a quick call to somewhere did reveal it is indeed a true name. However, all the cars from the production line still does not bare the model name on their trunk lid yet. Saving the best for last?

Apparently, as of today, there are only several hundreds of Preve at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant. Why? As per MMN articles about the production delay, the HPF part is the root cause. But production rate is expected to be stepped-up significantly in April. But I still think that the will be launched anyway on the rumoured date regardless of the production-readiness stock level. Venue of launch? Expect some surprise!!!!

Proton P3-21A official teaser - all the features on Malaysia's new pride

As announced earlier today, the Malaysia's new pride and joy is now available for booking. Ranging from RM65k to RM75k, P3-21A is easily the largest sedan you can buy at sub RM100k price. Proton has released a series of teaser video to highlight the unique features and selling point of their latest baby. With this car, I am confident that Proton has finally upped its ante, and will increase its market share. Common people, why bother buying that 3.6m hatchback? Forget about its Japanese heritage, I am in Japan right now and those car are right before my eyes and is very, very hugely different from its so-called blood brothers. Its more like step-brother in fact!!!!

The teaser videos outline the features such start button, Protronic manual override CVT transmission, Smart Info display, touch screen GPS and also the sheer size of the cabin accomodation. Below are some of the screen capture from the videos.

Regarding the specs of the car, the P3-21a is generously sized at 4,543mm long, 1,786mm wide and 1,524mm tall. Wheelbase is a tad shorter than the Exora-platform at 2,650mm (20mm shorter than the new Honda Civic 9th generation). Boot volume is massive at 508L.

The Executive version is powered by the proven Campro IAFM+ powertrain, while the Premium version is powered by the turbo-ed CFE unit. No change in specs though as they are similar to the one in Exora Bold. However, some differentiation has been made in the transmission aspect, as the Premium version gets the Protronic 7 speed manual shifter CVT, with paddle shifter. All P3-21a version rides on McPhersons struts up front and multi-link suspension at the back. Steering is hydraulically assisted instead of electric which is a thing of  norm today. 15" disc provides the stopping power all around, with the front unit being the ventilated item.

Equipment wise, P3-21A is generously equipped. All version gets the ABS+EBD, dual SRS, front active headrest, anti-trap power window (driver), front and rear fog lights and immobilizer. The Premium version gets additional safety features such as Brake Assist and Traction Control, Side airbags, ISOFIX mounting and get the luxury of auto headlamps. Despite the tempting features of the Premium one, for the first time, buying the entry level model won't give you a short-changed feeling.

All model gets the steering wheel with audio switch mounted (Premium is leather upholstered), remote trunk lid release, CD player with Bluetooth, USB and iPOD connectivity, projector headlight and follow me home light. Premium version is further equipped with auto-folding side mirror (with LED indicator for all model), integrated touch screen GPS (Executive gets portable unit),automatic aircond, auto cruise, auto wiper, push start button and rear spoiler. 4G internet is standard in all model.

 The videos can be seen at Proton Interactive : http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE2014EE5DF237934

Proton P3-21A now open for booking

The wait for the Proton's global sedan has ended. The car is now open for booking. For those in Shah Alam & Johor Bahru, you can book the car from En. Nazz Abdullah from Proton Glenmarie at 017-3124300 or head to his sales blog HERE. At launch, 3 variants are available, and their tentative pricing is as follow:

1. Executive MT = RM65,500

2. Executive CVT = RM68,500

3. Premium CVT = RM75,500

All price quoted are for the metallic-coloured. Non-metallic is RM450 cheaper.

For your money, you are promised to get the most bang-per-metal for your money. Look at the sheer size of the car above. For your mere sub 80k, you'll get a 4,543mm car (longer even than the Honda Civic, let alone the best-selling 3,660mm hatchback). For further information regarding the sizing of the car, against its competitor in our market, head to MMN previous analysis HERE. For a glimpse of the car's interior and exterior design highlights, you can refer to previous TV3 coverage, which can be seen at Arenakereta.

Proton P3-21A delayed from original March launch

Proton has delayed the launch of the eagerly-waited P3-21A , according to Btimes.The delay is said to be caused by the last minute design changes that effect the cost and part readiness. Furthermore, the hot forming components are still being sourced from Germany using the soft tooling, not the mass-production hard tooling facilities. 

Due to this, there is a serious shortage of parts resulting in mere 600 units produced in March, instead of planned 2,621 units. Also, from January to February, instead of producing 4,246 units, only 337 were made. So there won't be enough cars for launching, let alone for customer delivery.

The original launch date is 17 March. Now some rumours are saying May in a more likely date. The question is, why there is such a delay, especially the one that involved major parts such as the hot press parts? Usually, the long lead time stamped parts are design-freezed much, much earlier in the development schedule. Sound fishy? 

There's other way to look at it. First perspective is sometimes last year, DSSZ did mentioned that the P3-21A  is due to be launched in April 2012, so there's a possibility that, internally they are still meeting the dateline. Secondly, perhaps the new owner DRB-Hicom would like to delay things until all the reshuffling has been done and they themselves can launch the car instead of the current Proton's management regime? 

Anyway, those who are around the Klang Valley, head to Stadium Bukit Jalil from 14-18 March for Proton's Power of 1 Showcase. According to fellow blogger friend ( and salesman too), the event could be the replacement of the originally planned grand launching of the P3-21A. However, despite the fact of the P3-21A delay, there will still be a lot of activities such as the technology demonstration and F1 car exhibition. Perhaps a teaser of P3-21A will be there too.....

Ada apa dengan Proton P3-21A?

Pastinya ramai yang tertunggu-tunggu pelancaran rasmi model terbaru Proton, P3-21A yang dijangkakan akan soft launch pada bulan Mac ini. Adakah akhirnya Proton akan menghasilkan killer product yang akan menjadikan semua pesaingnya tidak lagi relevan? Atau ringkasnya, ada apa dengan Proton P3-21A?

Dari Sudut Saiz.

Pada pertengahan bulan ini kita telah disajikan dengan data paling lengkap tentang model P3-21A ini. Dimensi lengkap pun sudah kita ketahui. Jikalau diperhatikan jadual dibawah, nyata Proton telah mengambil kira semua model-model pesaingnya dari segment B (bagi pesaing di Malaysia) mahu pun C (untuk pasaran global), dan memberikan one-up daripada model-model itu.

Dari segi panjang keseluruhan, P3-21A lebih panjang daripada Civic, Elantra dan Forte. Honda City dan Toyota Vios sememangnya a class below dari segi panjang. Model terlaris Malaysia, Myvi sengaja dimasukkan  untuk perbandingan, supaya rakyat Malaysia dapat membuka mata dan berfikiran rasional menjelang pelancaran P3-21A nanti. Model P3-21A memang besar, umpama model Persona yang discale-upkan 5%. Ini dibuktikan dengan dimensi tingginya, 1,524mm yang lebih menjurus kepada dimensi kereta hatchback. Wheelbase pula 2,650mm, 20mm lebih pendek dari Honda Civic baharu. masih belum diketahui, namun pastinya sekurang-kurangnya 2,700mm. Dari segi but pula, saiznya 2L lebih besar daripada class-leader Honda City, dan 300L lebih besar daripada Myvi. 

Dari Sudut Rupa.

Tidak berapa lama dulu Proton mengatakan mereka mengupah Italdesign untuk merekabentuk model P3-21A ini. Namun sejauh mana penglibatan Italdesign dalam rekabentuk P3-21A tidaklah diketahui sebab rupanya yang agak keMalaysiaan. Namun, rupa P3-21A cukup handsome untuk mengatasi pesaing terdekatnya seperti Honda City, Toyota Vios and Naza Forte yang sudah dimamah usia. Rekabentuk P3-21A didominasi olah bukaan grill depan yang agak besar dan dihiasi dengan evolusi terbaharu sirip krom yang menatahkan lambang Proton di bahagian tengah. Wheel arch pula sedikit kembang, dan di sokong pula dengan garisan badan yang lebih tajam. Lampu belakang pula dihiasi LED dan rekabentuk asasnya sedikit sebanyak mempunyai ciri-ciri Saga BLM. Harapnya tema ini akan menjadi rekabentuk korporat Proton buat masa ini, bukannya sentiasa bertukar setiap kali model baharu diperkenalkan.

Jikalau MMN ditanya dimanakan kelemahan rekabentuk Proton selama ini, pasti jawapan MMN ialah interior. Apa tidaknya, Saga and Exora seolah-olah kereta Korea lewat 90an, bagaikan direkabentuk sekumpulan stylist yang dikurung didalam gua sejak tahun 1995. Namun, imej pertama dalaman P3-21A agak memberangsangkan. Meskipun ciri-ciri Asia masih jelas, sekurang-kurangnya nampaklah ciri-ciri abad ke-21 dalam elemen-element rekabentuknya. Ditambah pula dengan trend rekabentuk dalaman sekarang yang terdedah kepada rasionalisasi kos, dimana hard plastic ialah a new soft, tanya saja Honda Civic baharu.

Fully visible P3-21A Instrument Panel spied!

Now the leaked is almost complete. We can finally see the Instrument Panel of Proton much-awaited P3-21a, thanks to fellow blogger Funtasticko. Seems that Proton has adopt a very, very and very normal design for its new global car which will compete with the stylish global car like Hyundai Elantra etc. All I can say is " Owh Proton!"

Proton P3-21a photo continues to leak!

Perhaps it is a gimmick, perhaps it is untrusted employee, or even it is the unsuspecting vendor. In the era of camera phone, it is nigh on impossible to monitor those tiny gadget capable of capturing image. And phone nowadays is not the crappy 1MP item, some are even 12MP. So there you go, another leak of P3-21a from the leaky funtastickodesign automotive blog.

What do you think? The other leak photos can be seen from MMN previous entry HERE for you appetizer prior to the official launching which was rumoured to be on 16th March 2012. So book your date!

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Proton P3-21a - final design jigsaw revealed

The final mystery of Proton much spied P3-21a has been revealed, its the rear end design. Funtasticko blog has revealed the rear end design of the P3-21a. It conform the existence of light panel on the trunk lid, but the extend of its coverage is limited to the outer edge only, not full-width like the Tuah concept. However, there is a chrome bars that run along the trunk width.

The car in this photo is believed to be the same car as the one that revealed the front end of the P3-21a last November, perhaps the "releaser" want to release in stages to keep the hype up. Anyway, the car has some Germanic overtones to its simplistic character; the crisp trunk edge lie, rear combi outer hosing ala Audi in its spartan and subtle graphic (but Audi has years worth of merry LED arrangement) and while the bumper is mounted high up, the trunk lid panel actually cut almost half of it to give an acceptable loading height. The paper wrap actually covered the rear flanks a bit, but one can expect a clean chunk of surface there with minimalist surface interplay. So this Italdesign Guigiaro masterpiece huh?

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The front end was displayed back in November. Just a recap the uncovered car such a simplistic design too, but has an uplifted detail character in the shape of LED DRL insert along the bottom edge of the headlamp, which inner graphic that include black backdrop, with prominent projector(maybe?) headlamp in chrome surround that together with the side indicator, stands proud in contrast with their blackened surround. Consistent with simple bare chrome strip at the back, there is a single thin chrome line that run parallel to the hood leading edge that intersect with large proton badge. The radiator grille addenda is limited to just three fins that possibly design to hark back to original Proton Saga from 1985. This is in absolute contrast with the lower grille garnish that feature a more modern mesh pattern. Overall, one could say that P3-21a will be a  reasonably easy to eye kind of design, with minimal jarring touch that could offend some conservative people. More after the jump.