Proton launches Proton Preve LE, New Soft Lilac Color, Pandu & Menang Competition

Proton Holdings today launches Pandu & Menang competition that offers a grand total RM400,000 collective worth of prize. The contest period is from today and will run until 17 December 2013. Participation is supremely easy, just head to the nearest Proton showroom and test drive the car. The contest is divided into two areas - one is via SMS, where participants will need to answer two questions correctly and respond in the fastest time to win the Daily Prizes. The other portion of the contest invites participants to take a creative picture with the test drive Proton car and upload it on Facebook.

The latter will enable you to win the Daily and Weekly Prizes comprises of 42' LED TV, electrical gadgets and cash prizes. In addition  SMS contest participants who places a booking and registers his or her car within the contest period will be eligible to win the Grand Prize of the Proton Prevé LE.

Proton also launches two updates on its Preve. We have covered both news yesterday. The first news is the introduction of new color for the existing Proton Preve Executive and Premium called Soft Lilac. Targeting the female audience, Proton Preve in Soft Lilac can be ordered from today onwards.

The second one is the introduction of Proton Preve Limited Edition, or Preve LE in short. Limited to 100 units, the car is decked out in R3 accessories such as 17' alloy wheel and all around skirting, low profile 215/45 tyres, enhanced safety equipment in the shape of curtain airbags and top tether for child seat and the cabin is wrapped in luxurious leather trim upholstering the seat, door trim and console lid. Available only in Solid White, you can get Proton Preve LE from today at RM79,688.

Proton Preve LE - RM79,688 (R3 Kits, 6 Airbags, Only In White)

There's new variant of Proton Preve, and it is destined to sit at the top of the range at RM79,688, merely RM50 more than the top line Proton Suprima S. According to Proton Edar website, Proton Preve LE stands for limited edition with limited unit coming. Justifying its positioning at the top of range, Proton Preve LE is decked out with R3-branded 17' alloy wheel in dark finishing wrapped by low profile 215/45 tyres, added safety features in the form of curtain airbags (6 airbags in total, similar to Proton Suprima S (detail of Proton Suprima launch HERE and driving impression HERE) and top tether for rear seat-mounted child seat, leather upholstery for seats, door trim and centre console lid and all around skirting. The car is available exclusively in Solid White.

At the moment of writing, we are still awaiting for official press release from Proton, however there's a launching of a "Proton Pandu & Menang" contest which Proton Preve LE is the grand prize. So we can expect more details on Proton Preve LE tomorrow.

Soft Lilac - New Color for Proton Preve

We uncovered the new color for Proton Preve last month when the car was spotted on the transporter (refer HERE). The new paint has appeared on Proton Edar website, and it is called Soft Lilac.

Previous photos spied can be found after the jump.

Spot : New Color For Proton Preve?

There could be new color scheme coming for Proton Preve, and it is not in the Proton Edar website just yet. On the way to work on recent morning, I came across a transporter with a bunch of Proton Suprima S, accompanied by one peculiar looking Proton Preve. It is in shade that is unseen before, a very light purple, baby purple I would say. It is a Preve Executive variant. Apart from the new color, the rest are the same. A few photos can be seen after the jump, snapped at SKVE highway.

Proton P3-22A Preve Hatchback Spied En-Route Genting

A video of black Proton P3-22A Preve Hatchback was uploaded into youtube by user Ernest Kok. It is a short video and it reveals no new things, but it is the upcoming Proton nevertheless. Enjoy the video below:

On a different note, have any of you take a look at the Proton Preve forum in lowyat.net? It is surprising to see that this new national car carries a lot of problem, even an absurd things like a smelly aircond. Check it out HERE. Is this all true? 

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Proton P3-22A (Preve hatchback) starts road testing

It is well-known fact way before the Proton Preve was launched that the hatchback version is being developed as well, and it is not too far behind the sedan in its timeline. Now the P3-22A starts making its inroad into the real life testing program, and immediately spied by the usual publisher. Spied here by Paultan and Funtasticko, we can see that the basic front architecture is similar to the sedan version all the way to the B-pillar. The rear end can now be seen as a "conventional" hatchback, instead of the swoopy type like the Gen2. The rear screen is quite upright, similar in trend with the likes of Mazda3.

While Proton Preve is a bit flawed in its rear aesthetic, the hatchback version gets the new light assembly. The inners of the rear light is different from the LED-encrusted Preve's top part, but more like the glowing bars not unlike those found on the newer BMW cars, or Proton Lekiu concept car if we are to be patriotic.

Prior to the launch of Proton Preve, there was a rumour about the sportier positioning of this P3-22A, and will be available with the combination of the CFE engine with a manual gearbox, 6 speed in this case. However, after the successful DRB bid, there was a whisper of the drop of the CFE version for this car. Expect the truth to surface out nearer to the production. Don't rule out the integration of the PETRONAS engine too, although it is still an early days to know whether the PETRONAS NE01 can be packaged into the engine compartment of the Preve. However, since the previously national oil and gas engine-owned engine has found its way into the Exora MPV, itself is a host to Proton's CFE engine, vehicle integration could be just as ABC.

One more photo after the jump.

Proton unveiled Preve and Exora models at Australia International Motor Show

Proton has introduced  its latest two product into the Australian market with the debut of the Preve C Segment sedan and the Exora 7 seater MPV. For Preve, multiple variant will be offered, encompassing the entry level naturally-aspirated model and a range topper light pressure turbocharged unit. Exora MPV meanwhile will only be offered in the turbo guise.

Proton Preve is Proton's first C Segment sedan engineered with global homologation standard in mind. It was introduced in Malaysia in April 2012 (Read the Malaysian launch story HERE). For Australian market, the engine range is similar to Malaysian market. The entry level GX model is powered by Campro IAFM+ displacing 1.6L producing 108bhp@5,750rpm and 150Nm@4,000rpm. The drive is channelled to the front wheel with a choice of 5 speed manual or CVT gearbox with 6 preset ratios. Later in mid-2013, Preve range will be joined with the 1.6L CFE (Details on Proton's CFE engine HERE) engine which, thanks to its turbo-charger, punching out a healthy 138bhp@5,000rpm and 205Nm from 2,000rpm. Equipment level for the GX base model is generous, including the Stability Control, ABS, Front Active Headrest, Bluetooth and iPod-enabled audio system, as well as a truly spacious cabin with 508L of boot volume thrown in. The turbocharged GXR model gets an additional features such as paddle shifter, leather upholstery, sat-nav, auto headlight and wiper, cruise control and push start button. Preve measures 4,543mm long, 1,786mm wide and 1,524mm tall, while wheelbase is 2,650mm. More details and photos of Proton Preve can be seen HERE and HERE. The price for GX range starts from $18,990 for the manual and $20,990 for the CVT. Price for the GXR will be revealed closer to its launch.

Proton Exora MPV actually has been hanging around Malaysian market since 2009. However, the model that Australian market is getting actually is the revised and facelifted version introduced late in 2011, called Exora BOLD in Malaysian market. While there is a range of engine choice in Malaysia, Australian market will only get the top line version powered by the 1.6L CFE engine as per Preve, coupled with the CVT gearbox, and will be offered in two trims, GX and GXR. The higher-line model will gets reverse camera, daytime running light, roof mounted DVD player, as well the customary ABS and ESC. Both Preve and Exora comes with 5 years warranty or 150,000km warranty.

R3 kit introduced for Proton Preve & other models

Proton has showcased the latest R3 product, mainly for the Proton Preve and Satria Neo at the event of APRC in Johor. The models are being on show at Plaza Angsana. The R3 kit for the Preve is the first in line for this particular model, comprising of a new front bumper extension with lower lip and side duct, side skirting and rear valence. While there is no mentioned about the rims, it looks as if it is at least 17" in diameter.

There's no mentioned about the drivetrain enhancement, so it is very likely this is the cosmetic updates only. As depicted from the product description, the package does not include the rims, suspension or engine tweak and currently limited to the faster-looking body addenda. The indicative pricing is RM3k++.

Also on show at the Plaza Angsana is the ageing Proton Satria Neo with S2000 Concept. While it lacks the flaring wide-body outlook from the successful rally car, the R3 kit does include an aggressively styled front bumper with massive radiator grille intake, side skirt, new rear bumper and big rear spoiler. Larger rims are available too. The indicative pricing is RM4k++. 

R3 kit for the rest of Proton range is available too. There will also be package for Saga BLM that resemble the R3 show car in Thailand Auto Expo back in 2010, priced tentatively for RM3k++. There special price on offer during the APRC event too for selected R3 kits. For Proton Persona, the bodykit package (minus the rims and tyres) is RM3113.60 (normal RM3,892), Satria Neo CPS package for RM1,000 (from RM1,250), Proton Gen2 kit RM2,530 (usual RM3,891), Proton Satria Neo kit at RM2,570 (normal RM3,953) and finally an Inspira kit for RM2,388 instead of usual RM3,674. Please note that the price quoted are all without rims and tyres.

The photos of the Preve R3 and the brochures for the model mentioned above can be seen after the jump.

Proton Preve records 11,310 bookings within two months

Proton has announced its latest sedan, Preve has accumulated 11,310 bookings since the order book opened last March. Preve, tagged as Proton's first global car was formally launched on 16 April 2012 has garnered 1,000 bookings prior to the official unveiling date, and further 4,893 units were ordered in April. 

Proton Preve comes in 3 variants: Executive MT at RM59,990, Executive CVT at RM62,990 while the Premium CFE CVT weighs in at RM72,990. The Executive version comes with the Campro IAFM+ powertrain matched to either 5 speed manual or hooked to Punch CVT with 6 preset ratios. The range topper is propelled by a turbocharged CFE engine, also displaced 1.6L but kicks out a healthy 205Nm of torque and a reasonable 138bhp.

For those who has fallen asleep since last April and know nothing about Proton Preve, head to our coverage for the past months below:

Proton Preve launch coverage

Proton Preve Executive + Manual gallery

Proton Preve drive impression

Alternatively, for circa RM80k one can also buy the re-specified Proton Inspira 2.0 Executive, which comes in at RM86,450. For the price, you'll get a 2007 Mitsu Lancer but it comes with a more polished CVT tranny and MIVEC engine. Read HERE.

Seems that Preve is well received in the domestic market, although it is still very early to say whether the sales figure is a flop or sustainable throughout the intended lifecycle. What do you think about Proton Preve? MMN thinks it is an OK kind of car, but to say that it meets the Global C Segment standard would be a case of over patriotic-ism. 

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!!!!