MALAYSIA - Proton's new compact car (PCC)

Motor Trader Malaysia

Not to be outdone by Perodua, Proton has released exterior images of its upcoming global small car, which should break cover next month.

While a lot of attention is focussed on Perodua’s all-new model, the Axia, which will be launched in the near future, Proton too has been teasing the public with its upcoming hatchback that it calls the Proton Compact Car (PCC) and which is widely rumoured to have the name of ‘Iriz’. Like Perodua, Proton’s teasers have not revealed the complete shape of the model, instead highlighting some of the features that will come with it.

Earlier, Proton’s Hari Raya video had shown a single image of the headlamp and now, on Merdeka Day, the full exterior view is being revealed – but it requires a bit of effort to see the whole car. 

On the same website, there’s an overhead ‘see-through’ shot of the car which highlights its 6 airbags and other panels also show a reverse camera, pushstart ignition button, touchscreen, and sharper detail of the headlight elements. Traction Control and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) will also be present, it appears, which means that this Proton model could score maximum stars in the ASEAN NCAP tests.

Recent information suggests that it will have a 1.3-litre engine with possibly a turbocharged variant for extra performance, and almost certainly, the gearbox will be a CVT which is the best choice for this class of cars. Though an AMT (like that used in the Savvy) is a low-cost option, it has never been liked by motorists due to its unusual operation and Proton already has experience with CVTs in the Saga.

With its indirect support from the government, Proton would be able to price the new model lower than what other carmakers would have to charge for a car in this class. However, its Chairman has hinted that Malaysians should no longer expect to pay low prices for Proton products in future. “Now Proton wants to produce cars that are of world standard, but you have to pay a higher price. You can’t have a good car and pay a ‘bad’ car price,” said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last month.

While Proton will probably do a public unveiling of the car next month, it is also believed that mass production might not start only towards the end of the year and deliveries will begin in 2015. This move, unusual in the local market but often done by global players, may be a tactical one to capture attention for the upcoming model at a time when buyers will be looking at the new Perodua offering.

[Chips Yap]

Source: Motor Trader

Source of this article: https://my.news.yahoo.com