Proton Prevé launched

SERI KEMBANGAN: While Malaysians are still learning to correctly pronounce Preve, the name of Proton’s latest family sedan, the national car maker has officially launched the car tonight with pricing that are a few thousand ringgit lower than the pre-launch indicative prices.

Sold in three variants, the Preve (pronounced “prae-vae”) is priced at RM59,990 for the 1.6-litre IAFM+ engine variant with five-speed manual transmission, RM62,990 for the 1.6-litre IAFM+ with six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) and RM72,990 for the premium 1.6-litre CFE turbocharged engine with seven-speed CVT.  The variant in solid colour is RM450 cheaper.

Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the MINES Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan tonight, the Preve is touted as Proton’s global and best car to-date mainly due to improvements in performance, safety, comfort and styling.

Bernama reported Proton executive chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil as saying that he plans to see a stronger Proton as it grows into a global company.

He said it would redefine its product and brand to stay competitive in a global setting.

"There is already an acceptance of Proton cars regionally and globally, but we must respond more aggressively in order to expand abroad by becoming more technology-advanced," he said.

Mohd Khamil said Proton would continue to offer customers desirable vehicles, while strengthening its sales and after sales networks internationally, with the intent of evolving into a reputable, preferred and competitive car maker.

Proton managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said "the Preve reflected Proton's maturity, technical knowledge and capability to evolve into a global player."

The car, with its low front and high tail, looks handsome and creases on the sides add elegance to the proportions.

It features a profile that reminds one of the BMW E90 3 Series.

The car boasts a rigid structure, thanks to the usage of stronger steel components made using Hot Press Forming (HPF) technology.

Preve’s instrument meter cluster is also more advanced than previous Proton models and comes with a Smart Info Display to show useful details such as journey time, distance to empty tank, key fob and car battery low warning as well as bulb failure warning.

Other safety features include seatbelts with pre-tensioner helps to secure driver and passenger in position during the initial moments of a collision, two front airbags and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution while the Premium variant gets two more side airbags and electronic stability control.

The Premium variant also gets additional paddle shifters, wipers with rain sensor, start-stop button and a CD Player with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in satellite navigation system.

This is how the top of the line Preve looks, paddle shifters and all.

Other standard equipment across the range include 4G in-car WiFi system, 16-inch tyres, remote trunk opening, numerous cup and bottle holders.

The IAFM+ engine churns out 109bhp and 150Nm of torque which should translate into adequate perfromance for a regular 1.6-litre family car.

Meanwhile, the Premium variant’s turbocharged engine produces 138bhp and 205Nm of torque similar to that of a bigger 2.0-litre car.

Available colours are Blue Lagoon, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Elegant Brown and Solid White.

The car will be available in Proton showrooms across Malaysia from tomorrow. Click