During a recent media preview at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, we were told the five-door hatchback has specifications and equipment that are on par with or exceed non-national cars, but prices will be at national car levels.
We also learned that the PCC has a length of 3,905mm and wheelbase of 2,555mm which pits it against B-segment cars like the Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.
It is due to be officially launched on September 25 at Proton City in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
"The PCC is not a small A-segment car. This is why it is now referred to as the PCC, instead of the GSC (Global Small Car) which was used earlier," said Proton chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah.
Abdul Harith said the PCC took four years and RM500mil to develop.
"It uses a new platform, and has new 1.3 and 1.6-litre engines with VVT (variable valve timing). Hopefully, this is the game changer for Proton and also, our export programme," he said.
The 1.3-litre PCC comes in entry-grade Standard and mid-grade Executive variants, while the 1.6-litre PCC has Executive and high-grade Premium variants.
For all variants, the transmission is either a Getrag-sourced 5-speed manual or a 6-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) from Punch Powertrain.
According to Proton chief technical officer (group engineering) Abdul Rashid Musa, the new 1.6-litre VVT engine outputs 107hp at 5,750rpm and 150Nm of torque at 3,750rpm.
"It is quite torquey and responsive," he said.
Kerb weight ranges from 1,150kg to 1,175kg.
"It is also the most fuel-efficient Proton car, being the first to achieve a fuel economy rating of below 7 litres per 100km," said Abdul Rashid.
The PCC's fuel consumption on the combined cycle (New European Driving Cycle or NEDC) is said to be 6.5 and 6.7 litres per 100km for the 1.3 and 1.6-litre (manual transmission) units respectively.
The PCC also uses an EPS (electric power steering) which reduces fuel consumption (up to 5%) and steering effort.
Meanwhile, the PCC also sets new benchmarks for safety in its class.
"We want Proton to be known for safety," said Abdul Rashid.
All PCC variants come standard with ESC (electronic stability control), ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), traction control, brake assist, HHA (hill hold assist), and a SBR (seat belt reminder) system for all seat belts.
There are also ISOFIX attachment points for child safety seats.
Abdul Rashid pointed out the PCC uses HPF (Hot Press Forming) for ultra high strength steel.
"To reduce insurance costs, Thatcham vehicle security standards are applied," he added.
Meanwhile, Proton chief designer Azlan Othman said the PCC was designed at Proton facilities in Shah Alam.
"The design concepts are stylish and sporty. Exterior features can include projector headlamps, dual-function DRLs (day-time running lights), rear LED lights, and an integrated roof spoiler."
Azlan also noted that the PCC has many Proton "firsts", including wing mirrors on the front doors which "gives more space to the glass area and better visibility for the driver".
Executive and Premium units can come with a rear spoiler, diffuser and body kit.
The Premium variant has 15-inch alloy wheels, DRLs, leather upholstery, keyless entry and six airbags.
Other variants get 14-inch wheels and fabric seats.
On the pilot production cars (close to final production models) previewed by the media, we noticed that tyres are sized 195/55 R15 (Premium variants) and 175/65 R14 (non-Premium variants).
Features which are likely to be exclusive for the Premium variant include Follow Me Home lights, a reverse camera and 6.2-inch touchscreen.
There are also two additional power ports (1.5A and 2.1A) to charge smartphones and tablets.
The PCC has front disc brakes and rear drums, while its suspension uses a MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam.
Features include a 4-door power window system with one-touch auto up/down for the driver's window, as well as bottle holders within the rear door bins.
The PCC comes in seven colours including two new and exclusive colours - Citrus Green and Silver Moon Dust.
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