Proton Preve is a compact four-door saloon which
was developed by the Malaysian car manufacturer Proton. It was launched on 16
April 2012 and is based on the P2 platform next generation Proton. Preve is
complementary saloon to hatchback cars like Proton allies Suprima S, and
successor to the Proton Persona and Proton Gen-2.
Preve claimed to be the first global car Proton
Preve evident in the name itself, which means to prove or evidence.
Proton began in 1985 as a manufacturer of badge
engineered Mitsubishi vehicles. Proton car managed to sell in large numbers
because they benefit from higher engineering and reliability of their Mitsubishi
car based on, among other reasons. However, by the early 21st century, Proton
is moving forward with the introduction of locally designed models such as the
Proton Waja and Proton Gen-2. Unfortunately, the next generation Proton has
been universally criticized for lack of vehicle engineering. Therefore, the
Proton Malaysian market declined sharply in the early 2000, reaching a seven-year
low in 2007. In response, the development of Proton Preve ( Code Named P3- 21A
) was initiated in 2009 under the leadership of the Managing Director of
Proton, Syed Zainal Abidin. Former Vice President BMW Quality Management R
& D, Dr. Wolfgang Karl Epple also been appointed in the same year as the
Director of Quality Proton. He was subsequently promoted to Senior Director of
Operations Group, where he contributed to the development of the P3- 21A
project.
Proton Tuah, a concept car designed by Italdesign
Giugiaro exhibited in 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show ( KLIMS ). It
previewed a variety of design elements and features in the upcoming Proton P3-
21A. P3- 21A development was completed a year later and production occur at
Proton's Tanjung Malim plant. The company claims 94 % of the car parts are
sourced locally in order to reduce the outflow of capital. The official name of
the Proton Preve revealed only a day before launch.
Proton Preve finally announced on 16 April 2012 in
Seri Kembangan by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. It
was launched with a choice of six colors and three trim variants, MT Head, Head
Premium CVT and CVT respectively. Both variants are powered by a 1.6L Executive
trim CamPro Proton's IAFM + engine. Executive MT paired with a five-speed
manual gearbox while the Executive CVT is equipped with a six-speed CVT.
Premium trim is offered with over 1.6L turbocharged CFE CamPro, mated to a seven-speed
CVT, also known as ProTronic, Proton version manumatic transmission. Safety-wise, the Executive variant comes with two SRS airbags and Anti-lock Braking
System ( ABS ) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution ( EBD ), while reducing
the premium has two additional airbags, Brake Assist ( BA ), Traction Control (
TCS ) and Electronic Stability Control ( ESC ) offered on the Executive.
Premium variant also comes with exclusive kits such as steering wheel mounted
paddle shifters, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, climate control,
built-in GPS touch screen head unit with Bluetooth, USB & iPod connectivity
and push-start ignition engine. All Proton Preve equipped with Smart Display
Information system ( DIS ), which displays information such as average fuel
consumption, battery health and distance to empty. Another standard feature of
the car calls, made by a collaboration between Proton and Malaysia
ISP, Yes 4G. This Preve respectively priced between RM 59,540 and RM 72,990.
It received over 11,000 bookings within two months of the official launch of
the car and into the 7th best-seller in Malaysia in May 2012, ahead of all competitors
in the category.
Proton Preve concept Sapphire also showcased at
the launch. It was developed by Proton Design in order to show Preve market and
technical potential. It has a matte gun metal a unique paint job as well as
custom front and rear bumpers are equipped with chrome plated highlights, side
skirts and 18-inch alloy rims. Sports beige colored interior panels and
upholstery leather for added luxury appeal, and the ride height and brakes have
also been revised. 3 months later, Proton announced R3 Concept at Proton Preve
feet Malaysia 2012 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship season. It comes with a RM
3,000 new body kit styled by Proton Race, Rally, Research ( R3 ) and the choice
of rims and tires R3 performance. On October 8, 2012, Proton R3 Preve reveals
racing car. It is powered by a 107 hp CamPro IAFM + engine and features a
spacious outdoor and indoor renovations. It then competed in the 2012 Sepang
1000 km endurance race in December of that year, in which he placed second
Proton Satria Neo R3 and Type R Racing Team ahead of the Toyota Corolla Altis.
Preve made its debut in Australia on October 18, 2012
at the " 2012 Australian International Motor Show ". Only CamPro IAFM
+ variants were available at the launch of Australia, with a turbocharged model
CamPro
CFE scheduled for October 2013 launch instead. Preve was introduced in the Thai
market during Thailand International Motor Expo on November 28, 2012. It has
been tuned to run on E20 fuel and a better BLAUPUNKT 2-DIN touch screen head
unit offered in Thai-spec variants reduce premiums. In addition, budget
oriented trim line new standards have been introduced in the market, the price
is much lower than the Head and Premium trim variants. Brunei became the third
export market to receive the Preve on February 7, 2013, where it was found to
be made in three variants. Preve also met with less publicity launch in Singapore
in the first quarter of 2013, in which it is offered in two trim lines. On June
13, 2013, Indonesia became the fourth official export markets for Preve, where
it is now available in only one variant of luxury.
