Malaysian automotive manufacturer PROTON today unveiled and launched two new models for the Thai market, the Prevé and Exora Prime.
The models were unveiled by PROTON Holdings Berhad Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Lukman Ibrahim at the 2012 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. Also present was Phranakorn Auto Sales Managing Director Mr. Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk. Phranakorn Auto Sales is the sole distributor of Proton cars in Thailand.
With the unveiling, the Prevé – a stylish midsized sedan and the luxurious and spacious six-seater MPV, Exora Prime are now officially open for booking in Thailand.
“Both the Prevé, as well as the Exora Prime has raised and set the bar for PROTON cars in all aspects encompassing key aspects such as safety, performance, comfort, build quality, technology, overall design and convenience,” said Dato’ Lukman at the unveiling.
“We’ve only recently charted a new milestone for PROTON in October by introducing the Prevé and Exora to our customers in Australia. Hence, the introduction of the Prevé today in Thailand within the span of just over a month clearly reiterates our commitment and determination to strengthen ourselves as a reputable, trusted and preferred car brand, especially in strategic markets such as Thailand. Our ultimate goal is to emerge stronger as a global car company and redefine PROTON as both a product and brand in the realm of a rapidly evolving and highly competitive global automotive industry.”
Thailand by itself is a very special market for PROTON. After only four years from when PROTON first launched in the local market, and with the encouragement and support from Thai customers, Malaysia’s national automotive manufacturer has consistently been in the country’s top 10 passenger car brand.
Proton Prevé
“Prevé (prev-ay) is derived from the English word Preve, which means to prove or offering proof, and is the seventh Proton model to enter Thailand. Like all previously launched Proton cars here, the Prevé represents our aspiration to produce the right car, at the right time and at the right price for our Thai customers,” said Dato’ Lukman.
The Prevé is offered in three variants; the Standard and Executive variants are equipped with the CAMPRO IAFM+ 1.6-litre engines and are available with Manual Transmission as well as 6-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide smoother gear change and responsiveness. The Premium variant is powered by PROTON’s new generation 1.6-litre turbo engine, which delivers power and torque equivalent to that of larger 2.0-litre normally-aspirated engines – and is mated with a 7-speed ProTronic CVT transmission, also renowned for its fuel economical attributes.
PROTON’s latest family sedan is also its most technologically-advanced, as it utilises a method defined as Hot Press Forming (HPF) that provides better protection and higher body as well as structural rigidity without compromising the overall car bodyweight.
The Premium variant will also include features like steering mounted paddle shifters, as well as satellite navigation, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, reverse sensors, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and an engine push start button. Safety features of the Prevé includes dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and Brake Assist, Traction Control and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) in the Premium variant.
Additionally, the Premium variant is also equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SID) that displays vital information and status updates on the Prevé’s various functions such as average fuel consumption, distance to empty, battery health and faulty bulb indicator, gear shift lock indicator, home lamp indicator, vehicle intrusion warning and many more.
The Prevé is priced on-the-road (with insurance) at THB625,000 (MT) and THB655,000 (CVT) for the Standard variant, THB665,000 (MT) and THB695,00 (CVT) for the Executive variant and THB759,000 for the Premium variant. Four color choices are available for the Prevé: Blue Lagoon, Tranquility Black, Solid White and Genetic Silver. PROTON is also offering a five-year or 150,000km (whichever is earlier) warranty, access to PROTON’s 24 Hour We Care Roadside Assistance, Medical assistance and Concierge Service for the Prevé.
Proton Exora Prime
The Exora, a firm favourite of Thai customers, was first launched in 2009 and is now PROTON’s most popular model in Thailand. Its popularity is expected to continue further with the introduction of the most luxurious edition of the Exora to-date, the Exora Prime.
The Exora Prime is an exclusive, six-seater MPV fitted with PROTON’s new 1.6-litre generation turbo engine, which offers owners performance that is comparable to a 2.0-litre engine. Mated with a 7-speed CVT transmission, the Exora Prime is smooth, powerful and yet, extremely fuel efficient.
The MPV comes equipped with a number of enhancements. The exterior upgrades include an all-new front and rear bumper design; electric folding door mirrors; rear disc brakes; blacked-out headlamps; smoked rear combi lights; 16” inch gold-finished alloys; a rear garnish finishing. Key safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and Brake Assist.
An all-new leather interior is complemented by the walnut centre panel finishing, gear panel bezel, air-conditioning vent outlets and metallic beige door switch covers and inner door handles. The Exora Prime is also equipped with 6.2” DVD LCD monitors at the headrest for the enjoyment of back passengers, and an audio system incorporating navigation and a reverse camera.
The Exora Prime is priced at THB899,000 on the road (with insurance), and is offered in Solid White and Tranquility Black colour options. Owners will also enjoy three-year or 100,000km (whichever is earlier) warranty, access to PROTON’s 24 Hour We Care Roadside Assistance, Medical assistance and Concierge Service.
Both the Prevé and Exora Prime are now available for bookings, and will be on sale through all authorised PROTON dealers nationally.
