Proton: New Cars 2014

Proton Suprima S (January)

The Proton Suprima S will be priced from $21,790 driveaway when it goes on sale in Australia in January. The compact Preve-based hatchback will be offered in two specifications – GX and GXR – with the flagship variant priced at $26,590 driveaway. The duo will initially be available exclusively with a ‘seven-speed’ automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with six-speed manual versions follow later in 2014 at $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR). Powered by the same turbocharged 103kW/205Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol as the Preve GXR, the Suprima S claims to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds and consume 8.8L/100km combined. Highlights of the GX include 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear fog lights, USB input and Bluetooth phone connectivity, while the GXR gains larger 17-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers, front parking sensors, push-button start, paddleshifters, cruise and climate control, leather upholstery, and a seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, DVD player and reversing camera.

Read CarAdvice’s Proton Suprima S Review.

Proton Preve GXR manual and LE (Q2)

In the second quarter of 2014, Proton will expand its Preve sedan line-up with the addition of the GXR six-speed manual. Like the existing GXR CVT, the new addition will be powered by Proton’s turbocharged 103kW/205Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The Preve GXR manual is expected to be priced at $20,990 driveaway, $2000 less than the CVT variant. The more luxurious Preve LE will also join the line-up in Q2. Pricing for the more premium sedan should creep up to the mid-$20K range.

Proton GSC (Q3)

Designed to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Up! and Mitsubishi Mirage city cars, Proton’s pint-sized GSC (Global Small Car) will launch internationally in the first half of 2014 before going on sale in Australia in the third quarter. The Malaysian maker ran a contest this year to name its Savvy successor (internally coded P2-30A), but has not confirmed its title yet. Although final technical details are yet to be released, given the car (previewed by the Proton Emas concept, pictured) has been benchmarked against the 66kW/110Nm 1.2-litre Honda Brio, indications are that the GSC will be powered by a small capacity (likely 1.2- or 1.3-litre) high-efficiency in-house-developed petrol engine. Expect entry pricing below $13,000.