New PROTON SAGA BLM (FL)

Proton Saga are already well known in Malaysia, its the first model produced by Proton Holdings Berhad which received overwhelming response by the middle class until this present day. For the year 2010 Proton has update this model to compete in local market with new innovation in design and specifications including the appearance of modified forms by several well-known car brands from Europe and Japan. Proton's new model known as the SAGA BLM have many differences from the first generation SAGA, we can see a major changes between the previous model with the latest SAGA BLM.

The First Generation Proton SAGA 

 Proton SAGA 2nd Generation ( SAGA BLM )

After introducing SAGA BLM to replace the first generation of SAGA, Proton Holdings continues to make changes by adding more stylish accessories with a more attractive outer appearance, introduces the Proton SAGA BLM FL (Facelift), another release of new model added values by Proton Holdings Berhad.
Now Saga BLM through some reforms to compete in the market competition intensified in Malaysia.

Proton Saga FL, the latest version of the Saga was launched recently. Officiated by Proton Holding's Managing Director, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. Based on the history of Proton, SAGA  has successfully become one of the most popular models in Malaysia, maybe one of the main factors was the price that is below RM50K and it could be reached by the majority of Malaysian buyers. Proton is targeting to sell 6,500 units of the Saga BLM FL per month which offers customers not only a wide array of enhancements but injects more dynamic styling and design into the popular introductory family sedan and also to the younger generation who prefer something more stylish and trendy.

Saga FL consisted of two variants, the 1.3 Standard and 1.3 Executive, each one available in automatic and manual transmissions. The market prices for this model starts from RM37,998 which is between RM1, 000 and RM1, 300 higher compared to existing models Saga. The Saga FL are available in six colours; Tranquility Black, Solid White, Genetic Silver, Granite Grey and two new colours Blue Rock and Café Latte.

Supported by the same engine which is fitted into the previous Saga BLM, the Campro 1332 cc engine with 94 hp and 120 Nm. Saga FL additional features designs are more fashionable, spirited, young, sporty and trendy appearance. Unlike the previous car, Saga FL features an all-new fender design, hood, headlamps, front grille, as well as front and rear bumpers. Also new is the introduction of side mirrors incorporating LED turn signals, a rear combi with LED, rear reflector and muffler cutter. The Executive model features additional front fog lights, newly-designed alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and side protector mouldings for an even more sporty appearance.

Other new features available in the Saga FL are dual airbags for improved driver and passenger safety, also features an all-new seat and door trim fabric as well as comes equipped with rear power windows, a steering wheel audio buttons and USB / AUX ports for Clarion stereo MP3. Standard normal variations of the wheels are 175/70 R13 and 185/60 R14 for Executive FLS. The Saga FL also comes with a three-year or 100,000km manufacturing warranty (whichever comes first).

The price list of Proton SAGA FL and price comparisons with previous versions of the SAGA BLM.

	Saga	Difference	Saga Facelift
1.3 Standard M/T	RM36,998	RM1,000	RM37,998
1.3 Standard A/T	RM39,998	RM1,000	RM40,998
1.3 Executive M/T	RM39,498	RM1,200	RM40,698
1.3 Executive A/T	RM41,998	RM1,300	RM43,298

What's Great About Inspira Evo

Is the appearance of Proton Jebat Inspira comparable to Lancer Evo X.

For over 25 years of collaboration with Mitsubishi Motor Coparation in sharing a technologies, Proton has managed to produce a prototype model called Jebat Inspira that might be on the road very soon. So far, it can be classified one of the best local model that would compete with the equivalent model in Malaysia. This model largely based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, a very popular model with high performance MIVEC engine. In view of the design and packaging with high-powered engine, it could be almost on par with Lancer Evo X.
Touches on the exterior design features make it looks more sporty and elegant. At first glance its identical to the Lancer Evo X model. The color looks a bit less exciting, but appear in white with a black matt coat covering large parts of its front and rear and a matching strip at the lower section of the doors might looks more simple.

Basically, the Proton Inspira is a Malaysian attempt at dodging taxes in re-badging a regular Mitsubishi Lancer but the Proton Inspira’s Jebat Concept is different. It is actually the Malaysian equivalent of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. This means that it’s a hot version of the Inspira.
Unlike the Evo, the Proton Inspira’s hot version isn’t yet confirmed as getting the brilliant four wheel drive system. As a consolation, the Malaysians do offer the same turbocharged 4 cylinder MIVEC engine you get in the Lancer Evo. This particular turbo four pot will develop 240 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque at its peak.This means that the Proton Inspira Jebat Concept can shift its weight around quite fast but it won’t match the times of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
 
Lancer EVO X 2.0 Turbo GSR FQ-300 Manual (Petrol)

Check-out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Spec. This car fitted with 2.0L 16 Valve MIVEC DOCH Turbo engine (4B11 aluminium block with intercooler). The price of this model was nearly RM130,000 compared to the price of Jebat Inspira marketed in Malaysia was also equipped with 2.0L MIVEC engine 16V DOCH Turbo Intercooler only sell at RM95,000.

Proton Jebat Full Specifications

Powertrain
Engine MIVEC Turbo, 4 Cylinder, DOCH 16V
Max Output 177/6000
Max Torque (Nm/rpm) 343/3000
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litre) 59
Performance
Maximum Speed (km/h) 232km/h
Acceleration (sec) 5.6
Fuel Consumption@90km (L/100km) 6.3L/100km
Minimum Turning Radius (m) 5
Chassis
Power Steering Hydraulic
Suspension (front/rear) Macpherson Strut with Stabilizer Bar / Multilink with Stabilizer Bar
Multilink with Stabilizer Bar
Brake (front/rear) 15" Vent Disc / 14" Solid Disc
Tyre Size 245/40/R18
Wheel Rim 18"X8J Alloy Wheels
Dimensions & Weight
Overall L x W x H (mm) 4570 x 1760 x 1490
Wheelbase (mm) 2635
Ground Clearance (mm) 140
Kerb Weight (kg) 1135
Safety & Security
Airbag Driver & Passenger
Alarm System
Immobiliser
Central Door-Lock
Front seat Pre-tensioner Seatbelt Driver & Passenger
Keyless Entry Remote
Reverse Sensor
Features
ICE Clarion NX509A
Front Fog Lamps
Front Power Window
Electric Door Mirror
Body Kit
Seat & Door Trim Finishing Black Nappa & black luxvelvet RECARO
Rear Spoiler
Driver Seat With height adjuster
Steering N/A
Rear Combi Clear Smoked lense RR combi
Sport Mode with Paddle Shifter
Day Running Lights
Color
Pearl White

If we make a thorough comparison on the specifications in terms of both cars, the Mitsubishi EVO X does have many advantages. But in terms of price, Jebat Inspira are more reasonable for local market, at least Mitsubishi Evo fans in Malaysia can have a car that had been their dreams and enjoy some of the features found in the Mitsubishi Evo X.

PROTON INSPIRA EVO & PROTON NEW MODEL

Proton Holdings Berhad has launched its newest model called Proton Inspira, a model similar to the Mitshubishi Lancer. This new model launches was held at the Proton's Centre Of Excellence. From the Inspira model, Proton produced another model that has been modified in terms of design and appearance of more interesting flavors to meet their customers, especially young people who prefer a sporty looks with new powerful engine. This upgraded model called Proton Jebat Inspira Evo.

 
The presence of this latest model will give new choices to Malaysian buyers even more to Proton's customers. This model also display features of  both interior and exterior looks that is stylish and attractive. The appearance of this new model in black and white color combination appeared more concisely with wide front grille and a higher rear spoiler similar to the model of Lancer Evo X.
 
Among other interesting features are available on this model as an 18 inch alloy rim, Daytime's LED, Bonnet Vents for Turbo cooling systems, branded Recaro seats and Touch Screen Clarion audio system.

 

Proton New Model 2010 – Proton Inspira

Before the release of  Jebat Inspira Evo, Proton Holdings Berhad launched its first Inspira model on 10 Dec. 2010 officially by introducing two types of new engines and a choice of  four attractive colors. With the launch of Inspira, Proton Holdings once again achieved a breakthrough in the production of new models and also their target strategies to elevate PROTON to the next level of becoming a global car manufacturer.

The Proton Inspira, the result of an OEM collaboration between PROTON and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation of Japan (MMC), has been enhanced further by PROTON in terms of the car’s performance and ride comfort. In addition, PROTON has also made several significant aesthetic enhancements to the Proton Inspira highlighting its elegant-yet-sporty looks.

The all-new Proton Inspira is available in 1.8-litre CVT and manual transmission as well as in 2-liter CVT transmission. The automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) comes with the Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System (INVECS-III). It is an advanced system that automatically selects the optimal gear ratio based on road and driving conditions with a self-learning ability to match an individual’s driving style. 

Inspira is a model inspired by the Mitsubishi Lancer, a model that has long been a dream to many Malaysians. The good news is Proton Inspira car prices reduced to RM2,000.00 per unit for the new model makes it more competitive, as well as affordable to a broad range of Malaysian buyers. Proton Inspira 1.8 liter manual was priced at RM78,999.00, compared to the previous price of RM79,888.00 which was announced during pre-launch on the 10th. last October. Inspira 1.8 liter with the CVT transmission was priced at RM84,999.00, compared to the original price of RM87,000.00. Inspira Model 2.0 liter CVT was priced at RM91,999.00 from the price of RM94,000.00 per unit previously. Compared to the price of  Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GT (RM123,980) and Lancer EX 2.0 is RM120,980, the actual price of the Proton Inspira only 24% cheaper than the branded model Mitsubishi. This is probably due to the first version of the models are mostly imported components. The first issue had only 26% of  local produced components, which can be seen on the grille and the front wheel rim designs.

Proton Inspira latest price list issued after the reduction announced by the PROTON HOLDINGS BERHAD at their pre-launch on 10th last Oct. 2010.

The inside of the display not much different than Mitshubishi Lancer interior design, in terms of design it's still stylish and attractive and what's more important is the ride comfort and handling of this vehicle.

• Power
  The Proton Inspira scores top marks for its secure and agile handling, precise and progressive steering response and outstanding stability in cornering and changing   lanes.   
  
  Entertainment
  

  • Enjoy remarkable audio clarity and richness with the Arkamys System, designed to enhance your listening experience.

  Comfort
  

  • Its large body allows for a roomier interior, meaning increased legroom and headroom for driver and passengers. Stretch out and expect comfortable, easier and more relexing journey. 

A little bit info about Proton Inspira Fuel Consumption.
One of the common factors in selection made by buyers to purchase a vehicle is based on low fuel consumption. For Proton Inspira, fuel consumption can be said as fuel efficient car than others in the market which have equivalent specifications. Fuel consumption of Proton Inspira (Inspira FC) will be around 6.3 Litres per 100 km which is around 15.87 km/l or RM0.1166 or 11.66 cent per kilometer (RM1.85 per litre RON95) at 90km/h constant driving.

Fuel Consumption Comparison
PROTON INSPIRA 1.8 (CVT) -                                          6.3L / 100KM
Lancer 2.0 EX GT -                                                         9.0 - 9.5L / 100KM.
Honda Civic 1.8V -                                                            6.9L  / 100KM.
Nissan Latio Sport 1.8 (Auto) -                                           7.4L / 100KM
Naza Forte 1.6SX -                                                            7.1L / 100KM
Mazda 3 1.6 -                                                                7.9L - 8.1L / 100KM

For more detailed information about Proton Inspira, you can download the brochure Proton Inspira that provide additional information such as the full Specifications, Performance, Features, Safety and Comfort.

 

Proton Inspira - MIVEC Engine

Proton Inspira fitted with a type of high-performance engines from Mitsubishi Motors Corp., the 4B 16V MIVEC series (Mitsubishi's Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system), the same engine that fitted in Mitsubishi Lancer EX and GT models which is very popular in the motorsport arena. An impressive engine that could provide acceleration up to 200km/hr and able to make the acceleration from 0 to 100km/hr within 10 seconds.

Color Options For Proton Inspira.

As usual in the production of new cars, potential buyers will be given two choices type of colors, solid or metallic. For Inspira models, each version of manual and CVT, 1.8L or 2.0L comes with those choices with the price difference just between RM450 to RM500. Proton Inspira comes in four attractive colors - Red Plum (red), Tranquility Black (black), Solid White (white) and Genetic Silver (silver).

• Proton Inspira 1.8 Manual [Solid] – RM78,549
• Proton Inspira 1.8 Manual [Metallic] – RM78,999
• Proton Inspira 1.8 CVT [Solid]– RM84,549
• Proton Inspira 1.8 CVT [Metalic]– RM84,999
• Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT [Solid]– RM91,549
• Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT [Metalic]– RM91,999

*Solid - Solid White, *Metallic - Plum Red, Tranquility Black, Genetic Silver