Proton menikmati permulaan tahun terbaiknya sejak 2013 dengan menjual 12,882 unit (domestik dan eksport) pada bulan Januari. Ini membolehkan Proton menjadi satu-satunya jenama automotif yang mencatat prestasi jualan yang lebih baik berbanding bulan Disember 2023, iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 1.3%, manakala berbanding bulan Januari tahun lalu pula, jualan meningkat sebanyak 10.3%. Hasil daripada permulaan tahun yang kukuh, Proton mengekalkan tempat kedua dalam jadual jualan dengan selesa.
Pegangan pasaran syarikat bagi bulan Januari dianggarkan sebanyak 19.5%, iaitu 3.3% lebih tinggi berbanding bulan sebelumnya. Jumlah Volum Industri (TIV) dianggarkan sebanyak 66,134 unit, yang bersamaan dengan penurunan sebanyak 15.6% berbanding bulan Disember, di mana jumlah itu meningkat akibat dorongan jualan kenderaan akhir tahun yang lebih tinggi untuk penutupan tahun 2023.
Penghantaran model terbaharu barisan Proton, Proton S70, telah bermula dengan 1,442 unit dihantar pada bulan Januari. Pada masa ini, model itu mempunyai lebih 8,000 tempahan, mencerminkan permintaan kukuh dan positif yang diterima daripada pelanggan. Model S70 juga memasuki pasaran eksport pertamanya di Brunei, apabila 15 unit telah dihantar sebelum pelancaran rasminya di sana pada bulan Februari.
Proton has achieved its best January sales performance since 2013 by selling 12,882 units (domestic and export). This marks a 1.3% increase compared to December 2023 and a significant 10.3% increase compared to January of the previous year. With this strong start, Proton comfortably retains the second position in the sales table, and its estimated market share for the month is 19.5%, showing a 3.3% increase from the previous month.
The Total-Industry-Volume for January is estimated to be 66,134 units, reflecting a decline of 15.6% compared to December. This drop is attributed to the traditional year-end push for higher vehicle sales in December 2023.
The newly launched Proton S70 has made a notable impact, with 1,442 units delivered in January and over 8,000 bookings. The model has received a positive response from customers and has already made its way to an export market in Brunei, with 15 units delivered ahead of its official launch this month.
Dalam satu sidang akhbar terkini yang membincangkan Proton S70, Ketua Eksekutif Proton, En Roslan Abdullah, mengesahkan perkembangan penting – iaitu penerokaan versi prestasi R3 untuk Proton S70.
En Roslan menekankan bahawa varian R3 yang berpotensi akan lebih daripada sekadar peningkatan visual, menjauhkan dirinya daripada edisi Proton X50 R3 yang memberi tumpuan kepada estetika. Syarikat ini memberi tumpuan kepada penyampaian pakej prestasi menyeluruh berbanding dengan pembaruan kosmetik.
Beliau juga menyatakan bahawa syarikat, yang tidak hadir dari perlumbaan S1K selama beberapa tahun kerana ketiadaan kereta perlumbaan yang sesuai, melihat potensi dalam Proton S70 untuk kembali ke dalam perlumbaan yang berdaya saing. S70 R3, jika disedari, mungkin akan mengikuti warisan model prestasi terdahulu Proton, terutamanya Satria GTi R3 dan Satria Neo R3, yang terkenal dengan enjin yang ditala, bahan ringan, dan peningkatan prestasi.
Memberi komen mengenai versi Proton S70 R3, En Roslan berkata, “Kami sedang bekerja untuk model R3 S70 dan sedang mempertimbangkan model ini untuk kembali ke S1K. Ini akan mengambil masa kerana kami perlu bekerjasama dengan beberapa pihak berkepentingan untuk memastikan kebolehlaksanaannya.”
“Kami telah menjauh dari perlumbaan S1K selama beberapa tahun sekarang kerana kami tidak mempunyai kereta yang boleh kami gunakan untuk perlumbaan. Dan kami tidak mahu bersaing semata-mata untuk bersaing, tetapi dengan S70, itu mungkin berubah,” katanya.
Proton S70, dengan enjin 3-silinder berjirim turbo 1.5 liter, menghasilkan 150PS dan 226Nm tork yang dipindahkan ke roda hadapan melalui transmisi dwi-kopling 7-kelajuan. Seperti yang kami dapati semasa ujian pandu baru-baru ini, ia juga menawarkan kawalan yang mengagumkan, menjadikannya platform berpotensi untuk kereta pemenang perlumbaan.
Langkah strategik Proton untuk meneroka peningkatan prestasi R3 bagi S70 sejajar dengan komitmennya untuk menyampaikan kenderaan yang tidak hanya kelihatan hebat tetapi juga menawarkan pengalaman pemanduan yang mendebarkan dan dinamik. Potensi kelahiran semula bahagian R3 sebagai pendorong prestasi dengan Proton S70 R3 mempunyai potensi untuk menyala semula kehadiran Proton dalam arena perlumbaan dan menawarkan Proton jalan yang lebih menarik, seperti sebelum ini.
Satria Neo R3, yang diperkenalkan pada tahun 2008, merupakan Proton R3 yang terakhir. Ia menampilkan enjin 1.6 liter berjirim asli, set badan yang lebih bersaing, roda 17 inci, suspensi yang lebih rendah, brek yang dipertingkatkan, tempat duduk Recaro, dan stereng MOMO.
Mungkin tidak terlalu berlebihan untuk mengharapkan peminat Proton dapat menjangkakan peningkatan prestasi serupa untuk S70 R3, menjadikannya tambahan yang dinantikan lama dalam barisan berorientasi prestasi jenama ini.
Jika rancangan ini menjadi kenyataan dan R3 dihidupkan semula sebagai pendorong lebih daripada penambah estetika, peminat juga boleh mengharapkan peningkatan seperti set ekzos penuh, gegelung prestasi, dan peningkatan dalaman seperti tempat duduk bucket dan lain-lain. Masa depan Proton dan R3 kelihatan menarik.
In a recent press conference discussing the Proton S70, Proton’s CEO, En Roslan Abdullah, confirmed a significant development – the exploration of an R3 performance version for the Proton S70.
En Roslan emphasised that the potential R3 variant would be more than just a visual enhancement, distancing itself from the aesthetics-focused Proton X50 R3 edition. The company is focused on delivering a comprehensive performance package rather than a cosmetic makeover.
He also said that the company, absent from the S1K race for several years due to the lack of a suitable racing car, sees potential in the Proton S70 to re-enter competitive racing. The S70 R3, if realised, might follow the legacy of Proton’s earlier performance models, especially the Satria GTi R3 and the Satria Neo R3, known for its tuned engines, lightweight materials, and performance enhancements.
Commenting on the Proton S70 R3 version, En Roslan said, “We are working on an R3 S70 model and are looking at this model to return to the S1K. This will however take some time as we will need to work with a number of stakeholders to ensure its viability.”
“We have stayed away from the S1K race for a few years now because we did not have a car that we could go racing with. And we did not want to compete just for the sake of competing, but with the S70, that might just change,” he continued.
The Proton S70, with its turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine puts out 150PS and 226Nm of torque which is transferred to the front wheels through a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. As we found out during a recent test drive, it also offers impressive handling, which makes it a potential platform for a race winning car. Look out for our review from the recent drive to Penang.
Proton’s strategic move to explore R3 performance enhancements for the S70 aligns with its commitment to delivering vehicles that not only look impressive but also offer a thrilling and dynamic driving experience. The potential rebirth of the R3 division as a performance enhancer with the Proton S70 R3 has the potential to reignite Proton’s presence in the racing scene as well as offering more exciting road going Protons, as before.
The Satria Neo R3, unveiled in 2008, was the last fire-breathing Proton R3. It featured a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine, sportier body kit, 17-inch wheels, lowered suspension, improved braking, Recaro seats, and a MOMO steering wheel.
It may not be far-fetched to think that Proton enthusiasts can anticipate a similar performance boost for the S70 R3, making it a long-awaited addition to the brand’s performance-oriented lineup.
If the plans materialise and R3 is revived as a more than an aesthetics enhancer, enthusiasts can potentially also expect upgrades such as a full exhaust kit, performance coils, and interior enhancements such as bucket seats and more. The future for Proton and R3 seems exciting.
The Proton X90 created quite a storm when it was introduced last year. Not only was it Proton’s first D-segment SUV, but it was also its first seven-seater SUV.
There were lots of expectations, especially in terms of price, and truth be told, we were quite surprised when Proton announced the price of the X90. Not because it was expensive, but because it was surprisingly affordable.
The starting price for the X90 is just RM123,800, which is the exact same price as the flagship X70. There is an overlap in pricing there, but it makes perfect sense for those seeking more space and a bigger car.
But is it worth it? After being loaned one for a week, attending a wedding with it with eight people in the car and all the accompanying ceremonies throughout the course of a few days, we are surprised that we don’t see more X90’s on the road.
The X90 sits in the same segment as the Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Hyundai Santa Fe, among others of course. It does everything that the others can do, and it is a lot cheaper as well.
The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (also known as the Okavango in some markets) but it is not a simple rebadge job. Proton updated the design particularly around the bumpers and the grille to keep it in line with the overall Proton design language.
Besides the restyling, Proton said that it also updated the suspension of the X90 to ensure that it is better suited to Malaysian roads. During the launch of the X90, Proton said that its engineers tested the multi-link suspension over a course of a million kilometers on various roads in Malaysia.
You can be forgiven if you think that the suspension is a little bit on the softer side, but drive it for a few days and you will notice that it actually does really well at soaking up all the horrible things that Malaysian roads tend to have; pot holes, sudden inundations, overly aggressive speed bumps, etc.
In terms of design, the X90 is a big, long SUV that from certain angles has the proportions and even the silhouette of an MPV. In fact, there have been some fiery debates online about what the X90 actually is. But Proton refers to it as an SUV so that should end that unnecessary argument.
Inside, the X90 is mighty impressive. Quality is surprisingly good, in fact, we will go so far as to say that quality of the X90 is the best amongst any Protons, past and present.
We drove the Flagship variant, which is one of four variants on offer. The standard is priced at RM123,800, the Executive at RM130,800, the Premium has a RM144,800 price tag while the top-of-the-line variant you see here is priced at RM152,800.
Just for reference, the cheapest Kia Sorento is priced at just under RM212,000 while the entry-level Toyota Fortuner costs RM195,880. In fact, the only competitor that remotely gets close to the X90 in terms of pricing is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro that costs RM159,800.
The X90 Flagship model is also the only model that comes as a six-seater, the rest are seven-seaters. The Flagship model offers two individual seats in the second row, which some call captain seats, and just about everything is wrapped in fine Nappa leather.
Now depending on how many people you ferry around or even if you like being driven around, the six-seater variant is not a bad deal despite lacking sitting space. As we found out, children appreciate their individual space as much as older people do. And if you don’t have too many people to ferry, this is a great way to go around.
There is also a full panoramic roof that adds to the sense of occasion as well as separate climate control for the second-row passengers. This is great but quite normal, what is not normal though is that the air-conditioning vents are located on the roof of the car rather than at the bottom of the centre console. This is ingenious as it blows cool air directly to your face rather than to your knee. If that still does not cut it, the X90 even offers ventilated seats for the first and second row seats. Several car makers, who charge a lot more for their cars, should take a cue from the X90.
The third-row passengers too will appreciate having their own vents as well as their own USB ports and cup holders, making the X90 perfectly suited for family escapades.
There is plenty of tech too, for starters the X90 runs on a mild-hybrid powertrain. The core is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine that is similar to the X50 Flagship as well as the new X70 models. It is mated to Proton’s regular seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.
But that’s not all, being a “mild-hybrid”, there is a battery and a converter that works to provide more power while improving overall efficiency. It does this by utilizing six components that form the entire hybrid system – a DC-DC converter, a belt-starter generator (BSG), a lithium-ion battery, a battery management system, energy recovering braking system and a hybrid module control system.
Working in unison with the standard powertrain, the X90 offers 190PS and 300Nm of torque. Just for reference, that is 13PS and 45Nm more than other cars that run on the same powertrain but without the hybrid system. Aside from more power, the X90 also has 10% better acceleration and 13% lower emissions.
The X90 may be comfortable to drive or to be driven in, but when it is fully loaded, it does tend to feel a little underpowered. Despite it being up on power as compared to its siblings with same engine, it is also heavier and sits more people, so when all seats are occupied, it feels like it needs about 20PS and 50Nm more.
The trick though is to use one of the three driving modes (Sport, Normal and Comfort), particularly Sport mode. This is when the SUV feels more nippy and eager to downshift, giving you quicker access to power when you need it the most.
Despite that, the powertrain is undoubtedly smooth, but we have a gripe, not with the engine nor the gearbox or the hybrid system, but the gear selector. In regular selectors, you either move the lever once to move from P to D or vice versa.
However, in the X90, you have to pull the lever down twice. First to move from P to N and then again to D, which is quite weird. But to select P, you only have to press the P button. This is not something that will put buyers off, but it is quite awkward.
Continuing with the topic of tech, the meter panel is fully digitalized with a 10-inch LCD panel offering all the essentials such as speed, rpm and gear position.
At the centre of the rather large dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that gives you access to music and navigation. However, we still loathe the fact that the X90 does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Great news though, some Protons executives have said that the carmaker will soon be offering those two systems, and even existing owners will be able to access it through a hardware update.
It also offers a host of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, intelligent high beam control, 360 camera and one system that we were particularly impressed by – the door opening warning system. This lets you know when there is a cyclist or a motorcyclist that is approaching the car and warns you so you don’t accidentally open the door. The downside to this is it also works in traffic, and in Malaysia where motorcyclists are incessantly zooming past a car, the system is constantly beeping. And that can be annoying.
But then again, tech is not always perfect but the Proton X90 still has a lot to offer, such as impressive refinement, quality and tech that can put more expensive cars to shame. And at its price, there is simply no arguing against it.
Menurut posting di group Facebook, wakil dari Proton telah mengumumkan bahawa tempoh menunggu untuk penghantaran model S70 mengambil masa antara dua hingga tiga bulan.
Varian terlaris bagi model ini ialah S70 Flagship, sementara warna badan yang menerima tempahan tertinggi adalah Marine Blue.
Oleh itu, pelanggan yang membuat tempahan untuk varian dan warna badan tersebut dikehendaki menunggu selama tiga bulan, bermula dari tarikh kelulusan pinjaman sewa beli.
Proton S70 telah dilancarkan secara rasmi pada hujung November tahun lalu. Model sedan segmen-C ini menawarkan empat pilihan varian dengan harga mula dari RM73,800.
Pada bulan lalu, Proton mengumumkan bahawa tempahan untuk Proton S70 mencapai 900 unit setiap minggu, dengan jumlah tempahan melebihi 3,000 unit.
Penghantaran model sedan ini akan bermula pada bulan ini, dengan 109 unit didaftarkan pada tahun sebelumnya.
According to a recent post on the Proton S70 owners group on Facebook, the waiting period for the delivery of the S70 model now takes between two to three months.
The best-selling variant for this model is the S70 Flagship, while the body color with the highest orders is Marine Blue. Therefore, customers who have ordered this variant and body color need to wait for about three months from the date the hire-purchase loan is approved.
The Proton S70 was officially launched at the end of November last year. This segment-C sedan model comes with four variant options, starting at a price of RM73,800.
Last month, Proton announced that S70 orders were reaching 900 units per week, totaling more than 3,000 units. The delivery of this sedan model will commence this month, with 109 units registered last year.
Proton telah memperkenalkan inisiatif Proton Operational Excellence (POE) untuk meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan dan kecekapan operasi di pusat-pusat servisnya. Strategi komprehensif ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan prestasi pusat-pusat servis Proton di seluruh negara, bermula dengan 13 pusat ujian perintis dan secara beransur-ansur berkembang ke semua fasiliti 3S dan 4S.
Aspek Kunci Inisiatif POE:
Proses Servis Berkualiti Tinggi: Inisiatif ini memastikan bahawa proses servis sejajar dengan keperluan pelanggan, dari penjadualan temujanji hingga penyelesaian perkhidmatan.
Kecekapan Juruteknik: Menumpukan kepada pembangunan juruteknik melalui program latihan komprehensif, menjaga mereka terkini dengan teknologi automotif terkini untuk penyelesaian isu yang cekap.
Integrasi Dealer Management System (DMS): Menekankan integrasi Dealer Management System (DMS) masa depan untuk meningkatkan kecekapan operasi dan meningkatkan pengalaman pelanggan secara keseluruhan.
Membina Kepercayaan dan Keyakinan: Proton menekankan pembinaan dan pemantapan kepercayaan terhadap jenama dan perkhidmatannya. Ini melibatkan memberdayakan rangkaian pengedar, saluran komunikasi terbuka, usaha kerjasama, sesi latihan, dan perkongsian amalan terbaik.
Skim Ganjaran & Pengiktirafan: Proton memperkenalkan skim ganjaran dan pengiktirafan untuk mengakui pengedar yang memberikan perkhidmatan pelanggan yang cemerlang, merayakan pencapaian dan kejadian di mana pengedar melebihi jangkaan.
Pengalaman Pelanggan yang Ditingkatkan: Memperkenalkan pilihan perkhidmatan pantas, kawasan menunggu yang selesa, dan kafe berkualiti untuk menangani pelbagai pilihan pelanggan, memastikan pengalaman yang cekap dan menyeronokkan.
In a strategic move to elevate customer satisfaction, Proton has introduced the Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative. This comprehensive strategy is designed to enhance the performance of Proton’s nationwide service centres, instilling confidence in the brand’s commitment to excellence. The initiative was officially unveiled at one of Proton’s authorised dealers, The Apple Auto Services & Tyres in Bangi.
The POE initiative, commencing with 13 pilot outlets, will progressively integrate into nationwide 3S and 4S facilities, highlighting Proton’s systematic approach to operational excellence at every customer touchpoint. Emphasising a commitment to aftersales operational efficiency and service quality, the initiative focuses on key areas such as high-quality service processes, technician competencies, future Dealer Management System (DMS) integration, and fostering trust in the brand.
Proton sedang menguatkuasakan usaha untuk meningkatkan kualiti perkhidmatan selepas jualan melalui inisiatif Proton Operational Excellence (POE). Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Roslan Abdullah, mengumumkan langkah-langkah yang ketat untuk memastikan kepuasan pelanggan, dengan menekankan komitmen kepada kecemerlangan.
Sebagai sebahagian daripada dasar baru ini, Proton telah memperkenalkan denda sebanyak RM1,000 bagi setiap aduan ketidakpuasan pelanggan berkenaan mana-mana Pusat Proton 3S atau 4S. Walau bagaimanapun, denda hanya akan dikenakan selepas siasatan teliti oleh pejabat pusat. Surat amaran akan berfungsi sebagai amaran awal kepada pusat perkhidmatan bagi setiap aduan yang diterima.
Laporan menunjukkan bahawa sebuah pusat perkhidmatan Proton di Pulau Pinang telah menghadapi akibat, kehilangan statusnya sebagai pusat perkhidmatan rasmi Proton kerana gagal memenuhi Indikator Prestasi Utama (KPI) yang ditetapkan. Ini menunjukkan komitmen Proton untuk mengekalkan standard yang tinggi dalam perkhidmatan selepas jualan di seluruh rangkaian.
