Proton Inspira launched
After much anticipation, Proton has finally unveiled the Inspira, the company’s new entry in the highly competitive C-segment market. Based almost entirely on the Mitsubishi Lancer saved for a reworked suspension setup, the Inspira is available with a choice of three model options ranging from RM79k to RM92k.
Proton is very keen to point out that despite the visual resemblance with the Lancer, and the known fact that the Inspira’s running gear is supplied by Mitsubishi, the car has received substantial R&D input from the folks at Shah Alam. As Managing Director Dato’ Syed Zainal Abidin puts it, “We have further enhanced the car with several new features including the unmistakable Lotus DNA of exceptional ride and handling and now, what we present to you here, is a product that is more affordable for Malaysians.”
Order taking started with a soft launch on 14 October, when the car’s name, model line-up and tentative pricing was revealed. In the 28 days that has since lapsed, Proton managed to pick up some 1,800 bookings for the Inspira. Those 1,800 customers would be happy to know that the finalized prices for the Inspira has turned out slightly lower than the initial estimates announced by Proton.
The Inspira’s three-model range starts with the 1.8 Executive variant with manual transmission priced at RM78,999 on-the-road with insurance for Peninsula Malaysia. Topping up an extra RM6,000 gets you an identically trimmed 1.8-litre variant with Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III CVT. Sitting on top of the ladder is the 2.0 Premium model with CVT which goes for RM91,999.
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Proton chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd. Nadzmi said that the Inspira is part of a strategy to elevate Proton to the next level of becoming a global car manufacturer, “Proton is ready to move even further ahead to become a recognized player in the global automotive industry. We have been working and collaborating with Mitsubishi for the last 25 years and its a natural step forward for us to continue to work with them in this project. Product collaboration between OEMs is a normal practice amongst international car industry players as the partnership will be a mutual benefit between all parties.”
Indeed, being given the latest version of the Lancer to work with means that the Inspira carries many features appearing for the first time in a Proton. In addition to the INVECS-III CVT, the Inspira’s engines also feature all-aluminium construction and MIVEC technology. Paddle shifters, ISOFIX, auto wipers, and auto headlights are likewise features previously unheard of in a Proton.
Under the hood, the Inspira draws power from Mitsubishi’s 4B1 family of engines. The 1.8-litre models get the 4B10, which displaces 1,798cc and makes 138hp @ 6,000rpm and 177Nm @ 4,250rpm. Proton’s previous cracks at 1.8-litre engines were Mitsubishi’s 4G93 in both SOHC and DOHC format, the most powerful iteration making 140hp and 168Nm, and the Waja 1.8’s Renault F4P which made 116hp and 165Nm.
Meanwhile, the 2.0P, which accounted for some 60% of initial bookings, uses the familiar 1,998cc 4B11 from the Lancer of our market. Proton’s specs sheet quotes 148hp @ 6,000rpm and 197Nm @ 4,250rpm, which is slightly lower than the Lancer’s 153hp and 199Nm quoted by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
Defending the much-criticized decision of adopting the Lancer rather than developing a model from ground up, Nadzmi further noted that, “One of our product strategy is to introduce non-core models through strategic collaborations which provides a more efficient, timely, and cost effective product to the market. The Proton Inspira is an excellent example of this strategic collaboration.”
“Proton will continue to focus on our own design and production of our own cars. We are in fact working on several new models. Customers can expect a new facelift model rolling out from our plant by end of this year and more next year and a new model in 2012 – all done by Proton in total,” assured Dato’ Sri Mohd. Nadzmi.
Customers can view the Proton Inspira from today at all Proton Edar showrooms nationwide and it can be booked at a minimum fee of RM1,000. Early birds who book the car before 15th of November 2010, will get a free two-year or first 50,000km (whichever comes first) Service Package which includes free labor charges and service parts valued more than RM1,658.
