Spied: 2016 Proton Perdana

Kuala Lumpur: The much awaited 2016 Proton Perdana has been spotted again on Malaysian roads. Though it was covered with a lot of camouflages, but one can easily get some hints regarding its designing. Going by the prototypes, it would feature a new exterior and interior as compared to its predecessor which was merely a rebadged Honda Accord. The next generation Proton Perdana would be one of the three new launches which the national automaker has scheduled for 2016.

This car will have its own distinctive design but would still be based on the eighth-generation Honda Accord. As compared to Toyota Vios and an old fourth-generation Accord, it would be designed with much bigger dimensions. The front facade of the car has already hinted towards Proton's familiar design DNA, but the rear end features a new design with the exhaust outlet being integrated into the rear bumper. The most striking feature of this car is its broad C-pillar and a shallower angle for its rear glasshouse. You can expect a high-end luxury and quality from Proton Perdana, as the flagship has been mentioned in the same line of Infiniti and Lexus. Earlier in an interview, the Proton chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said- “For high-end cars, Nissan has Infiniti, Toyota has Lexus. Proton Perdana will be our high-end car.”

Earlier, Proton had acquired Petrona's engine technologies for RM63 million in 2012, which consisted of direct injection, turbo direct injection tech and related patents. So you can expect the Perdana to be launched with these powertrains or continue using the Honda Accord's 2.0-litre and 2,4-litre i-VTEC petrol engines if the new Proton Petrona's engine is not ready by then. Further, it would be mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. This car would serve as national automaker's flagship product, which would help uplift the budget brand image that Proton has in Malaysia.

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