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By EWAN
KENNEDY
16 November 2009
A few weeks ago we predicted that the new Proton S16 would sell
for a driveaway price of less than $13,000. We were right, yet
wrong...
Because the Malaysian maker has taken us by surprise by bringing
its new S16 onto the Australian market at just $11,990. This
probably makes it the cheapest new car ever sold in Australia when
you compare its price to average weekly wages.
But get in quickly, because Proton makes no bones about the fact
that this is a special introductory price. From July 2010 the
price will be increased, though the importer won't give us further
details. At the same time the standard features will also be
raised and another, more upmarket model released.
Unlike most low-end cars, which are typically three-door
hatchbacks with small engines, the new Proton S16 will have a
four-door sedan body and a 1.6-litre engine.
Transmission at this stage is only by a five-speed manual gearbox.
Imports of an automatic transmission won't begin until February
2010.
Despite the low price, this is definitely not a stripped down
price leader as the Proton S16 has air conditioning, power front
windows, an AM/FM/CD audio system, a height adjustable driver’s
seat and tilt adjustable steering.
The first model will come only with a driver’s airbag. The
mid-2010 upgrade will add a passenger airbag and ABS brakes.
The Proton twin-cam 16-valve 1.6 litre produces 82 kW of power and
148 Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption has been measured at a
frugal 6.3 litres/100km.
Like all Proton passenger vehicles the new Proton S16 comes with
the advantage of Lotus tuned ride and handling.
The Proton S16 will go on sale on December 1 and will be covered
by a three-year unlimited kilometre factory backed warranty,
that's extended to seven years for anti-corrosion. There's also
free 24 hour a day roadside assistance for the first three years.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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