Proton to launch Exora, Preve GXR and Suprima S

Proton Australia is set to launch three new models in the next three months ahead of the company�??s biggest push into the Australian market to date.

The Malaysian company, which started life in Australia in 1995, will launch the Proton Exora, Proton Preve GXR, Proton Suprima S in that order over the next three months.

First to arrive in October will be Australia�??s most affordable seven-seater vehicle, the Proton Exora, which will start from $25,990 and come standard with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Other standard equipment includes a roof-mounted DVD player, 16-inch alloy wheels and four airbags. In its launch-specification it will miss out on a five-star ANCAP safety rating, given the lack of curtain airbags, but is awarded a �??high�?? four-star rating.

Next to arrive in November will be the Proton Preve GXR, a sportier version of the Proton Preve that arrived earlier this year, and was recently reduced in price. The GXR, like the Exora, uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 103kW of power and 205Nm of torque. The GXR�??s suspension has been tuned by British performance brand Lotus (which Proton owns).

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, however given it sits above the standard Preve, the Preve GXR gets leather trim interior, auto headlights, auto rain sensing wipers, cruise control, engine push start and a seven-speed CVT.

The last of Proton�??s three-model attack is the Proton Suprima S, a small hatch set to take on the likes of the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and other segment leaders when in arrives in showrooms in December. It will make use of the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and gain a five-star ANCAP safety rating, like the Preve and Preve GXR.

It will be Proton�??s best equipped vehicle to be launched in Australia to date, with standard features set to include a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, daytime running lamps, and park assist.

All three Proton models are backed by a five year warranty, capped priced servicing and road side assistance. The cost of servicing the Proton Exora is just $1,600 over five years (15,000km or 12 month intervals).

The Malaysian manufacturer also confirmed its long-term commitment to the Australian market today.