THE third quarter of the year is almost over, and while some Malaysians were
eagerly awaiting the beginning of the latest English Premier League season, many
were excited about the launch of Proton's latest model, the Suprima S.
It was strange for Proton to launch the Suprima S now, as Malaysians are
expecting cars that are cheaper than what are available in the market, thanks to
the government's promise to reduce car prices.
While there were mixed reviews from the public regarding the Suprima S' price
of about RM80,000, we wanted to find out if the Preve's sportier sibling is
worth its price tag, and if it is relatively cheaper than other models in its
class.
Thanks to Proton, we managed to get our hands on the Suprima S 1.6 Premium
and gave it a go at the company's closed semi high-speed test track in Shah
Alam.
According to Proton, the Suprima S is a C-segment model, just like the Honda
Civic, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra, and not B-segment models such as the Toyota
Vios or the Honda City.
Design wise, Proton has done a good job with the Suprima S. The black front
honeycomb grille, redesigned front bumper, the rear bumper with integrated brake
lamp and 17-inch wheels give the car a much sportier appearance than its sedan
sibling.
Interior layout is identical with the Preve, except for the new seven-inch
LCD screen which is part of the new Android based infotainment system which
features Wi-Fi technology, DVD playback, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite
navigation. According to Proton, the Suprima S is the first car in Malaysia to
come with the Android infotainment system.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) level has improved. Besides that, the
cabin is identical with the Preve Premium, featuring seats, steering wheel and
centre-console that are clad in leather. It is said that new materials were used
to build the dashboard, levers and buttons.
Although they looked good and felt more solid than the ones in the Preve,
they still felt a little plasticky.
As much as ride and handling is
concerned, the Suprima S comes with a Lotus-approved, performance-oriented
suspension set-up that is slightly firmer than the Preve. Bumps, lumps and
potholes were tolerated respectably and body roll was kept minimal when we drove
the car through a mini slalom course. In our opinion, this is the Suprima S'
main strength.
While driving the Suprima S, we noticed that the engine noise has decreased
significantly, thanks to the tweaked engine control unit (ECU) and transmission
control unit (TCU). The infamous CVT "rubber-band" effect was still noticeable
though. Besides that, things were fine and dandy.
Sharing the same wheelbase length with the Preve, there was more head and leg
room than we could ask for.
Despite sharing the same engine and platform as the Preve, the Suprima S
costs about RM7,000 more than the most expensive Preve because of the list of
standard features offered. Besides the Android infotainment system, the Suprima
S comes with six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control
(ESC), traction control, two rear Isofix mounts, hill hold assist, park assist
and even a reverse camera.
In all, the Suprima S may not be as refined or as powerful as some of its
rivals, but looking at the features offered, we feel that it offers good value
for money. Those who have been comparing the Suprima S with cars like the Vios
and City should realise that it is actually a C-segment car that is priced as
low as B-segment models.
Specifications of the Proton Suprima S 1.6 Premium
Engine: CamPro 1.6-litre turbo
Max power: 138hp @ 5,000rpm
Max torque:
205Nm @ 2,000 - 4,000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed Punch VT3 CVT
Top speed:
190km/h
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.9 seconds
Fuel consumption:
8.2l/100km
Features: ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill hold assist, park assist,
reverse camera, Isofix mounting points, Android infotainment system with 7-inch
LCD screen
Price: RM79,988
http://www.cbt.com.my/2013/08/23/first-impression-proton-suprima-s-1-6-premium/
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