2013 Proton Suprima S: Love It, Or Hate It? Let Us Know
There have been quite a lot of comments going back and forth surrounding the recent launch of the 2013 Proton Suprima S. While there are many who love it for its affordability and high equipment levels, there are equally those who despise it – maybe even more so who don’t appreciate the new Proton hatchback, than those who do.
Armed with our cameras, we took to the floor of the Suprima S launch event with our video cameras, and went around asking everyone who wasn’t shy enough to appear on camera, just what they thought of the new car.
Some favoured the Proton Suprima S – saying that it featured loads of goodies inside and just how good it looks. Others? Not so much it seems.
After getting back from the launch event of the Suprima S on Saturday, we were quite surprised to see just how many negative comments it received on our Facebook page, which you can view at the hyperlink.
Nevertheless, we enjoyed reading ALL your comments, loved the opinions both ways, and want more!
Tell Us More, Be Heard
In the pursuit of further allowing YOUR voices to be heard on Live Life Drive, we’d like to thank you for your previous comments, and ask you to continue sharing your opinions with us. Feel free to drop your comments below – as I will add my own – and let’s see if someone takes notice, shall we?
What Do We Think? iCar Asia’s Editor’s Speak:
Daniel Wong, Magazine Editor of Live Life Drive
It’s funny how Proton benchmarked the handling of the Suprima S against two foreign make hatchbacks, without benchmarking their build quality. The Preve handled well, and I suppose the Suprima would follow suit, but it needs better build quality and higher-quality components to win buyers.
Albakry Salehuddin, Editor of Malaysian EVO
Good handling is not something new to Proton. They owned Lotus for so long and that is the least they could have learned from that legendary car company - fortunately they did.
But what Proton needs to do now (actually, three models ago) is to benchmark themselves for quality, reliability and packaging.
Hans Cheong, Automotive Editor of Live Life Drive
Having experienced the Preve, there is little to doubt about the Suprima S's handling prowess. On paper, the Suprima S offers very good value for money. However, the new hatchback is more of a car that Proton wants, but not a car that Proton needs.
When the Nissan Almera was introduced, it was not the Vios that was the hardest hit, but the Preve – never mind the fact that the Almera sits one segment lower. What does that tell you? Buyers are willing to trade ‘Lotus Ride and Handling’ for pragmatic aspects like trustworthiness. Why set lofty goals of benchmarking against the best from Europe, when it is already having trouble fending off competition from less glamorous entry-level Japanese sedans?
Also, the CamPro series engine featured in the Suprima S does not comply with the latest Euro 6 emission standards, which will be enforced in Europe starting September 2014. So again, what is the rationale behind benchmarking against European makes, if the car can not even be exported to European markets?
Chris Aaron, Online Editor of Live Life Drive
It’s not the most ‘well-received’ car, is it? So many negative comments have been made about the new Suprima S since it was launched – and I’m keen to agree. As a car born of passion, quality and global ambition, the new Proton hatch falls far too short. However, from a business perspective in favour of its makers, the Suprima S somewhat nails it. For all its features and equipment, it ought to sell well enough. As much as there are complaints about it, it won’t be long before we start seeing these cars all over the road. But therein lies my difficulty with the Suprima S – it’s just good business.
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