3 Points: Why the ‘New’ Proton Perdana is just plain Bad

Introduction

The new Proton Perdana was launched sometime early December 2013 by the Honourable Prime Minister[1]. The new Proton Perdana comes in a 2.4 and 2.0 variant, and will be used as the official government car immediately, with replacement of the current Perdanas being done gradually. The public will be able to get their hands on this new car within 18 to 24 months time.

The PM admiring his the new car. 

I am a patriot when it comes to supporting local industry. But this time (yes, despite the many other times), this time, I am truly disappointed (and upset) with Proton and their latest offering.

We will explore 3 points:
1. It's an old new car 
2. Parts, Safety, and Maintenance
3. Proton's Future

Point 1: It’s an old new car

Disappointingly, the ‘new’ Perdana is actually based on the previous generation Honda Accord which was the 8^th generation in the family. In September 2013, Honda launched the 9^th generation Accord to Malaysian consumers.

The Old New Perdana / Honda Accord was first introduced in 2008. 

So, how old is the 8^th generation Honda Accord?  The 8^th generation Honda Accord was introduced to the Malaysian market in 2008. Yes, 5 years ago.

Our brand-spanking-new-flagship Proton Perdana is based on a 5-year old model, with the public able to buy it within 2 years from now. At that point in time, good money tells you that the 10^th generation Honda Accord will be out. We’d be lucky if the public actually get the 9^th generation Honda Accord as the next ‘brand-new’ Proton Perdana available them.  

I feel sad writing this.

"The New Old Car looks good. Can't believe it was launched in 2008". 

Point 2: Of parts, safety, and maintenance

Rumour had it that the Government was going to dump Proton and opt for another manufacturers car[2] to replace its aging fleet of Perdanas until some last minute jostling by the powers-that-be gave Proton another chance to step up (and it did, somewhat).

The potential former replacement. The Nissan Fuga. Looks pretty good. 

Members of the public are in the dark when it comes to the deal struck by Proton and Honda – how much, how long, and to what extent. Without this information being made public (unlikely that it’ll happen), we can only believe that Honda have come out the big winners here.

While there are no statistics on the number of 8^th generation Honda Accords that were sold since its launch, car aficionados (including this author) could tell you that the Toyota Camry was the winner of the previous generation’s D-segment battle (it was a prettier car, at the very least).

Even if I am wrong, I would say that there is a lot of old stock from the previous generation Honda Accord that Honda is gleefully able to use because of the Proton Perdana bump.

"An arising question is: 
How safe and how good are these parts?" 

Especially in the upcoming years when the cars will start showing their age (i.e. 4-5 years). Again, because of the lack of information, it is unclear whether Honda will continue manufacturing parts for the Proton Perdana (which means more taxpayer money to the company) or whether Proton will have its own internal supply chain (which means no innovation from Proton - just mimic the moulds and produce!)

Considering how the Perdanas will be used for our top leaders, it would only be proper for such information to be made public.

Point 3: Proton's future

Just like the Proton Inspira before it, which was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Perdana is a signal of something worrying – Proton’s inability to innovate. 

Yes, they have e recently released the Suprima S, but,  in my opinion the car is ugly and too expensive, and secondly, the car’s technology is largely borrowed from the ‘expertise’ bought from Lotus (even then, the extent of the knowledge being utilised is suspect). Did i mention that it was really ugly? Oh, and overpriced.

Proton has showcased its future concept cars, but does not appear to be any closer to releasing them. 

The Preve was a car that brought much hope (it was good looking, save for the name, but offered a decent ride). 2 years on however, things do not appear to have gotten any further or better. 

Looking at the strides Hyundai and Kia have made in the past few years, it is sad to see how badly Proton is lagging behind – both in its innovation and ability to compete with other manufacturers. 

Kia Sportage 2010/2011

Kia Sportage 2012/2013.
Voted car of the year 2012 by CarBuyer's UK.

In this regard, Proton launched the ‘all new Proton Persona SV’ in November 2013[3]. This is a face lifted version (with lesser specs, hence the 'SV' monikor which stands for super value) car that’s more than 6 years old! And all this despite the Government providing it with funding (from the taxpayers, mind you) and giving it market protection!

Taken from Proton's official website. Nice to see Proton's many concept cars. Problem: Many of the cars above are adaptations from other car companies. Feel free to guess. One of them isn't even a concept but the existing Saga.
 

Perhaps it’s time for the Government to stop protecting Proton and letting it compete in the free market. Protectionism has only led to complacency and hasn’t done Proton (or the taxpayers) any favours. If the "new" Perdana is any sign to go by, it's that we've taken a step back, and enough is enough already. 

"Proton has been around since the early to mid-eighties. The generation who bought the first Protons are still waiting for that eureka moment".

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[1] http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/11/Proton-new-look-govt-car.aspx

[2]

[3] http://paultan.org/2013/11/30/proton-persona-sv-launched-rm/