Proton Suprima S - Fully Loaded With Built-in Value

Finally – after almost a year of spyshots, hints, leaked this and that – the 2013 Proton Suprima S has been unveiled by Proton, at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre. Previously known to many as the Proton Preve hatchback, the Proton Suprima S promises to be “Fully Loaded With Built-in Value”.
The all-new 2013 Proton Suprima S enters the market in two very similar variants, but for some differences in equipment. Prices for the Suprima S Executive are set at RM76, 688, while the Suprima S Premium will be sold at RM79, 638.
VIDEO: Proton Suprima S Launch Event Video

Features and Equipment:
The Proton Suprima S is the most well-equipped model from the Malaysian carmaker to date. The Premium variant offers various features such as rear LED tail lights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), Hill-Hold Assist, full leather seats, engine ignition Push-start button, paddle shifters, cruise control and Park Assist with front parking sensors, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
Further features of the Proton Suprima S see the inclusion of the PROTON Infotainment System. The system is connected to a six-speaker sound system (four-speaker for the Executive variant), and has a WiFi capabilities. Yes, 4G in-car WiFI internet browsing is possible in the Proton Suprima, but only with an internet connection via its WiFi connectivity, and of course, only while the car is parked.
Through its seven-inch LCD touchscreen, you can also utilise the Suprima S’s DVD player, Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity.

Performance and Power:
Power for the new hatchback comes from a CamPro 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 138hp at 5000rpm and 205Nm of torque from 2000 to 4000rpm. There isn’t an option at the moment for any of the Preve sedan’s IAFM+ naturally-aspirated engine.
Power is sent to the 17-inch alloy wheels via a seven-speed ProTronic CVT gearbox and, as with other proton models, the handling and driving dynamics has been tuned by Proton’s sister company, Lotus, and is signified by the Suprima S’s rear ‘Handling by Lotus’ emblem. As a result, 0-100km/h times for the Proton Suprima S is 9.9 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 190km/h.

Economy:
Proton believes that its 1.6-litre CamPro turbocharged engine will “reserve the performance of a 2.0-litre engine with a 1.6-litre engine’s fuel economy. Speaking of which, Proton lists the Suprima S’s fuel efficiency at 9.1l/100km. Through its 50-litre fuel tank, the maths reckon that there’s a range of at least 545km.

 Exterior and Interior Design:
Despite the new name, the 2013 Proton Suprima S looks very much like a 2013 Proton Preve with a hatchback rear-end arrangement. The front styling is very much the same, and the rear is styled well for a hatchback. There are 17-inch alloy wheels that further the Suprima S’s athletic character.
Inside, the Proton Suprima S features good spaciousness and a fair-amount of soft-touch materials that made our initial encounter rather cosy. The front-fascia features a seven-inch LCD touchscreen, but apart from this, a lot of the cabin features not much that is all-new to Proton owners. Its design is clean and minimalistic.
Safety:
The new Proton Suprima S model also features a load of safety features such as anti-trap power windows, six airbags (premium Preve sedan has only four airbags locally), ABS and ESC with Traction Control.
Interestingly, Proton Executive Chairman YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil firmly claimed that the 2013 Proton Suprima S scored a Five-Star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). However, we know that to be tested by the ANCAP, a car must first be on sale in the market. ANCAP testers then buy a car of the model they wish to test, and perform the examination independently.
However, Proton managed to earn its Suprima S’s Five-Star ANCAP rating very cleverly through the use of independent test facilities. The results of those tests were then submitted to the ANCAP along with those of the Proton Preve, and from then the ANCAP had deemed it right to award the Suprima S with the Five-Star rating. The structural similarities of the Proton Preve and the Suprima S helped the hatchback receive this award.

Buyer’s Guide:
The 2013 Proton Suprima S comes with Proton’s 5-star program, which consists of five-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and Proton’s five-year free Road Assist. The new Proton Suprima S hatchback is offered in five colours – Fire Red, Tranquility Black, Solid White, Genetic Silver and Atlantic Blue.
Prices for the 2013 Proton Suprima S are as follows:
2013 Proton Suprima S Executive (Solid): RM76,338
2013 Proton Suprima S Executive (Metallic): RM76,688
2013 Proton Suprima S Premium (Solid): RM79,638
2013 Proton Suprima S Premium (Metallic): RM79,988
SPECS: 2013 Proton Suprima S:
Engine: 1.6-litre Turbo
Transmission: Seven-speed ProTronic CVT
Power: 138hp, 205Nm of torque
Performance: 0-100km/h in 9.9s, top speed: 190km/h
Fuel consumption: 9.1l/100km