saga faecelift

List of changes of new saga :

Head Lamp:

Wing mirrors have turn signal indicators:

Rear car:

The steering wheel now has audio control buttons, similiar in style to the Satria Neo’s:

The fabric pattern on the door cards and the seats:


There’s a new alloy wheel design:

There’s now the option for a front passenger airbag which takes up the ’tissue box’ holder :

Comparison between Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT and Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT

Let us now look at the specs:
Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT

• dual SRS airbags
• Leather steering wheel 
• Front pre-tensioner seat belt
• ABS with EBD, immobilizer and alarm system
• Central locking
• Isofix points
• Reverse Sensor
• Solar tinted and security film
• Steering wheel audio controls.
• Cruise control (with steering wheel mounted switches)
• Column mounted paddle shift controls
• Automatic climate control
• Auto headlights and rain sensors.
• Body kit and rear spoiler.
• Leather seats and door panels finished (the 1.8 versions are in substance)
• A GPS navigation system.

 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT

• Front fog lamp
• 18 "alloy wheels
• Complete with Aerokit Rear Spoiler
• 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio control
• Multi-information display
• Full Nappa leather sport-type seats
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
• Dual Stage Front Airbags
• Belt tensioners with belt tensioners
• Security Alarm with Engine Immobilizer
• Fully automatic air conditioner
• Keyless entry with remote trunk opener
• Reverse Sensors
• Integrated 6-CD/MP3/Tuner player and 6 speakers Audio System

Looking at the lists, there are a few areas where the Lancer Inspira (keyless entry, Nappa leather, full body kit, etc.), assets with a number of bits that give a more upmarket feel to the Mitsubishi, which the premium is more than the Proton . Other than that, they are rather similar.Engine wise, they both come with the same 4B11 2.0L DOHC with INVECS-III CVT automatic transmission. Mitsubishi Proton refuse any changes to this engine, so both the Inspira and Lancer GT have the same heart, generating the same amount of power, and the exact same engine charateristics. The only difference is improved air guides for the transmission oil cooler on the Inspira. No further comments here.Handling. This is one area where I would like to discuss. The Mitsubishi Lancer GT is known to have a tail happy when driven hard. Mitsubishi Proton permitted hours on the 11th to the behavior of the rework Inspira.        Using experience of working with Lotus, Proton review of the absorber and spring settings and the used suspension bushes. I have ridden Waja, Neo, Gen2 and Persona, and are very impressed with the ride and handling of these Proton cars, which exhibits very neutral cornering and a continental feel in terms of body roll and handling on rough terrain. So there should be no doubt that Proton will be able to improve the already satisfactory handling of the Lancer fixed.Finally, price. The Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT sells at RM120, 598.10 (without insurance). The Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT on the other hand, sells at RM91, 999. This is a difference of RM28, 599.10; almost RM30k.If we ignore the brand name difference, the rather sub-standard Proton sales / service and if Proton is able to match Mitsubishi in terms of quality, both inside and outside, this seems like a very good buy. RM30000 is a fairly large sum of money.I would say that Inspira is overpriced by at least RM70K (think of the obscene Gov Proton is entitled to tax benefits, the much cheaper local logistical arrangements, R & D savings of this rebadging exercise, etc). This is just my own assessment of Inspira.

Proton New Saga Facelift

Proton gave us the second generation Proton Saga back in early 2008 and it was easily the most anticipated car ever during that period of time, as everyone expected it to be the most affordable Proton sedan one could buy, given the Saga’s positioning.
Following a 5 year lifecycle, we should be able to expect the third generation Saga in late 2012 or early 2013 but before that it’s time for a mid-life facelift sometime this year or next year, which will hopefully revise the model line-up to include a model with dual airbags like available on the 25th anniversary special edition.

In any case, it’s about time that we see taped up facelifted Proton Sagas running around, like this one here snapped by reader Victor while exiting the Bukit Jelutong toll entering the NKVE. At the front we can see that Proton has given it the family grille with the horizontal bar that’s found on the Persona and the Exora.
The rear end also looks different. The Saga that’s currently available has tail lamps that position the signal lamp on top, so the upper most part of the tail lamp is clear. Fortunately in one of these photos we can see the car braking so it shows that the brake lights have been moved to the area where the signal lamp previously occupied.
 Saga facelift spyshots.



Is seen have minor change at the bumper, added reflectors, tail lamps also change to LED.

Proton wants to export Inspire

Proton Holdings Bhd may cause the newly launched Proton Breathe for export at the beginning of next year.

"We are finalizing talks with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), in the way that you can export this model," said Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir at the launch of Breathe yesterday.

The car was introduced by the International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Proton adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Syed Zainal said breathing components locally adapted, based on the Mitsubishi Lancer GT, and are also exported.

"We have received a commitment from MMC that the parts manufactured in Malaysia; the MMC will be responsible for export, especially in Thailand and elsewhere."

Syed Zainal said the export potential of components will begin next year.

The Inspire, for the local market, is the result of a strategic alliance with MMC. It s the first Proton car to be equipped with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system, known as the MIVEC engine.

Syed Zainal said Proton plans to expand its product portfolio by working with the MMC, including the provision of trains or the development of the platform and power.

"The potential but is still in discussion," he said, when asked about the plans with the MMC.

The Inspire has about 26 percent local content. This will increase to 40 percent in the coming months, and up to 60 percent in a year, once local suppliers are fully prepared.

Proton received 1,800 bookings since its first launch on October 14 and is expected to monthly sales of 1,600 units.

The Inspire is available in two different capacities of the engine - the 1.8 liter and 2.0 liters.

The Inspire 1.8 MT is sold at RM78, 549, 1.8 CVT RM84, 549 and 2.0 CVT RM91, 549. Prices do not include insurance.

Meanwhile, Mustapa said the study on the consolidation of the local automotive industry was almost total.

The government, he said, had not yet decided on Proton and Perusahaan Otomobil consolidation among Kedu Sdn Bhd (Perodua).

"The study is almost complete, but has not been officially submitted to the government."

proton inspira

Here it goes inspira.
At a glance, there’s almost zero difference between the Inspira and Lancer save for Proton’s unique front end design, which is of a V-shape as opposed to Mitsubishi’s trademark trapezoidal “jet fighter” grille. Besides the obvious fact that the change is needed to differentiate the cars, Proton deliberately wanted to move away from the Lancer “too aggressive” look, according to the engineers.
At the rear, you’ll find 2.0 P or 1.8 E to mark the variants, the latter available in both manual and CVT versions. As mentioned in our preview drive, P stands for Premium and E stands for Executive in Proton’s new naming scheme, P being the higher spec. There’s a chrome strip at the bottom edge of the boot, like on the Lancer EX. The Proton’s bumper is unique as it has a black painted “diffuser style” design, as opposed to the straightforward item on the Lancer. The reflectors sit within the black area.
Like the Lancer EX, the Inspira wears 16-inch wheels with 205/60 rubber. With the Proton, you get unique Continental Comfort Contact CC5 tyres with compounds that were specifically developed for the car. The rim design looks much better without the black disguise tape on the pre-production cars. Suspension tuning also differs from the Lancer, as detailed in two rounds of preview tests we did. Click here and here to read them.

Inside, the differences are minimal. The three-spoke steering design has a Proton badge of course, and the instruments look the same. However, we just noticed that the “left speedo, right tacho” layout of the Lancer has been reversed for the Inspira, which has its rev meter on the left side. The multi-info screen is the orange one as per the Lancer sedan, not the full colour version on the Lancer Sportback. The wood trim in the P spec Inspiras are dark brown coloured (Lancer EX has greyish wood) while the 1.8 E gets a matte silver trim that’s nice to touch. All else is identical to these eyes, including the grade of plastics.
The 4B10 1.8 litre pot found on the two Executive variants offers 140 hp at 6,000rpm and 177 Nm at 4,250rpm, while the 4B11 2.0 litre block in the Premium has 150 hp and 197 Nm at the same rpm as above. Performance-wise, the 1.8 manual has a claimed top speed of 202 kph and a 0-100 kph sprint time of 10.0 secs, while that of the 1.8 CVT is 191 kph and 11.4 secs. As for the 2.0 Premium, it gets to 198 kph and does the century sprint in 10.5 secs. As for kerb weight, the manual rolls in at 1,300 kg, while the 1.8 CVT and 2.0 P are 1,325 kg and 1,335 kg respectively.
Four colours are available for the Inspira, and these are Plum Red, Solid White, Genetic Silver and Tranquility Black. In terms of specifications and equipment levels, the Inspira gets a fair bit of kit, though the 2.0 Premium version does naturally get more in the way of added gear.
Nonetheless, all three variants come with dual SRS airbags, leather steering wheel, front pre-tensioner seatbelts, ABS with EBD, immobiliser and alarm system, central door locking, Isofix point, reverse sensor, solar and security tinted film and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Other items on the features list across the board are trunk lid remote release, front fog lamps, welcome home light system, driver’s side anti-trap/auto up-down power window, height adjustable driver’s seat and a MP3/Bluetooth-enabled CD player audio system with Arkamys 3D DSP.
As befits its Premium suffix, the Inspira 2.0 gets a number of differentiation points and features compared to the two 1.8 Executive models, and these are:

• Cruise control (with steering wheel-mounted switches)
• Column-mounted paddle shift controls
• Automatic climate control
• Auto headlamp and rain sensors.
• Body kit and rear spoiler.
• Leather seats and door trim finishing (the 1.8 versions are in fabric)
• A GPS navigation system.

Peninsular Malaysia Prices

• Proton Inspira 1.8 M/T – RM78,999
• Proton Inspira 1.8 CVT – RM84,999
• Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT – RM91,999

East Malaysia Prices

• Proton Inspira 1.8 M/T – RM80,999
• Proton Inspira 1.8 CVT – RM86,999
• Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT – RM93,999

Langkawi Prices

• Proton Inspira 1.8 M/T – RM71,999
• Proton Inspira 1.8 CVT – RM75,999
• Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT – RM82,999