By Travis Chang
More than a year after the Suprima S was launched, Proton’s supposed “game changer” is still barely a game changer as seen on our roads and car parks. Launched last year, the Suprima S was criticized for its ambitious pricing, with both Executive and Premium variants are priced at around RM76k-RM80K range, which is beyond the affordability range of the typical Malaysian car buyer. Proton then responded with a controversial move by introducing the Super Premium variant, a bodykit with rims extra over the Premium variant for an additional RM8K.
Based on Proton’s proven strategy by introducing cheaper variants of its models, no, there isn’t a “Super Value” variant yet but instead they made a right move by introducing the cheaper Suprima S Standard variant. This means there will be four variants of the Suprima S model offered to Malaysians.
Predictably, there will be less “bells and whistles” in the cheaper variants and there’s no exception in this case. Sadly, Proton took out what’s supposed to be Suprima S’s standout feature – active safety, in the Standard variant. Perhaps to make things simplified, here are the things removed in the Suprima S Standard as compared to the Premium variant.
– Active Safety features (traction control & electronic stability control
– Four airbags (making it only two front air bags for this variant)
– Active front headrest
– Anti-trap driver’s side window
– Front and rear fog lamps
– Tailgate remote release
– Engine cover
– GPS Navigation
– Touchscreen Heads Unit (replaced with a 2-din radio & CD player with MP3 and USB connection)
– Daylight Running Lights
– Engine Push start (replaced by the standard key entry)
– Park Assist
– Leather seats (replaced with standard seats)
Despite these shortcomings, the powertrain department remains status quo with the 1.6-litre CFE turbocharged engine and 7-speed Protonic CVT gearbox are retained. With reduced safety features, the Suprima S is the only variant that does not have a 5-star ANCAP rating. Also disappointing for enthusiasts is there are no manual gearbox is offered.
The Standard variant is priced at RM69,888 for metallic and RM69,348 for solid. Despite priced below the RM70K range, its wishful thinking to see if Proton should drop the price a little lower, ideally with another RM5k cheaper. The car also comes in five different colours – Tranquility Black, Solid White, Genetic Silver, Atlantic Blue and Fire Red; and not forgetting, a five-year warranty or 150,000km manufacturer’s warranty.
As mentioned earlier, the Suprima S is a tough sale with Proton sales advisors are struggling to get these cars finding new homes. Judging by the reaction from all over the Internet, we expect the Suprima S Standard to follow suit. With its unattractive pricing and removed active safety features, somehow the Suprima S Premium with massive year-end discounts (was told it’s up to RM7K or more) is a better buy than this one.
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