Good news for all the car lovers in Pakistan. The Malaysian top automaker company Proton is now bringing its cars to Pakistan. Proton cars will be available in Pakistan by early 2021.
The prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan recently visited Malaysia. Soon after which a joint statement came by Malaysia and Pakistan.
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Start of the joint venture of Proton Cars In Pakistan
A joint venture statement came forward from Malaysian Proton Holdings and Pakistan’s Al-Haj automotive. The commencement of selling Malaysian made Proton Vehicle CBU (Completely Built-Up) in Pakistan will start in the second half of 2020. However, Pakistan assembled Proton vehicles (CKD) will be available for sale in Pakistan at the start of 2021.
In March 2019, a symbolic ground breaking launch of the Proton Assembly Plant was held in Islamabad. The leaders of both the countries pleasingly announced the progress at the facility in Karachi. However, we can not expect the prices to be much cheap as they are in Malaysia. This is because the cars will be CBU rather than Pakistan assembled in the beginning until the CKD units are launched.
Proton Cars History and Features
A Malaysian Automotive Company that was founded in 1983. Proton has developed itself as an international brand with exports to Europe, South East Asia, Latin America and Russia.
Proton Cars initially manufactured rebadged Mitsubishi cars through a joint venture with Mitsubishi Motors. Its first non-badge engineered car was manufactured in 2000 bearing a Mitsubishi Engine. Since then, Proton has produced both rebadged and locally engineered cars. Proton also owned the renowned British Automotive Company “Lotus” from 1996 to 2017.
Popular Models of Proton Cars
Some of the popular models of Proton Cars with their features and prices are as follows. These are the cars to look out for when Proton comes to Pakistan.
1. Proton X70
X70 is crossover SUV launched in 2018 and was first built completely in China. However, the company is now producing a locally made version with some changes.
The specs and features for the Proton X70 2020 are:
Engine: 1.8L TGDI Petrol producing 184 horsepower and 300 Nm Torque
Drivetrain: 2WD
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
Airbags: 6 SRS Airbags
Front Lamps: LED Head Lamps with DRL
Alloy Rims: 19″ Alloy Wheels
Sunroof: Panoramic Sunroof
Brakes: ABS/EBD
Infotainment system: 9″ infotainment system with 9 speakers, power amplifier, and subwoofer
Other features include 360 Degree view Cameras, Auto rain sensors, Advance driver assistance, air purifier system, Cruise Control and tire monitoring pressure system.
Proton X70 Price in Malaysia: RM 94,800 – RM 122,800
2. Proton Saga
The first car manufactured by Proton is the Proton Saga. It is a compact saloon which has been the favorite among the consumers since a long time. Currently, the third generation of the Proton Saga is in the market which was launched in 2016. However, the Saga is expected to receive a facelift in 2021.
Specs and features of Proton Saga:
Engine: 1.3L producing 95 Horsepower and 120 Nm Torque.
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Airbags: Dual
Brakes: ABS, EBD, and BA
Headlamps: Halogen with LED DRL
Infotainment System: 7″ Touch screen with 4 speakers
Other Features: Hill Assist, Parking sensors, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Reverse Camera.
Proton Saga price in Malaysia: RM 32,800 – RM 39,800
3. Proton Persona
Proton Persona is a compact saloon which has a powerful 1.6L engine. The car is equipped with many safety features. The 3rd generation of Persona is a stylish looking saloon with a futuristic interior. The car has been awarded a five star rating by ASEAN NCAP. (A safety rating program for automobiles)
Specs and features of the Proton Persona:
Engine: 1.6L CVT/MT with 109 Horsepower and 150 Nm Torque
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual/CVT
Airbags: 6 Airbags (Premium)
Infotainment System: 7″ Touch Screen with 4 speakers
Brakes: Disc Brakes with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist
Sunroof: None
Headlamps: Halogen with DRL
Alloy Rims: 15″ Alloy Rims
Other Features: Parking Sensors, Hill Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Reverse Camera, and Follow Me Home Headlamps.
Proton Persona Price in Malaysia: RM 42,600 – RM 54.600
4. Proton Iriz
One of the most exciting cars in the Proton lineup is the Proton Iriz. Keep a look out for this car. Who doesn’t love a good hatch back that is speedy as well. The Iriz is packed with 1.6L CVT Engine that produces a 109 Horsepower. Thus, the car is much more powerful than it looks.
Following are the features:
Engine: 1.6L CVT/MT with 109 Horsepower and 150 Nm Torque
Transmission: CVT
Airbags: Dual
Brakes: ABS, EBD with BA
Sunroof: No
Alloy Rims: 15″ Alloy wheels
Head Lamps: Halogen with DRL
Other features: Parking Sensors, Hill Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Reverse Camera, and Follow Me Home Headlamps.
The Proton Iriz is basically the hatch back version of the Persona. So if you are a hatchback lover, you would want to get your hands on this car.
Proton Iriz Price in Malaysia: RM 36,700 – RM 50,700
Final Thoughts
Proton cars will be a valuable addition to the automobile industry in Pakistan. These cars will be a tough competition for Suzuki, Honda and Toyota that have dominated the current market. Proton is a much cheaper alternative with great number of features. Pakistani Automobile makers have enjoyed monopoly for a long time now. However, with automakers like KIA, MG and Hyundai stepping into the market have made things interesting. Now, if we change the price of Saga to PKR it would be around 1.5 Million PKR. Taxes and other factors would play a part in Pakistan, but we would still expect a very cheap saloon with more features than existing ones. Proton Persona is a good value for money and can compete with Corolla and City. The Iriz can compete with Kia Picanto and Suzuki Cultus whereas, the X70 with Sportage, Tucson and MG.
However, the main challenge for Proton would be to create a competitive environment for the existing automobile makers. Finally, Proton will be a good addition to the Pakistan Automobile market when cars have become excessively expensive while quality has somewhat degraded.
