PROTON Savvy Adds Some Spice To Australia's Small Car Market

Melbourne – February 23, 2006: Proton’s new Savvy city car recently made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show adding some spice to the highly competitive light passenger segment.

The new Savvy is a sexy five door hatch developed by Proton and its renowned subsidiary Lotus and will go on sale in Australia on April 1. Prices start at $10,300 US (approx.). The all-new Savvy is powered by a 1.2 liter engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed Automatic/Manual clutchless transmission. The free revving 1.2 liter engine delivers 55kW of power and when coupled with the Savvy’s light weight of just 950kgs provides strong performance and even more impressive fuel economy.

According to Proton Cars Australia General Manager - Sales and Marketing, Steven Thomas, the key to the new Savvy is its lightweight and clever design which reflects its Lotus heritage. “The design ideology from the start of the project was to produce a small car that offers practicality, fuel economy, generous space and great all round performance,” said Mr. Thomas. “It’s not a sports car nor does it look like a Lotus but its DNA is very clearly linked to the famous sports car maker whose very ethos is performance through light weight,” he added.

Achieving these goals involved engineering a new, stronger and more rigid platform and bringing Lotus dynamics into a small car resulting in a vehicle that offers superior handling, balance and responsiveness with a strong power to weight ratio. The Savvy also has greater torsion rigidity compared to previous Protons and has been tested against a number of German and Italian marques during the development process. Lotus styling also influenced the vehicle's sleek and stylish exterior projecting a young, spirited and energetic car. Lotus styling prevailed in the interior with its minimalist approach creating a practical and sporty cabin.

One unique and practical feature built into the car is the flat-folding rear seats for increased practicality and increased load space. Savvy will be available in five colors including Passion Blue, Midnight Black and Chilli Red.

“The Savvy will be Proton’s light passenger segment entry level car and is part of the company’s ongoing rollout of new generation vehicles,” said Mr. Thomas. “While it will have broad appeal for its low entry price, strong equipment levels, looks, performance and economy our research suggests that up to 40 percent of Savvy sales will be to women aged 18 to 34.” “It will also have strong appeal to older retirees, young men and small businesses,” he added.

Proton launched the GEN.2 early last year and is planning to launch two more vehicles within this financial year - one for the mass market and the other a niche vehicle. In line with Proton's commitment to producing better and higher quality cars Savvy is also the first Malaysian made car to roll off the production line with full certification by internationally renowned global leader in compliance engineering, testing and quality registration services, TUV Rheinland Group.

TUV not only certified the overall vehicle, but also helped to control the quality of production processes at Proton vendors, and more importantly the components they supplied. For domestic and foreign markets and engineers were engaged to give the Savvy an independent assessment of the overall vehicle's quality. "Proton decided to call in TUV to ensure quality was optimized in its new generation of vehicles.” “Proton’s philosophy is that there will be no compromise on quality and in the long term, TUV certification will underline the effectiveness of Proton's quality management system and its conformity with the relevant globally valid standards," said Mr. Thomas.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.2 liter 16V 4 cylinder 
Maximum Output 55kW@5500rpm 
Maximum Torque 105Nm@4250rpm 
Fuel Tank Capacity 40liters 
Manual Transmission 5 speed manual 
Driver Airbag Standard 
Power steering 
Price *rrp $13,990 (Australian) 
Standard Equipment 
ABS Anti-lock brakes 
Remote central locking
Keyless entry 
Halogen front fog lamps 
Power Windows 
Reverse parking sensors
AM/FM/CD stereo 
Engine immobiliser 
Optional A/M Transmission $1000 (Australian)

Edited By MJR