Proton Inspira was inspired by Lancer
THE above picture shows a sneak preview of an all-new Proton saloon, the mid-sized four-door Inspira. If you thought you were looking at a Mitsubishi Lancer, you're not wrong.
The Inspira was developed from a Mitsubishi Lancer and are the fruits of Proton's relationship with Mitsubishi Motors. It will replace the Proton Waja saloon.
There will be a choice of two engines -- a Mitsubishi 1.8-litre or a 2.0-litre engine. A CVT box with six virtual gears or a five-speed manual can be chosen with the 1-8-litre variant. The 2.0-litre range-topper will get the same CVT box as well.
Clearly the collaboration had benefited Proton.
Proton Group's managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir told Bernama that the collaboration helped Proton save a lot of funds and time.
He said of the relationship, 'It's cheaper from the company's point of view.' Developing a new car would cost up to RM700million (S$295 million), he added.
With a starting price of RM79,888, the Inspira will come with either a 1.8- or 2.0-litre Mitsubishi engine. You can choose to pair it with a five-speed manual or a six-speed continuously variable transmission.
Presumably only the 2.0-litre variant will also get the innovation vehicle electronic control system.
Other features customers stand to gain from include auto cruise, automatic light and rain sensors, welcome and coming home light system, climate control for both front and rear occupants, and all-round airbags for passengers' safety.
Proton aims to sell 1,600 units of the Inspira a month.
'The market for the C-Segment cars is about 5,000-6,000 units a month. So, we are looking at 1,600 a month as it is value for money,' Syed Zainal said.
He also added that there are plans to export the Inspira.
