Proton Suppress S 2014 Review
It may sound like pizza, but there's more to the Proton Suprima S than rolled out dough, tomato toppings, cheese, and various toppings. This is an appetizing looking small-to-medium five-door hatchback.
Now the hatchback, serviced by the Malaysian automaker, has received a new filling and a new name - Suprima S Super Premium. There are high hopes for such a name. Alas, Suprima S Super Premium is not quite suitable.
Proton pays great attention to the quality of its products, providing free scheduled maintenance for five years or 75,000 km, as well as the same warranty duration or 150,000 km and free 150,000-hour roadside assistance for 24 km. In addition, there is a seven-year anti-corrosion warranty.
However, the Suprima S Super Premium joins a highly congested, hyper-price-sensitive small car market with some quality opposition. The going will definitely be hard.
Design
Based on the sporty R3, the Super Premium looks just like its sleek 17-inch alloy wheels and the R3 body kit, including a redesigned rear bumper, front spoiler and side skirts with R3 badging. This is a step up from the standard Suprima S.
Supporting this inside are leather-wrapped seats, a reversing camera, push-button start, paddle shifters and cruise control as standard.
FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES
The in-car multimedia system is provided by a 7-inch touch screen that gives access to the built-in DVD player, GPS navigation system and rear view camera. Sound is presented through two front tweeters and four speakers.
There is Bluetooth, USB, iPod, and WiFi compatibility, as long as the user can surf the web, access YouTube, watch DVDs, or play Android-based games - thankfully only with the handbrake on.
A separate information display informs the driver about the distance traveled and travel time, instantaneous fuel consumption and remaining fuel capacity. In addition, there is a low car battery and key fob warning, a seat belt reminder, and a number of warning lights.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
The Suprima S is powered by Proton's own 1.6L intercooled, low-boost turbocharged engine paired with a ProTronic continuously variable transmission. According to the manufacturer, Suprima S develops 103 kW at 5000 rpm and 205 Nm in the range from 2000 to 4000 rpm. That is, power and torque are equivalent to a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine.
The driving dynamics of the Suprima S are enhanced with the Lotus Ride Management package, providing a driving experience unique to this market.
SECURITY
Of course, you can not save on security measures. Passenger protection starts with a bodyshell constructed using an advanced hot-pressing process that gives it strength to absorb shock while being light enough to help save fuel.
The Suprima S also has driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.
Active safety features include electronic stability control with emergency braking, traction control, anti-skid brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, front active head restraints, front seat belt pretensioners, automatic door locks, rear proximity sensors and active hazard lights that automatically turn on. turn on in the event of a collision or when heavy braking is detected at speeds above 90 km/h.
In addition to the interior features, there are front parking sensors and hill start assist. All of this results in the Proton Suprima S earning a 5-star safety rating from the ANCAP.
DRIVING
The sun was shining outside, and it was good; the sun was shining inside, which wasn't great as the reflection was bright enough to almost wipe out any information on the dash-mounted 7" touchscreen, not to mention the air conditioner had to work hard to keep the environment comfortable . The latter came as a surprise as Malaysia has no shortage of hot and humid weather.
During intensive work, the engine made a sharp guttural sound, over which a characteristic turbo whistle played. The continuously variable transmission worked smoothly, while driver intervention via paddle shifters to select one of seven preset gear ratios was underwhelming.
A firm yet supple ride and sharp handling, backed up by 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 tires, do an excellent job of paying homage to the Lotus name. In addition, there was a slight hit to the wallet on the fuel front, with the test car averaging 6.2L/100km on the motorway and just under 10L/100km in the city.
