-
Join the MyBroadband community
South Africa’s biggest forum. Discuss, discover, and connect with thousands of members.
-
Question of the Day: Have you ever ordered a product online and received a fake knock-off?
The Proton Cars Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Chinese brands that have thrived since returning to SA
www.cars.co.za
Chinese brands that have thrived since returning to SA
Some brands that left South Africa are returning. There was little sadness when they departed, but now they're back – with much better cars.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Why Proton is returning to SA
Proton has been absent from the South African new-vehicle market since 2012, but it’s returning to the Republic – with a different game plan. Why should you consider one of Proton’s new-generation offerings and is the brand likely to achieve more success this time around? We attended Proton’s big media “reintroduction” in Gauteng to find out.
Proton is Malaysian and Chinese
There are 2 models that come to mind when I think of Proton in South Africa. The first one is the Gen2 coupe-styled sedan, which immediately grabbed my attention because it wore a badge on its rear that read “Lotus Engineered”. At the time, Lotus was a red-hot brand by virtue of the reputations of its Elise and Exige sportscars; they were known as some of the best-handling cars in the world and, as a gullible young adult, I was genuinely hopeful that under the skin of the affordable Proton Gen2 lurked a handling god that could outmanoeuvre a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Renault Megane RS of the day. Sadly, every review I read convinced me the only Lotus-engineered part of the Gen2 may have been the badge itself.
The other Proton that lurks in my memory banks is the Satria Neo – a Rally-inspired hatch with all the exterior cladding a Fast and the Furious fanatic could ask for but, but endowed with a power output that could hardly match that of a paper plane. Still, certain motoring journalists entertained the idea that the Satria Neo had its place (as some sort of guilty pleasure, because of the smile it put on your face when you looked at it). Hmm.
Forgive my nostalgic musings about Proton’s past; I’m just setting the scene for what Proton used to be and why the modern version of the brand aims to be nothing like its former self.
The Malaysian brand sold 49.9% of the company to Chinese powerhouse Geely (a brand that also came and then left South Africa) and began a massive overhaul of the Malaysian production plant. Geely also donated all its chassis and engine tech courtesy of Volvo(another brand owned by Geely) and has since begun launching Proton in markets where it can focus on right-hand-drive models, while Geely focuses on left-hand-drive products and battery-electric vehicles.
Proton Pricing in South Africa (Sept 2022)
X50 1.5T Standard R449 900
X50 1.5T Luxury R449 900
X50 1.5T Executive R535 900
X50 1.5 TDGI Premium R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Standard R529 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 2WD R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 4WD R629 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Premium 4WD R639 900
www.cars.co.za
Proton has been absent from the South African new-vehicle market since 2012, but it’s returning to the Republic – with a different game plan. Why should you consider one of Proton’s new-generation offerings and is the brand likely to achieve more success this time around? We attended Proton’s big media “reintroduction” in Gauteng to find out.
Proton is Malaysian and Chinese
There are 2 models that come to mind when I think of Proton in South Africa. The first one is the Gen2 coupe-styled sedan, which immediately grabbed my attention because it wore a badge on its rear that read “Lotus Engineered”. At the time, Lotus was a red-hot brand by virtue of the reputations of its Elise and Exige sportscars; they were known as some of the best-handling cars in the world and, as a gullible young adult, I was genuinely hopeful that under the skin of the affordable Proton Gen2 lurked a handling god that could outmanoeuvre a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Renault Megane RS of the day. Sadly, every review I read convinced me the only Lotus-engineered part of the Gen2 may have been the badge itself.
The other Proton that lurks in my memory banks is the Satria Neo – a Rally-inspired hatch with all the exterior cladding a Fast and the Furious fanatic could ask for but, but endowed with a power output that could hardly match that of a paper plane. Still, certain motoring journalists entertained the idea that the Satria Neo had its place (as some sort of guilty pleasure, because of the smile it put on your face when you looked at it). Hmm.
Forgive my nostalgic musings about Proton’s past; I’m just setting the scene for what Proton used to be and why the modern version of the brand aims to be nothing like its former self.
The Malaysian brand sold 49.9% of the company to Chinese powerhouse Geely (a brand that also came and then left South Africa) and began a massive overhaul of the Malaysian production plant. Geely also donated all its chassis and engine tech courtesy of Volvo(another brand owned by Geely) and has since begun launching Proton in markets where it can focus on right-hand-drive models, while Geely focuses on left-hand-drive products and battery-electric vehicles.
Proton Pricing in South Africa (Sept 2022)
X50 1.5T Standard R449 900
X50 1.5T Luxury R449 900
X50 1.5T Executive R535 900
X50 1.5 TDGI Premium R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Standard R529 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 2WD R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 4WD R629 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Premium 4WD R639 900
Why Proton is returning to SA
Proton is returning to SA. Should you consider one of its new-generation models? We headed to brand's relaunch in Gauteng to find out.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Proton are back in South Africa and we drove their new SUVs – pricing!
Verdict
With such a short stint in the cockpit, initial impressions were good but there may be an apprehension for antiquated buyers to trust a three-cylinder to lug around the sizable mass of the X70. The value for money in terms of tech is the X50 and based on the pricing, Proton may have what it takes to bring the fight to the Chinese SUV giants reigning supreme in South Africa.
Pricing
X50 1.5T Standard – R449 900
X50 1.5T Luxury – R499 900
X50 1.5T Executive – R535 900
X50 1.5TDGI Premium – R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGI Standard – R529 900
X70 1.5TDGI Executive – R579 900
X70 1.5TDGI Executive AWD – R629 900
X70 1.5TDGI Premium – R639 900
All Protons will be sold with a 5 year unlimited warranty and a 5 year/80 000km service plan and the brand has paired with CMH Group SA to undertake the servicing and sales of the models.
www.carmag.co.za
Verdict
With such a short stint in the cockpit, initial impressions were good but there may be an apprehension for antiquated buyers to trust a three-cylinder to lug around the sizable mass of the X70. The value for money in terms of tech is the X50 and based on the pricing, Proton may have what it takes to bring the fight to the Chinese SUV giants reigning supreme in South Africa.
Pricing
X50 1.5T Standard – R449 900
X50 1.5T Luxury – R499 900
X50 1.5T Executive – R535 900
X50 1.5TDGI Premium – R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGI Standard – R529 900
X70 1.5TDGI Executive – R579 900
X70 1.5TDGI Executive AWD – R629 900
X70 1.5TDGI Premium – R639 900
All Protons will be sold with a 5 year unlimited warranty and a 5 year/80 000km service plan and the brand has paired with CMH Group SA to undertake the servicing and sales of the models.
Proton are back in South Africa and we drove their new SUVs - pricing!
Proton may be an automotive name vaguely familiar to many South Africans but the Malaysian automaker is back and promises to stay, but how good are their two new SUVs? We got behind the wheel of both for a brief stint to see if they can contend their segments.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Move over, Chery! Proton quantum leaps back into SA. We drive their new 'affordable
www.news24.com
Move over, Chery! Proton quantum leaps back into SA. We drive their new 'affordable luxury' SUVs | Life
The Malaysian car manufacturer Proton is back with a big bang in South Africa after a decade-long hiatus.
www.news24.com
Jet-Fighter7700
Honorary Master
what sort of image is this?
abandon Older Protons, and re-enter SA market,
what if GM or Dodge do the same?
abandon Older Protons, and re-enter SA market,
what if GM or Dodge do the same?
TheChamp
Honorary Master
I don't think there is a law that says once you get out you cannot come back, everyone is welcome
TheChamp
Honorary Master
It's very expensive for no good reason, the entry level is very barebones compared to the Chinese competition.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
First impressions are positive as Proton returns to South Africa with X50 and X70
By the end of 2022, Proton aims to have 20 dealerships up and running across the major regions of South Africa. The CMH-backed importer plans to increase that count to 27 by the end of 2023 and to 35 by the end of 2024.
The importer is also offering an impressive warranty, which will be valid for five years with unlimited mileage, while the service plan will protect your wallet for the first five years or 80 000km.
“With Geely providing resources and support for Proton, we can ensure that the runway for vehicles being released in the near future is exciting. We are thrilled to announce that on purchase of a Proton X50 or X70, customers will receive a five-year unlimited warranty which is transferable, a move that backs up the quality promise of the product,” said Proton SA marketing head Trevor Morey.
“This reinforces used-car value on trade, in which we know is also a buying point that makes a massive difference. Along with this, we are also offering five-year roadside assistance as well as a service and maintenance plan,” he added.
Proton X50 Pricing:
1.5T Standard: R449 900
1.5T Luxury: R499 900
1.5T Executive: R535 900
1.5 TGDI Premium: R579 900
Proton X70 Pricing:
1.5 TGDI Standard 2WD: R529 900
1.5 TGDI Executive 2WD: R579 900
1.5 TGDI Executive AWD: R629 900
1.5 TGDI Premium 2WD: R639 900
By the end of 2022, Proton aims to have 20 dealerships up and running across the major regions of South Africa. The CMH-backed importer plans to increase that count to 27 by the end of 2023 and to 35 by the end of 2024.
The importer is also offering an impressive warranty, which will be valid for five years with unlimited mileage, while the service plan will protect your wallet for the first five years or 80 000km.
“With Geely providing resources and support for Proton, we can ensure that the runway for vehicles being released in the near future is exciting. We are thrilled to announce that on purchase of a Proton X50 or X70, customers will receive a five-year unlimited warranty which is transferable, a move that backs up the quality promise of the product,” said Proton SA marketing head Trevor Morey.
“This reinforces used-car value on trade, in which we know is also a buying point that makes a massive difference. Along with this, we are also offering five-year roadside assistance as well as a service and maintenance plan,” he added.
Proton X50 Pricing:
1.5T Standard: R449 900
1.5T Luxury: R499 900
1.5T Executive: R535 900
1.5 TGDI Premium: R579 900
Proton X70 Pricing:
1.5 TGDI Standard 2WD: R529 900
1.5 TGDI Executive 2WD: R579 900
1.5 TGDI Executive AWD: R629 900
1.5 TGDI Premium 2WD: R639 900
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
‘We are here to stay’ – PROTON relaunches in South Africa
To add my 1cents to this - I went to have a look at the X50 today out of curiosity, it was the top of the line premium model - and was very surprised, the interior is very premium and it comes with tons of electronics - you can control almost anything with voice activation - open the sunroof, open the windows, etc. Also to note that these vehicles are using Volvo Engines and Chassis from based on the XC40 T3.
The dealership was closing at the time i got there, so I could not take it for a test drive - will arrange to have that during the course of next week. According to the sales person, the 5yr 80000km service plan is an introductory offer, the normal is 4 year 60000km. The vehicle is an intriguing option, looks good inside and out.
The dealership was closing at the time i got there, so I could not take it for a test drive - will arrange to have that during the course of next week. According to the sales person, the 5yr 80000km service plan is an introductory offer, the normal is 4 year 60000km. The vehicle is an intriguing option, looks good inside and out.
TheChamp
Honorary Master
At R579k it is R30k more expensive than the top of the range Tiggo Pro 8, R100k more expensive that the top spec Tiggo 7 Pro as well as the top spec Jolion.
It's even more expensive than the H6 luxury with AWD and way more power. I am honestly not sure what's Protons deal, but we will soon find out.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition GT launch review of the Proton X50 & X70
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition GT review of the Proton X50
FiestaST
Honorary Master
20 Proton dealerships ready for business this week in South Africa
www.carmag.co.za
proton.cars
20 Proton dealerships ready for business this week in South Africa
The affordable compact SUV market is about to get even more crowded with the arrival of 20 Proton dealerships on local soil this week. In addition, the Malaysian automaker will be opening 5 additional spaces between now and February as part of their return to South Africa.
www.carmag.co.za
Proton Dealer - Find a Dealer - Proton South Africa Dealers
Find your nearest Proton dealer in South Africa. We have dealerships around the country and a friendly team waiting to get you in a Proton.
proton.cars
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Cars.co.za review of the Proton X50