As we earlier reported http://www.vicky.in/blog/proton-to-sell-saga-and-persona-in-india/
Malayasia’s auto major is all set to drive into India. Proton has selected the Savvy hatch, entry-level sedan Saga and a mid-size car Persona for the Indian market. Saga,Persona and Savvy are currently undergoing field trials and technical evaluation at various locations in India. Recently, Proton concluded its two-day technical clinic on these cars at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Proton will start launching these model from 2009. Proton bets on its multi fuel compatible cars and it believes this will lure Indian customers. Proton already features CNG compatible cars like saga engine in its line-up. Proton is now looking for a possible joint venture with other Indian automobile companies, particularly with a strong focus on marketing to sell saga’s,savvy’s and persona’s in India. Mahindra and Mahindra has already declined the offer citing its non-interest in car market. After the not too successful run of Logan, Mahindra and Mahindra has decided to keep away from the car market. Last year Mahindra declined an offer from Renault for building an ultra low cost car.
Proton’s Savvy:
Savvy is a supermini hatchback introduced by Proton in 2005 The Savvy is known for its fuel efficieny in malaysia. Savvy is listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the most fuel-efficient car in Malaysia. The Savvy is currently powered by a 1.2 L D-Type SOHC 16-valve engine sourced from Renault, similar to the one used in the Renault Twingo and Clio.Proton exports savvy to United Kingdom.
Proton’s Saga:
Saga is the first car produced by Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton. Saga is based on Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore and is being built by Proton. Proton has been selling the Saga for almost 20 years since its debut 1985. On 18th January 2008, Proton unveiled the successor to the original car. The new designed in-house by Proton replaced the orginal saga in June 2008. The new saga is powered by the Campro IAFM engine which produces 98 bhp at 6,500 rpm. The new saga is designed to accommodate a CNG tank without considerably restricting boot space. Saga is popular among Malaysian taxi drivers and operators because of the cheap price and good fuel economy. The new saga is priced between RM31,500 and RM39,800. (Rs3,91,582 to Rs4,94,761). Proton dubs the new Saga as “The People’s Car”.
Proton’s persona:
Proton Persona is an entry-level sedan and it is the successor to the Proton Wira. Persona is based on the Gen-2 hatchback (proton’s popular hatchback) and competes with Honda city and Toyota Vios in Malaysia. Persona’s powerful 1.6L camparo engine produces 110bhp of max power and 148Nm of max torque. Persona is priced in the range of RM44,999 (Rs5,55,987) and RM55,800 (Rs6,91,920).