Proton Perdana

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Proton Perdana/Proton Perdana V6
A post-2003 facelift Proton Perdana V6.
Manufacturer Proton
Production 1995–present
Class Mid-size
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Engine(s) 2.0 L 4G63 I4 (1995-2000)
2.0 L 6A12 V6 (1999-present)
Length 4615 mm (181.7 in)
Width 1730 mm (68.1 in)
Height 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight 1336 kg (2945 lb)

The Proton Perdana is a mid-size car produced by Proton. It is a badge engineered version of the seventh-generation Mitsubishi Eterna.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Perdana SEi (1995-1998)

The Perdana was first introduced by Proton in 1995 with Mitsubishi's proven 2.0L 4G63 engine. It was based on the Mitsubishi Galant platform and was thus similar to the Mitsubishi Eterna in Japan, but received minor internal and external changes when it was launched locally in Malaysia. The first generation Perdana was also Proton's first car to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and cruise control.

In 1997, the Perdana was given a facelift with a chrome grille, a new rim design, new body colours and upgraded interior trimmings.

[edit] Perdana V6 (1999-present)

In 1999, Proton shoehorned a 2.0 L 6A12 V6 engine (also sourced by Mitsubishi) into the Perdana. The so-called Proton Perdana V6 also had a new bodykit and 16" rims. The original Perdana soldiered on for a short while before it was dropped. With Lotus-tuned and upgraded suspension settings, the car handles well through tight corners and it is a good high speed cruiser.[verification needed]

In 2003, the Perdana V6 was given a major facelift, gaining a new Alfa Romeo-esque front grill (earning the moniker "Alfadana" in Malaysia[verification needed]) and new bumpers. Inside, it was given a new aluminium-effect trim. This iteration remains on sale to date.

A longer variant of the Proton Perdana V6, dubbed the Proton Perdana V6 Executive, is also sold, and is intended to be used as an official government car for high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister.

Like the original Perdana, the Perdana V6 was not exported to Europe, although it was tested by Britain's Top Gear magazine in their April 1999 issue, as there were plans at the time to sell the V6 in Europe. The plan never materialised.

[edit] Prospective successor

As a tie-up between Proton and Volkswagen was discussed between 2004 to 2007, it was expected the successor to the Perdana would be based on a Volkswagen Passat platform. However, with newfound confidence in itself after warm reception of the Proton Persona and brisk sales of the Proton Saga, Proton snubbed Volkswagen and decided not to go ahead with the tie-up in late-2007.

There was also talk between Proton and Mitsubishi Australia in 2005 to have a replacement Perdana in the form of a rebadged Mitsubishi 380 sedan. These talks never eventuated.

To date, there hasn't been any further announcements on the Perdana's successor.

[edit] External links

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Proton road car timeline, 1985–present
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5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Supermini Tiara Savvy
Subcompact Satria Satria Neo
Compact
Sedan		 Saga / MPi / Knight / Saga Iswara Saga
Wira / Persona / 400 series
Waja / Impian
Gen-2
Persona / Gen-2 Persona
Mid-size Perdana
Coupe Putra
Pick-up Arena / Jumbuck
Microvan Juara
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