Proton Plans To Launch R3 Models For Saga, Pesona, Inspira And Exora

PETALING JAYA, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd, the national car maker, plans to launch its R3 (Race, Rally, Research) models namely - Saga, Pesona, Inspira and Exora by early next year, said Head Motorsports Division Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood.

He said these models, built by the Motorsports Division under the R3 unit, were still undergoing the modification, prototyping and development processes and the prices were yet to be decided.

"The Proton's R3 models have their own special market especially people who are keen to have some uniqueness and looking for better performance," he said after launching the "My Proton Makeover" programme here Tuesday.

"We will sell these models in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia and also offer the body kits," he said, adding that about 80 units of the Satria R3 model had been sold this year.

Meanwhile the "My Proton Makeover" contest is part of Proton move to acknowledge and reward faithful customers of Proton. Those interested in the programme can register at www.protonVIP.com.

-- BERNAMA

A new Proton Saga facelift spotted

Proton gave us the second generation Proton Saga back in early 2008 and it was easily the most anticipated car ever during that period of time, as everyone expected it to be the most affordable Proton sedan one could buy, given the Saga’s positioning.

Following a 5 year lifecycle, we should be able to expect the third generation Saga in late 2012 or early 2013 but before that it’s time for a mid-life facelift sometime this year or next year, which will hopefully revise the model line-up to include a model with dual airbags like available on the 25th anniversary special edition.

In any case, it’s about time that we see taped up facelifted Proton Sagas running around, like this one here snapped by reader Victor while exiting the Bukit Jelutong toll entering the NKVE. At the front we can see that Proton has given it the family grille with the horizontal bar that’s found on the Persona and the Exora.
The rear end also looks different. The Saga that’s currently available has tail lamps that position the signal lamp on top, so the upper most part of the tail lamp is clear. Fortunately in one of these photos we can see the car braking so it shows that the brake lights have been moved to the area where the signal lamp previously occupied.