Proton Launches New Model

<+new info and edited on the 8th>
Just got this news from my friend in Proton. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today launched the new Proton car, the 1.6 litre GEN.2 (previously known as the Wira replacement model). The car is fitted with the first locally made Campro engine - a 1597 cc 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve unit which gives out 82 kW/110 bhp of power. It was designed jointely with Lotus and is available in two models, a manual shift version priced at RM52,888 and a automatic shift version priced at RM55,888, exclusive of insurance. They are manufactured in the new facility in Tanjung Malim, Perak. I think that it looks a bit like the Citroen Xsara. Not sure when they are going to be available though - maybe 1 to 3 months. Can't wait to try it out.
In case you didn't know, the Proton site has a new look but it is still under construction. A ittle more about the new GEN . 2, I thought the front looked familiar then I realised that it looks a lot like the Toyota Vios but with more aggressive headlights. It is available in five metallic colours. It’s a good buy considering that comparable 1.6 litre models are much costlier. For example, the new price for the 1.6 Toyota Altis is around RM107,000 and RM 96,000 for the Nissan Sentra 1.6XE (A). The nearest competitor is the Kia Spectra at RM80K to RM85K. You can read the test drive report of the GEN.2 at http://www.autoworld.com.my/. I don’t know why it was called the Wira replacement model as I learnt that it is NOT going to replace the Wira. Maybe they need more time to get rid of the old stock and it has become the cash cow for Proton.