Proton launched the car with much fanfare this morning to a packed hall at its Centre of Excellence in Puchong near here.
Last month, Proton had a soft launch for the Inspira by revealing only the front portion of the car to the public.
Mustapa getting a feel of the Inspira as Mahathir speaks to Proton Holdings chairman Datuk Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.
The Inspira, the result of an OEM collaboration between Proton and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has been enhanced further by Proton in terms of its performance and ride comfort.
According to Proton Holdings group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, “we have further enhanced the car with several new features including the Lotus DNA of exceptional ride and handling and now, what we present to you here, is a product that is more affordable for Malaysians.”
Public response has been encouraging, he said.
“Since our soft launch on Oct 14, we have received 1,800 bookings nationwide as of yesterday,” he said of the new model that has 40% local content, which is expected to be raised to 60% in future.
The Inspira is available in three variants – a 1.8-litre with a five-speed manual transmission, 1.8-litre with a INVECS-III six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 2.0-litre with CVT.
The Inspira, whose name is derived from the Malay word “inspirasi” (inspiration in English), differs from the Lancer model with a revised front end featuring a grille with the Proton logo and a winged chrome bar.
The car will be available in maroon, silver, white and black.
The Inspira interior revealed at last. This is the 2.0-litre variant.
The vehicle is positioned as a high C-segment/low D-Segment vehicle.
The Inspira is a model that has been jointly-developed by Proton with its Japanese partner under a new strategic alliance that is based on the global ideology and benefits of product sharing.
The automatic CVT or Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System (INVECS-III), is an advanced system that automatically selects the optimal gear ratio based on road and driving conditions with a self-learning ability to match an individual’s driving style.
While sporting significant aesthetic enhancements, the Inspira is being further improved with the unmistakable Lotus ride and handling, enhancing the car’s driving experience and comfort.
Elsewhere, changes are not easily noticeable.
The engines, meanwhile, are Mitsubishi’s all-aluminium MIVEC type with variable valve timing.
The suspension system has been tweaked for a “Lotus handling and ride” with changes to spring and shock absorber ratings, as well as bushing stiffness.
Features include a strong body with a five-star crash rating, airbags, anti-lock braking system, 16-inch wheels with all-round disc brakes, remote trunk release, steering wheel audio control buttons, cruise control, wipers with rain sensor and fully automatic climate control.
The high-end 2.0-litre variant gets additional features such as steering column-mounted paddle shifters, leather seats and a portable GPS unit.
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