Sydney show: Proton comes of age

MALAYSIAN car manufacturer Proton has used the Sydney Motor Show to make the international debut of its all-new mid-size sedan, the GX.

Previously only shown in Malaysia, where it is known as the Waja, the GX is the first car entirely designed, developed and built by Proton.

Previous models, such as the Satria and Persona, are based on Mitsubishi technology.

Similar in size to the Holden Vectra or Mazda 626, the GX will go on sale here in the second quarter of 2001, initially with a 1.8-litre, twin cam engine.

Pricing is expected to be in the low to mid-$20,000 bracket.

"GX is the birth of an exciting new era for Proton because the platform will open a range of product possibilities including people-movers, four-wheel drives and station wagons," said Proton Cars Australia managing director Anuar Rozhan.

"This car will enable Proton to broaden its product range and appeal to a much wider spectrum of car buyers throughout the world." Standard equipment is expected to include airbags, anti-lock brakes, power windows, central locking, alarm, air-conditioning, power steering and an AM/FM stereo sound system.

Optional equipment could include multi-media packages such as audio/video CD system, GPS navigation and a plug and play adaptor for fax/pc and video.

* Proton also used the Sydney Motor Show to announce a new XLS version of both the Persona and Satria.

Both cars are powered by 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engines, although they have slightly different output figures.

Pricing for the Persona range has been reduced by up to $2500.