S16

AUSTRALIA’S cheapest sedan, weighing in at under $12,000, launched with air-conditioning, an AM/FM/CD sound system, remote central locking, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, alarm, power steering, power front windows and five cup-holders as standard kit.

A 413-litre boot capacity could embarrass many larger rivals and peace of mind was covered by Proton’s three-year/unlimited-kilometre new-car warranty, along with three years’ free roadside assistance and a seven-year anti-corrosion warranty.

However a lack of standard ABS brakes or any airbags other than one for the driver were notable omissions that could only be remedied by ordering the optional safety pack.

Five exterior paint colours were offered, including solid white, solid red, ‘Mountain’ blue, ‘Tranquility’ black and ‘Genetic’ silver.

The accessory list included body kits, spoilers, alloy wheels, boot liners and reversing sensors.

Power came from an 82kW Campro 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine with average fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km.

Proton later revised the S16 range, adding a new 1.3-litre, manual-only base model and an automatic gearbox option to the 1.6-litre models – which in addition to the self-shifter included extra features over manual versions including 14-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, power mirrors and reversing sensors.