SUBANG JAYA, 29 November – PROTON Holdings Berhad today launched the Satria Neo R3; an extension of its extremely popular model the Satria Neo CPS that now comes enhanced with exclusive R3 body kit and accessories for an improved overall styling that reflects a more sporty and dynamic personality.
The Satria Neo R3 was officially launched by PROTON’s Executive Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Sri Hj. Mohd Khamil Jamil at the PROTON Centre of Excellence in a ceremony also attended by famous names in local and international rally motorsports such as Karamjit Singh, Kenneth Koh, Syafiq Ali and James Veerapan.
Motorsports has seen the domination and numerous local and international successes of PROTON’s two-door sports hatch back, ever since the Satria Neo debut in the arena back in 2006. Last year, with the Satria Neo S2000, PROTON shot into rallying history by becoming the first manufacturer to win an unprecedented eight individual titles in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), winning not only the coveted Manufacturer’s and Driver’s Championships, but also the 2 Wheel-Drive and Junior Championships in only its first full season of the championship. This year alone, among many other victories the Satria Neo – championed by the PROTON R3 Motorsports team – also enjoyed tremendous success in the FIA Super 2000 category for Rally, FIA Group N 1600cc and Malaysian Touring Car Class 2 (MTCC 2).
“The Satria Neo is one of PROTON’s most popular and iconic models. It has achieved numerous outstanding successes in the arena of motorsports. Its fantastic winning records are testament of its capability and its race track qualities are undeniable. With the introduction of the Satria Neo R3 today, we are offering to our customers, a tried and tested model that now comes fully equipped and with the added R3 kit and accessories for a fresher and clearly more distinctive sporty style. R3, also known as Race, Rally, Research, is PROTON’s motorsports performance arm, very much similar to those used by other OEM’s,” said Dato’ Sri Hj. Mohd Khamil.
According to Dato’ Sri Hj. Mohd Khamil, with the existing demand for Satria Neo being fuelled and further expanded by its continuous success in local and international rally championships, the introduction of the Satria Neo R3 is PROTON’s response to customers who have been waiting for the revival of the iconic Proton Satria Neo to purchase an affordable two-door sports hatch back.
“We believe there’s a market for an affordable two-door sports hatch back. The Satria Neo R3 is targeted for the young and the young at heart, and of course motorsports enthusiasts. With the added R3 kit, it is ‘coolness’ that is affordable with performance that is proven.”
In conjunction with the launch of Satria Neo R3, PROTON is also introducing special R3 packages for early buyers of the Satria Neo R3, as well as R3 performance enhancements specially targeted for motorsports enthusiasts who wish to invest in further styling and performance parts for their Satria Neo R3.
As an incentive for buyers of the Satria Neo R3, their cars will come with full standard specifications and features including the signature R3 side stripe and front grille stickers for bookings and registration made by 31 December 2012. Upon the expiry of the special offer period, the stickers will be available to be purchased by customers as add-on R3 accessories. Meanwhile, for customers who are interested in treating their Satria Neo R3 with performance parts, a list of exclusive upgrades such as Lowered Spring Set, Full Exhaust System and Belt Accessory Drive are also available via the special R3 packages.
“With these R3 packages, the standard styling and performance of a Satria Neo R3 can be further enhanced to provide more choices for our discerning customers or motorsports enthusiasts who want more out of their cars. You can today purchase your Satria Neo R3 with full assurance that, should you wish to upgrade its performance at a later stage, that option is available to you from PROTON,” ended Dato’ Sri Hj. Mohd Khamil.
The new Satria Neo R3 comes in two variant; the Executive Line AT and Executive Line MT priced at RM64,250 and RM61,250 on the road price respectively.
The Satria Neo R3 comes with a manufacturer warranty period three years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). It is officially open for booking commencing today, and customers can make their order with a booking fee of only RM300.00.
Enthusiasts wanting to get their hands on the new Satria Neo R3 may view the car at selected PROTON showrooms nationwide. For further enquiries, members of the public are also invited to call PROTON WE-CARE at 1 300 880 888.
Satria Neo R3
Adorning its originally sleek bodylines and aerodynamic contour, the list of R3 goodies that will be equipped on the new Satria Neo R3 includes R3 Rear Spoiler and Front Splitter, R3 Front and Rear Mark, titanium coloured side protecting moulding and 16” R3 Alloy Rim for an aggressive look. Meanwhile, adding to its spirited and trendy feel, the interior of the new Satria Neo R3 boasts exclusive R3 front semi-bucket seats and leather upholstery, R3 floor mat as well as an improved 2 DIN multimedia audio and GPS Navigation system.
At the heart of the Satria Neo R3, the tried and tested PROTON 1.6L Campro CPS engine produces 125hp at 6500rpm for an aggressive ride but also offers two profiles of engine mode (Power and Fuel Efficient) that automatically switches between one another according to driving conditions. Available in both manual and automatic transmission, the new Satria Neo R3 will also come equipped with safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, pre-tensioner seatbelts and of course, the renowned Lotus Ride & Handling for excellent grip, vehicle stability and driving response.
The new Satria Neo R3 is available in four distinctive colours – the familiar Fire Red, GTi Silver and Tranquility Black – and for the first time ever, Canary Yellow which is the colour of the Satria Neo S2000, the car that has brought PROTON many international accolades with wins in APRC and SWRC rally Championships. Distinctive to the design of the Satria Neo R3, an exclusive set of R3 side stripes and front grille stickers will also be fixed to the car to give a significant identification to PROTON R3 enhancement.
The new Satria Neo R3 comes with a manufacturer warranty period three years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). It is officially open for booking commencing today, and customers can make their order with a booking fee of only RM300.00.
About PROTON
PROTON, established in 1983, is a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad and Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles, and the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer in South-East Asia. With operations in key markets from UK to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, especially in countries like China and Iran, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences.
Its offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, spacious and affordable multi-purpose vehicles, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus. Most importantly, PROTON models are now developed with Lotus Engineering, offering customers superior ride and handling experience in every drive.
PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. By listening to the needs of customers, PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieve the mission for the future, with PROTON set to become a marque which builds cars with passion and soul; cars that are a delight to drive – and a pleasure to own.
