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by John Lindgren
Editor-in-chief:
carsanook.com
Yes, you’ve seen the tagline in thick glossy magazines and on cable TV. And “Truly Asia” makes me think about the former British colony in the tropics, and I can picture those pale, long-nosed rubber barons and the bearded, fierce-looking Borneo sultans. The head hunters and the orangutan apes.
In the present 21st century, Malaysia annually imports tens of millions of tourists and exports everything from agriculture (rubber) to cars.
Oh, yes, the Malaysians love their cars; their impressive federal super highways built to almost German autobahn, zero-tolerance standards; their perennial super-hot Petronas Sepang F1 Grand Prix circuit; their relatively cheap domestic fuel and their national car Proton which was born in 1983.
The name PROTON–which has nothing to do with nuclear physics–is a Malay acronym for PeRusahaan OTOmobil Nasional (in English: the National Automobile Enterprise). Proton also boasts a Lotus racing department. The legendary British bespoke race car marque was acquired by Proton in 1996.
Today Proton cars are exported to 50 countries worldwide. In Thailand Proton passenger vehicles made their debut in early 2007 with Phrahanakorn Auto Sales Co (PAS) as its authorized local distributor. Over the years it has averaged sales of 250 units a month. The model range includes the seven-seater MPV Proton Exora, the four-door saloon Proton GEN 2, the hot-hatch Proton Neo, the subcompact Proton Savy and Proton Persona CNG.
Impressions. Walk around and eyeball the vehicle. Straightaway I see that this Proton Persona does not look like a Japanese-designed, run-of-the-mill standard four-door 1.6-1.8 liter urban family sedan.
When looking closer I see hints of Volkswagen and BMW styling elements. Like the protruding front wheel arches. The taut rear end. Fluid and sporty lines. This is a European-looking car. And see those big triangular crimson red tail lights. Reminds me of a prestigious Mercedes Benz E-class from Stuttgart. Jawohl!
Step inside. There is room in this vehicle. Comfortable space for driver and three passengers. The cabin is well designed. The materials, the feel, the texture and the quality. This is automotive form and function. Like when you are in a well-designed building. And it’s quiet. The all important in-car-entertainment AM/FM/CD MP3 unit is a German Blaupunkt. (English: blue point). The audio controls are connected to the sporty, good grip, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. A clear influence from Proton/Lotus racing development. The safety package comes with double front air bags, ABS stopping power and EDB electronic brake distribution.
In the engine room sits a Campro 1.6 liter petrol engine. Lotus engineering design, again. And this motor also runs on E20 gasohol (20 percent alcohol mixture) 91 or 95 octane petrol and of course on CNG compressed natural gas. This is a NGV (Natural Gas Vehicle) also called CNG (Compressed Natural Gas).
The alternative fuel option is up to 80 percent cheaper than standard petrol and gasohol. The 90 kg “gas tank” container is concealed in the trunk. On the rear window you’ll find the green triangular CNG badge–indicating that this vehicle is an alternative (bi-fuel) vehicle.
Proton on the road. With a full gas cylinder in the trunk and the petrol tank filled up we hit the road. Gripping the sturdy steering wheel inspires me. And I step on the accelerator. The bi-modal switch on the green NGV led indicator. Four dots, full tank. Ready to go. Hit the road, Jack!
In the Bangkok stop-n-go traffic with the ubiquitous U-turns, the in and out of parking lots was a piece of cake. The Proton Persona maneuvers well. The steering is precise and there is good stopping power in the brakes.
On the northern eight-lane super highway direction Nakhon Sawan-Chiang Mai, the Proton CNG is cruising smoothly at 120-130 kph. Sudden accelerations with four grownups and luggage are not blistering fast–but steady. In the CNG mode 0-100 kph takes longer than a petrol burning vehicle. But it comes at a cost compared to NGV models. Three times the cost.
With the number of CNG/NGV stations increasing in metropolitan Bangkok and in the provinces more and more motorists are switching to gas. But in the provinces the number of CNG/NGV pumps is somewhat limited. So if you run out of CNG–which could happen when driving in the sticks (da hinterland)–no problem. Just flick the switch and you’re running on petrol. And petrol stations you’ll find everywhere.
In Thailand you’ll save up to 80 percent of the fuel cost. For example, if petrol (benzene) gasoline is 3,000 baht a month, then that cost will be reduced to 600 baht a month when you use natural gas. CNG is currently 8.50 baht per kg, compared to 30.54 baht per liter for E20–the cheapest gasohol which the Proton Persona also runs on.
The Malaysian Proton Persona CNG is a well built and money saving urban sedan also suitable for occasional weekend beach or mountain resort escape. A test drive is recommended. Especially if you never have driven a “gas vehicle.”
PROTON PERSONA 1.6 High Line A/T
Price: 649,000 baht
Pattaya Showroom: S.O. Autosales 320/15, Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road, Banglamung
