Proton Perdana

HISTORY

Perdana SEi (1995-1998)

The Perdana was first introduced by Proton in 1995 with Mitsubishi's proven 2.0L 4G63 sohc engine. It was based on the Mitsubishi Galant platform and was thus similar to the Mitsubishi Eterna in Japan, but received minor internal and external changes when it was launched locally in Malaysia. The first generation Perdana was also Proton's first car to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS) andcruise control.

In 1997, the Perdana was given a facelift with a chrome grille, a new rim design, new body colours and upgraded interior trimmings.

Perdana V6 (1999-2010)

In 1999, Proton shoehorned a 2.0 L 6A12 V6 engine (also sourced by Mitsubishi) into the Perdana. The so-called Proton Perdana V6also had a new bodykit and 16" rims. The original Perdana in Malaysia soldiered on for a short while before it was dropped. With Lotus-tuned and upgraded suspension settings, the car is known to handle well through tight corners and be a good high speed cruiser.

In 2003, the Perdana V6 was given a major facelift, gaining a new Alfa Romeo-esque front grill (earning the moniker "Alfadana" in Malaysia) and new bumpers. Inside, it was given a new aluminium-effect trim. This iteration remains on sale to date. Also made available is a luxury variant of the Proton Perdana V6 with an extended length of 25 cm (10 inches) in the rear door, dubbed the Proton Perdana V6 Executive. The Executive is essentially a conversion of the Perdana V6 by Automotive Conversion Engineering (ACE), a subsidiary of EON specialised in developing limousines for statesmen and building TD2000s. Two Perdana V6 Limousine variants are additionally released by ACE with extended lengths of 66 cm (26 inches) and 91 cm (36 inches), and sport far more luxuries then the Executive variant.

Like the original Perdana, the Perdana V6 was not exported to Europe, although it was tested by Britain's Top Gear magazine in their April 1999 issue, as there were plans at the time to sell the V6 in Europe. The plan never materialised.

Prospective successor

As a tie-up between Proton and Volkswagen was discussed between 2004 to 2007, it was expected the successor to the Perdana would be based on a Volkswagen Passat platform. However, the plan was cancelled when Volkswagen announced that negotiations about the partnership had failed.

There was also talk between Proton and Mitsubishi Australia in 2005 to have a replacement Perdana in the form of a rebadged Mitsubishi 380 sedan. These talks never eventuated.

When the Proton Exora was launched in 2009, its platform could be used as a basis for the possible replacement of the Perdana.

It was announced that the replacement of the long-wheelbased Proton Perdana will be based on the Nissan Fuga, two months after the launch of the Proton Inspira.

Use in the Malaysian government

Under the guidelines of Malaysia's automotive policies, cars for use by federal and state governments are required to be of national makes. As Proton is the only purely local carmaker to produce cars large enough to qualify as upper-range vehicles, the Perdana, along with the Waja, is favoured as a government car for high-ranking government officials, including the Prime Minister. With the exception of Sarawak, the Proton Perdana V6 Executive is currently the standard Perdana in use for such purposes.