PROTON today launched its first 3S Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei Darussalam. And in conjunction with the grand opening, the Malaysian automotive manufacturer also presented the Satria Neo R3 to the Brunei market.
The Gadong 3S Centre and the Satria Neo R3 was officially launched by Her Excellency, Puan Yang Terutama Puan Haznah Md Hisham, the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, who was accompanied by PROTON Holdings Berhad Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Lukman bin Ibrahim and Mr. Simon Gelan, Managing Director of United Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Proton cars in Brunei.
Conveniently located at the heart of Brunei’s major business centre of Gadong, the 1,179 sq metre establishment is able to showcase a maximum of nine cars, and service up to 11 cars at any one time.
In recent months, PROTON has been aggressive in introducing the Prevé to its overseas markets. In October it introduced the model to the Australian market during the Australia International Motorshow 2012 and very recently in November, the Prevé was launched in Thailand at the 2012 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. Brunei is the third international market for the Prevé, with fourteen Proton models having already entered the Sultanate preceding the Prevé. Adding to this – the Gadong 3S Centre, and the arrival of the Satria Neo R3 marks PROTON’s commitment to Brunei as one of its key markets.
In conjunction with the launch of the new 3S Centre, PROTON also unveiled the Satria Neo R3 to the Brunei market, its first international launch since the car was launched in Malaysia in November 2012.
The Satria Neo R3 is an extension of PROTON’s most iconic model, the Satria Neo CPS that has now been enhanced with an improved overall styling for a fresher and clearly more distinctive sporty style.
“With all our continuous achievements in motorsports, the existing demand for Satria Neo is also being fuelled and has been further expanded. We believe there’s a market here in Brunei for an affordable sports hatch back that is not being fulfilled at the moment,” said Dato’ Lukman.
“Some of our customers out there are waiting for the revival of the iconic Proton Satria Neo, to purchase a sports hatchback that is not only competitively priced but proven in quality. 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.”
Proton 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 Championships.
