Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Proton Satria Neo, 2008

Proton Satria Neo, 2008
The Satria Neo Proton believes that driving should be fun and that every one of its cars should deliver superb ride and handling. Progressive technology is evident across the range - not just in performance but in safety measures and standard equipment. The Proton Satria Neo continues this tradition of offering everything motorists have come to expect from a Proton - and more. The Satria Neo highlights Proton Cars' commitment to delivering a value-added product to customers. This is a car that enjoys Proton's rock solid reliability and the magical Lotus touch - a 3-door supermini with superb design, ride and handling. The Proton Satria Neo is an energetic addition to the existing Proton line-up, which includes the 5-door city car the Savvy, the Lotus developed 5-door GEN-2 hatchback, 4-door Impian saloon and the new 4-door Proton GEN-2 Persona. Lotus - adding punch and finesse to the Proton Satria Neo Continuing the outstanding performance and winning characteristics of its predecessor, the Satria Neo also benefits from the engineering and development input of its sister company Lotus. The result is a car with improved handling, performance and style - both inside and out. It takes the Proton 3-door into a new generation. Exterior Design When the design team at Proton first conceived the Proton Satria Neo, the aim was to create an elegant and sophisticated 3-door hatchback that retained the strong elements that made the original Satria so popular and successful. From the original brief developed with Lotus, the initial concepts, renderings, clay models and external surfaces were developed at the Lotus Design Centre based at Hethel in Norfolk. Following this, the feasibility design for BIW, trim, chassis, electrical and vehicle development planning was also completed in the UK. The detailed design through to production build was completed by Lotus Engineering working alongside Proton engineers at the new state-of-the-art Tanjung Malim Plant at Proton City in Malaysia. Size The Proton Satria Neo has a brand new platform, which has been designed to the same dimensions as the original Satria GTi, to give extra space inside and improved vehicle dynamics. In addition, the front and rear track have been extended to 1470mm. The length of the vehicle is now 3905mm with a wheelbase of 2440mm and width and height of 1710mm and 1420mm respectively. The Proton Satria Neo features a centrally mounted 45-litre fuel tank beneath the floor which offers excellent protection in the event of an accident and also improving both passenger and load space, with a luggage area volume of 286 litres (0.286 cu m) with the rear seats up and a volume of 615 litres (0.615 cu m) with the seats down. NVH suppression The Proton Satria Neo aims for superior NVH characteristics which make the driving experience comfortable for occupants without eliminating the sporty engine noise. The design of the exterior is low, sporty and road-hugging. When combined with the sleek aerodynamic profile, the Proton Satria Neo delivers low wind resistance, good high speed manoeuvrability, vehicle stability and control. Lighting Stylish and contemporary, the one piece integrated rear combination lamp ensures maximum brightness and a sporty look. A multi-focal inner reflector boosts rear visibility and enhances safety while driving and an amber inner filter is integrated with turn signal reflector. All Satria Neo models have halogen headlamps with semi-automatic levelling as standard. Interior Design The modern, minimalist interior of the Proton Satria Neo takes its cue from Lotus. A clean, and contemporary layout creates a sporty, sophisticated feel, while the spacious cabin environment provides maximum comfort to enhance the entire driving experience. Dashboard and instruments The Satria Neo's dashboard fascia has its roots in the GEN-2 scheme but has added finishing touches including soothing amber and blue display and a new tempest grey interior colour scheme. The blue dials ensure that the display is clear but non-intrusive and does not distract the driver, particularly at night. All GSX models have an instrument panel dimmer so drivers can select their own brightness settings. All the important information is clearly laid out so drivers need only take their eyes from the road momentarily to get key information. The centrally located digital trip computer incorporates distance to refuelling, journey length and average fuel consumption. All major warning indicators are easily located, including the seatbelt warning and door ajar warning lights. Controls The Proton Satria Neo has a redesigned three spoke steering wheel with volume and mute controls for the radio/CD player on the left hand side and skip, search and mode controls on the right. The steering wheel has been positioned at a new angle which has increased driver legroom to 930mm from the hip pivot point. The steering wheel is also height adjustable for added convenience. Seating Body hugging bucket seats in the front give the driver and the passenger better grip and a fully secured driving feel. The driver's seat is height, tilt and slide adjustable for optimum comfort and the passenger seat has a memory function which automatically puts it back to its original position after being moved forward to allow access for rear passengers. Equipment All models are fitted with an air conditioning system with pollen filter and have climate control as standard. The familiar vertically stacked heating controls, following the style seen in the GEN-2, are again situated conveniently by the gear lever and complement the simplistic, minimalist and sporty look and feel. The automatic model has automatic cruise control as standard, which is unusual on a car of this price range. This enables the driver to set their own constant speed. Controls for this are located on the steering column on the right hand side. Audio In-car entertainment comes in the form of a stylish unit which complements the sporty look and feel. Each Proton Satria Neo variant is fitted with a Blaupunkt radio with RDS and CD player compatible with both CDRW and MP3 CDs, in addition to standard CD formats. This integrated unit is only compatible with the Proton Satria Neo so cannot be stolen and used in another vehicle. Engines and Transmissions The Proton Satria Neo is available with a 1.6 litre 16v Lotus developed CamPro engine, with a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic gearbox. Although it shares the same engine and transmission with the GEN-2, the Satria Neo has a new lower final drive ratio, giving it better low to medium speed acceleration and smooth torque and power delivery. Underneath its compact, streamlined exterior is a CamPro 4-cylinder 16v Multi-Point Injection engine developed in collaboration with Lotus. As you'd expect from a company that designs and builds high performance cars, this is an engine that packs a serious punch; delivering a max speed of up to 118mph, with 111bhp and 109lb/ft of torque. Chassis A key strength that Proton has acquired through their relationship with Lotus is the ability to maximise ride and handling through total integrated body tuning and balancing; this combines to give a fun and exciting drive and translates into the Neo having excellent steering, manoeuvrability, cornering and handling capabilities that can be easily distinguished in terms of cornering speeds and high-speed stability. Suspension The wider track and low stance of the Proton Satria Neo plays a large part in the cornering ability of the vehicle, together with the MacPherson strut technology which is tuned for precise steering response and good handling, cornering and lane changing, all with acceptable rolling comfort. Also at the front there are vertically mounted bushes on the lower arm which give high lateral compliance with a softer vertical movement for increased comfort and stability. The front sub-frame has a new cross member design which gives high rigidity and improved vehicle handling. Brakes All Proton Satria Neo models are equipped with an ABS with EBD for optimum performance. In addition, all models have brake discs all round, with 270mm ventilated at the front and 280mm solid at the rear. Wheels The Proton Satria Neo has 16 inch turbine style handed alloy wheels with 195/50R16 88V Continental Sport tyres. Steering Despite the Satria Neo being larger than the original Satria range, Proton has reduced the vehicle's turning circle to just 10.2m (33.5ft) which has helped enhance around-town driveability and manoeuvrability. Safety Safety is a priority for Proton, who provide drivers with a range of equipment to help to prevent an accident and protect in the event of a collision. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBS) deliver controlled, safer braking in adverse weather conditions. Proton aims to offer both „active' and „passive' safety and the Proton Satria Neo does just this. Active safety is achieved through good vehicle control, helping to avoid accidents. The Lotus input into the chassis and suspension development ensures the Proton Satria Neo has excellent handling, accurate steering and stable braking. The precision feedback and responsiveness of the steering, handling and braking ensure maximum control when on the road. Passive safety, the minimisation of injuries in the event of an accident, has always been important at Proton and the Satria Neo has several new safety features to support this. Here Proton focuses on passenger protection through built-in crumple zones, strong cabin rigidity and additional energy absorbance technology. This includes dual, double-impact trapezoidal bars in the doors, which work together with a side sill catcher to improve protection and prevent the door from moving into the cabin in the event of a side impact.

Proton GEN-2 Persona, 2008

Proton GEN-2 Persona, 2008
Proton GEN-2 Persona, 2008
Proton Cars (UK) is introducing a new model to its range, the Proton GEN-2 Persona. The latest addition to the GEN-2 line up is a four door saloon version of Proton's popular five door hatchback. The Proton GEN-2 Persona is powered by a 1.6 litre Lotus engineered Campro engine which delivers a maximum output of 110bhp, 148Nm of torque and a top speed of 118mph. All manual transmission models have a five-speed gearbox with a four-speed automatic option also available and superb ride and handling comes courtesy of Proton's sister company Lotus. The Lotus influence is also evident in the exterior and interior styling, with strong lines and neat design touches. The tempest grey interior offers a spacious area for drivers with perfectly flat-folding 60:40 rear seats and ample boot space. Climate control with pollen filter helps drivers to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer and front and rear electric windows come as standard. Entertainment is provided by an integrated Blaupunkt radio/CD player, with an MP3-capable CD player and four way speaker system. Fully equipped for a safe and stress free drive, an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution, driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection bars, power assisted steering and reverse distance sensors all come as standard.

Daewoo Lacetti SX, 2004

Daewoo Lacetti SX, 2004
The Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car available as a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback or a 4-door station wagon. The Lacetti is made by the South Korean firm GM Daewoo. The sedan and wagon are designed by Pininfarina, and the hatchback by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and launched in 2002. The hatchback, known as Lacetti-5 in Korea, came later; it was introduced in summer 2003. Europe In Europe, the car was initially sold as Daewoo Lacetti, but by the end of the 2004 it was rebadged as a Chevrolet. As with its home market, in some European markets, the Lacetti name is also used for the entire range of sedan, station wagon and hatchback models on the same J-series platform. The European models are available with the following three gasoline-powered 4-cylinder engines: + 1.4 L E-TEC II — 94 hp (69 kW) at 6300 rpm + 1.6 L E-TEC II — 109 hp (80 kW) at 5800 rpm + 1.8 L E-TEC II — 122 hp (90 kW) at 5800 rpm (produced by Holden) USA Since early 2004, various rebadged versions of the Lacetti are in the North American market. The cars feature only one engine, a gasoline-powered 2.0 L 4-cylinder E-TEC II made by Holden, developing a maximum power of a 126 hp or 94 kW (US version) or 119 hp or 89 kW (Canadian version) at 5600 rpm. Canada The Optra in Canada in two models, a four door hatchback (the Optra5), and an Optra Wagon, all in base or LS trim levels. All are powered by the 2.0 L inline-4 engine, rated at 119 hp (89 kW) at 5400 rpm and 126 ft·lbf (171 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm, driving the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual transmission or a four speed automatic. The car is positioned as a versatile and fun to drive but affordable budget compact family car. Brakes are disc, front and rear. The Optra currently slots between the Cobalt and the Aveo. Independent suspension, 15 inch wheels, and CD player are standard on the base sedan, with optional ABS and air conditioning; the LS adds standard air conditioning and cruise control, and an optional sunroof. Length is 177.7 in (4515 mm) on a 102.4 in (2600 mm) wheelbase; width is 67.9 in (1725 mm), height 56.9 in (1445 mm) and weight 2756 lb (1250 kg). The sedan is rated as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. The Optra5 hatchback was added to the lineup in 2005 and is more contemporary in styling and equipment, with projector type headlights, clear taillight lenses, blackout grille, and minimal front and rear overhang with length only 169 in (4295 mm) on the same wheelbase, height, and width. Weight is 2765 lb (1254 kg). In addition to the same options available on the sedan base and LS models, an options package containing alloy wheels, sunroof, spoiler, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and steering wheel mounted controls for the 8 speaker audio system is in keeping with the younger enthusiast market. The Optra Wagon was added to the lineup in 2005 but shares styling with the sedan. While wheelbase and width are also shared with the sedan, the wagon is taller at 59.1 in (1500 mm) and slightly longer at 179.7 in (4565 mm), and heavier at 2855 lb (1295 kg). The wagon has standard alloy roof rails, 60/40 folding rear seat, and a 12 volt power outlet in the rear compartment, in addition to the same options available on the sedan base and LS models.

Dacia Sandero, 2009

Dacia Sandero, 2009
Dacia Sandero stands out as a modern hatchback with appealing looks that convey both dynamism and robustness. The front features modern, expressive headlamps and a grille and bumper that blend harmoniously with the bodywork. Its lateral lines form an "upturned wave" and underpin the impression of solidity, thanks notably to the broad side protective strips (according to version). The rear styling reinforces the sense of a generously proportioned, spacious and well-built vehicle. The same resolve to appeal to customers and showcase its quality continues inside the car. The new dashboard has been thought through to be both modern and functional, while there is also the opportunity to combine different colours and surface finishes in several areas (according to version). The design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin's modern feel thanks to the smart handles and decorative trim strips (according to version). To mark the upgrade in range, Dacia Sandero with three dashboard trims and coordinated upholsteries. Particular attention was paid to produce an uncluttered, practical driving environment, with easy-toread instruments and controls which fall readily to hand. Efficiency and travelling comfort Dacia Sandero is built on the same B0 platform as Logan which features MacPherson-type front suspension with wishbone. Certain versions also come with a front anti-roll bar which ensures excellent roadholding when cornering. Dacia Sandero's rear suspension is also derived from the B0 platform and comprises a programmeddeflection torsion beam with coil springs and vertically-mounted, extended-travel dampers. The suspension package has been specially engineered for Dacia Sandero, including lower arm joints and a rear end which have been designed to deliver precise handling and good road holding along sharply twisting roads. Like the Dacia range's other models, Sandero boasts high ground clearance (155mm) which means it is able take all types of road in its stride, both in and out of town, a factor that contributes further to its versatility. The new car also benefits from underbody protection which allows it to tackle unsealed surfaces with ease. A comprehensive range of engines Dacia Sandero is available with a choice of two petrol engines (1.4l 75hp and 1.6l 90hp) and two diesel engines (1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp) which have already proven their worth on numerous other vehicles in the Renault family and which have actively contributed to the success of the Dacia range. The 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are a perfect match for the cost, robustness and ease of maintenance values championed by the Dacia brand, and both are renowned for the availability of high torque at low engine speeds, as well as across a broad rev-band. The benchmark 1.5 dCi is acclaimed as one of the world's most efficient diesel engines. Its advanced technology includes second-generation common rail direct injection which delivers high performance and very low fuel consumption. The 1.5 dCi engine is available in 70hp form and also a punchier 85hp version which was launched in September 2007 on Dacia Logan and Dacia Logan MCV. Low CO2 emissions of 120g ensure an attractive ecological footprint for the 1.5 dCi engines of Dacia Sandero. Cabin space and carrying capacity worthy of the segment above Though Dacia Sandero's price positions it in the small car area of the market, its generous interior and exterior dimensions are in fact more in keeping with those of a vehicle from the next compact category up. Its unrivalled cabin space/price ratio has been made possible thanks to its length (4.02m), width (1.75m) and wheelbase (2.59m). The rear bench seat comfortably seats up to three adult passengers who benefit from 878mm of headroom, 145mm of kneeroom and 1,425mm of elbowroom, while a child seat can be fitted to all three seats. In addition to the rear's roomy dimensions, access to the rear seats is made even easier due to the fact that the rear doors open to an angle of up to 67°. The boot capacity of 320 litres is also unbeatable for the vehicle's price and compact dimensions, while its practical, modular layout is enhanced by the folding rear bench seat which offers a 60/40 split according to version. With the bench seat folded, the total carrying capacity extends to 1,200 litres, ensuring that Dacia Sandero stands out as a compact yet extremely spacious hatchback capable of comfortably carrying up to five adults. Safety: an inescapable consideration When it comes to Dacia Sandero's safety credentials, the newcomer benefits from the acclaimed expertise of the Renault Group in this field. On the active safety front, particular attention has been paid to Dacia Sandero's braking system which offers a degree of comfort, bite and progressive stopping power that is perfectly in keeping with the level expected of a Bsegment car in Europe. Dacia Sandero can also be equipped with latest-generation Bosch 8.1 ABS which incorporates EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and, for the first time in the Dacia range, EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). Dacia Sandero is equipped with numerous passive safety features too, including the use of materials such as high elastic limit (HEL) steel which ensures enhanced cabin resistance by minimising deformation, notably in the case of head-on impacts. The combination of the magnesium steering wheel frame and retractable steering column contributes to the dissipation of the kinetic energy produced in an impact, while the honeycomb structure of the polypropylene dashboard reduces the risk of knee injury. In addition to the materials it uses, the curved design of the lower part of the cowling matches the shape of the tibias with a view to spreading out the force of an impact should the tibias come into contact with the dash. Last but not least, legs and ankles are further protected by underfoot padding on both the passenger and driver sides. Dacia Sandero is equipped with three-point seatbelts. The front seatbelts incorporate calibrated load limiters for enhanced protection of the thorax. Depending on version, these three-point seatbelts are height-adjustable to optimise body restraint in case of impact. The retention system can also be upgraded to include pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seatbelts. Dacia Sandero also benefits from ISOFIX child seat anchorage for the outer rear seats.