Proton has followed through on plans announced earlier this year, and at least until the arrival of volume Chinese passenger cars, the company has launched the cheapest new car in the country at $11,990 drive away

The 1.6 litre Proton S16 sedan goes on sale December 1 with free on road costs providing a retail price of $11,990 drive away.Proton

Proton originally forecast the S16 as potentially Australia’s lowest priced sedan. However, with favourable currency trends the S16 will now be the lowest price new car available here.

The Proton S16 is a four-door sedan powered by a 1.6 litre twin cam engine with a full suite of standard equipment including AM/FM/CD audio system, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser and alarm, drivers SRS airbag and seating for five.

According to Proton Cars Australia general manager sales and operations, Billy Falconer, the S16 redefines the entry level for new car buyers.

“S16 will be the only new four door sedan available in Australia for less than $16,000 and will outpoint low-cost hatches and three-door models by offering a 1.6 litre engine and great equipment levels,” says Falconer.

“Our dealer network has embraced the new S16 already and there is a two-month waiting list on dealer stock. However, customers can book a test drive ahead of the on sale date.

“Miss Universe Australia 2009 winner Rachael Finch will be the face of the new Proton S16 and will be featured in TV commercials and print advertising campaigns,” he adds.

The Proton S16 will be economical sipping an average of just 6.3 litres/100km as per ADR 81/02 while producing 82kW at 6000 rpm from its 1.6 litre Campro IAFM engine.

S16 boasts a 413-litre boot significantly bigger than many larger and more expensive rivals.

Like all Proton passenger cars the S16 will be covered by a full three year unlimited kilometre warranty along with three years free roadside assistance and a seven-year anti-corrosion warranty.

It will be available in five colours including solid white, solid red, mountain blue, tranquility black and genetic silver - along with a range of accessories including body kits, spoilers, alloy wheels, boot liners and reverse sensors.

The Proton S16 will be launched in GX manual form only. However, a GX auto variant will arrive in early 2010.

The initial S16 GX will only be available for a limited time in its current spec at the price of $11,990 drive away.

July 2010 will see the introduction of the new S16 GX with increased specifications and also a GXR variant both in automatic and manual form, which will include additional features such as dual SRS airbags and ABS as standard on all variants.

The high spec GXR will also have alloy wheels, reverse sensors and fog lamps as standard.

source: Autofile