Stability control for Proton's S16 FLX
No longer Australia's cheapest new car, Proton's upgraded S16 gets a lift in safety, style and standard equipmentMalaysian importer Proton doesn’t make much of a song and dance about it, but the biggest story with its newly-facelifted S16 light sedan, now dubbed S16 FLX, is the addition of stability control to standard specification.
Although no ANCAP safety rating is as yet available for the new S16, its standard stability control, anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags and reversing sensors give it an acceptable line-up of safety equipment,.
The Proton FLX is available in two grades -- 1.6L GX and 1.6L GXR -- and offers the choice of five-speed manual or CVT transmission. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine produces 80kW and 150Nm and, in manual form, returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km and emits 147g/km of CO2.
The upgraded S16 gets not only “a wide array of enhancements” but also benefits from styling and design improvements to make it “more spirited, young, sporty and trendy.”
Styling changes embrace new front mudguards, bonnet, headlights, grille and front and rear bumpers, along with side mirrors incorporating LED indicators.
The Proton S16 FLX is also graced with new interior trim and an improved audio system, as well as new alloy wheels. The pricier of the two versions, the GXR, gets a leather interior and a rear spoiler.
Proton credits what was once a contender for the title of Australia’s cheapest new car with being its biggest-selling model although, according to VFACTS, that’s not quite true as the highest year-to-date sales recorded by the company at the end of May belong to the Jumbuck ute with 135 sales. The S16 is the company’s biggest-selling car though, with 127 sales recoded so far this year -- a little ahead of the Persona sedan’s 111 sales.
And, with the arrival of the $10,990 (before on-roads) Chinese-built, three ANCAP-starred Chery J1 hatch, the Proton S16 is no longer our cheapest new car. Driveaway pricing for the manual GX version is set at $13,990 while the GXR is tagged at $14,990, also driveaway. Proton asks $2000 more on both models for the CVT transmission, bringing the most expensive GXR to $16,990.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
