VIRTUALLY all Malaysians know that the latest generation Proton Perdana is “inspired” by the previous eighth-generation Honda Accord.
But how many know that it is not just a simple rebadge job for the two latest Perdana iterations?
Proton gave the previous Accord a minor exterior redesign for the 2013 Perdana. This original rebadged model consisted of around 3,000 units used only by government agencies, with the first 200 units delivered at the end of 2013.
For the new generation Perdana (i.e the 2016 version), Proton made a massively different exterior design, besides slight enhancements in handling and comfort features. In other words, the car looks nothing like the donor car on the exterior side.
The eighth-generation Accord was the largest Accord ever produced. It was touted as among the biggest D-segment premium sedans when it debuted in Malaysia in April 2008.
The new Perdana is marginally longer than the previous Accord, but still boasts the latter’s platform as well as powertrains, safety features and driving technologies.
Proton has lengthened the Perdana’s body to measure five metres from the Accord’s 4,950mm overall length, making it one of the longest vehicles of its class. While the 2.0-litre model measures 4,999mm long, the 2.4-litre model’s all-round bodykit adds an extra 21mm to its length.
Speaking of drivetrains, Proton said the car would only get a new 2.0L NE01 engine by the end of 2017, and that there would be more “local” content in the next two years.
Overall, the new Perdana is quite a looker. Its lower front lip features a sleek and wide air intake, lending a premium look to the front fascia.
The new Perdana also gets a sporty fastback design, giving it a dynamic look that radiates smooth power.
Other highlights include new stylish headlamps with connecting chrome finish to the Proton “wings” front grille for a more distinctive look, chromed door window surrounds, an aerodynamic shark fin antenna, rear combination lamps with LED lights and sporty lower diffuser.
Many of us will arguably agree that the new Perdana is better looking than the eighth-generation Accord, or even the current Accord.
But does it drive better and more efficiently, than its donor car?
THE DRIVE
The national carmaker arranged for a media test drive recently, using an indirect route to the historic city of Malacca. We got into a 2.4-litre Perdana with Proton Edar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rohime Shafie on a route that took us through highways, trunk roads and B-roads. The one-way 200-odd kilometres journey was enough for us to test the car’s performance.
The 2.4 litre variant that carried us produces 178 horsepower and 222 Nm of torque, with a five-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 2.0 litre variant has an output of 154hp and 189Nm of torque.
Rohime said as part of the cooperative agreement between Honda Motor Co and Proton, nothing was done to the engine specifications, and no modifications of any sort was allowed. The same goes to other mechanical parts such as the brakes, suspension and chassis parts.
However, Proton has replaced the Accord’s Goodyear Excellence tyres with Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres that were tuned specially for the Perdana.
There are no concerns to mention about the handling and road performance. The new Perdana drives as well as the old Accord. The five-speed automatic gearbox performed well, as expected. The 2.4 litre variant comes with paddle-shifters while the 2.0 litre variant does not.
We had no issues throughout the drive, whether it was on the straights or around the winding B-roads that abound between Negri Sembilan and Malacca. Who knows how much more fun the ride and handling would be if the new Perdana boasted Proton’s signature suspension tuning.
Proton said noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) had been enhanced on the new Perdana with better aerodynamics and new Goodyear tyres. If you have been in the previous Accord, you might agree with the statement.
Fuel consumption?
We were quite heavy-footed. Still, the fuel needle did not go down very much. We wouldn’t worry about it too much as Honda cars are well known to be fuel efficient.
CONCLUSION
Yes, the new Perdana is a car based on a model that is relatively aged compared with many models in the D-segment. But, it is still reliable, comfortable, spacious and practical. Hence, the new Perdana is a good proposition for those who are looking for a big, more affordable sedan that boasts Honda’s reliability, power and fuel economy.