VIDEO: Proton chief stylist Azlan Othman on the P3-21A

The best way to design a car is by peering into a crystal ball because a car is a long term product. For example, the P3-21A that will be launched soon was designed in 2009 because it takes about two years and millions of engineering, development and testing hours to bring the design from sketches and models to mass production.

Once launched, the P3-21A will have to stay interesting, attractive and sellable for the next five years, that is until 2017.

Proton Chief Stylist, Azlan Othman has no crystal ball but relies on a lot of marketing research, customer feedback and his own inspiration to guide the design team towards the new car and he says the aim is to come up with a timeless design.

In the first video we see him sketch the key design features of the P3-21A adn how they may be developed into the future Proton style.



In the second video the designer described the different stages of the design process and how they arrived at the current car.

Proton releases four videos of P3-21A

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VIDEO: What's so special the new Proton P3-21A

What we have here is a series of short videos with Dr Wolfgang Eppel, Senior Director (Quality) at Proton,  He was BMW's quality man and overlooked the development of the E39 5-series and E-90 3-series so he knows a bit or two about car quality.

VIDEO: Proton P3-21A caught testing on the NKVE

From the sound of the chase car's stressed engine note, it appears that the P3 was driving at quite a clip and could have easily dumped the chasing vehicle. After all it has a 1.6-litre turbo engine under the bonnet.

P3 TV Commercial shoot...another leak

Yet another leak of the P3-21A photo, complete with a balck plate identifying the model. Apparently the car was out for a television commercial shoot and was snapped by a passing motorist.

SCOOP: Full info of the P3-21A - to include on-board mobile internet

All info leaked by Blog Proton Sales 

Now we know that the Yes 4G box set up in front of Lot 10 shopping centre is to prepare the market for an internet capable Proton and according to this list of options, the P3 will enjoy Yes 4G mobile internet with nationwide coverage (not sure if Yes is nationwide for now)

Accessories 

1. Auto fold/unfold side mirror –
2. Auto Off Rear Demister – 
3. Follow Home Lamp
4. Headlamp Warning Buzzer
5. Trunk Remote Release
6. Front & rear socket 12V – 
7. Front & Rear Fog Lamp
8. Anti-Trap Power Windor 
9. Seat Material – 
10. Smart Info Display (SID) –
11. Autolock & advance lock system
12. Magnisium Inside Door Handle
13. Keyless Entry – 
14. BOSCH Head-Unit – 
15. YES WiFi Modem – 
16. S Mode (Sport) – 
17. BCM – 

SAFETY :

1. 4 Wheel ABS & EBD with 4 Wheel Disc Brake
2. TC (Traction Control)
3. ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
4. BA (Braking Assist)
5. 4 AIRBAG – 
6. 5 STARS Australia NCAP –

DIMENSION
Length = 4.543m
Width = 1.786m
Height = 1.524m

CHASSIS
Boot Space: 508 litre
Turning Radius: 5.3m
Full Tank Capacity: 50 litre
Aerodynamic (rintangan angin): Cd Factor = 0.30

POWERTRAIN
1.6 CFE with 7speed Pro-Tronic CVT3 (VVT)
0-100km/h: 9.6 saat
- Untuk perbandingan, Kia Forte 1.6 12.5 saat

VARIANT
Executive MT, 1.6 IAFM+ 5-Speed MT
Executive CVT, 1.6 IAFM+ 6-Speed CVT
Premuim CVT, 1.6 CFE 7-Speed CVT

COLOR
Solid White
Tranquility Black
Genetic Silver
Fire Red 
Blue Lagoon

PRICE
RM65,000 – RM75,000

Auto Cruise
Keyless Push Start (ON/OFF) 
Magnesium Paddle Shift 7-speed & Manual Mode (+/-) di gear column
Audio Switch Steering Control
Soft touch plastic dashboard
Emblem at Steering Wheel 
ISOFIX
Rain Sensor
Light Sensor
Front LED day light 
Sport Rim 16″ (10 Spoke)
Multi-link rear suspension

P3-21A Specs leaked by Tun Mahathir, and they are impressive

The Proton P3-21A has been leaking out of Proton like there is a worn out gasket and it is now all over the internet. Not enough with the leaked photos, Proton adviser, Tun Dr Mahathir joined in the the fun and spilled the beans on the specifications of the new car.

Proton is expected to launch the model in March and they are either playing a great game of leak the car to stir up huge market excitement or doing a terrible job keeping a secret.

Given that car makers of today have developed a propensity of leaking their own industrial secrets as a way of easing a model into the market, I am of the opinion that Proton is playing the leak game, well done.

Interest in the P3 is now at fever pitch and more Malaysians are now waiting impatiently for the March date so they can finally clap their eyes on the car.

Our man inside Proton says that the specifications leaked by Tun Mahathir is spot on but there are still a few surprises left up their sleeve. He told me what they were and I can tell you that they are working in the right direction with the P3.

Here is what we know about the P3 so far, thanks to TDM and after that is a collection of spyshots, some more revealing than others

5. The other day I test drove their latest model on the test track at Shah Alam. I can verify and assure Proton customers and Malaysians generally that this new model can match any of the Japanese or European quality cars. It was such a pleasure to drive. A foreign friend who knows cars, tested the car and says it is up to the standard of the up-market cars from Europe.
6. This car uses hot press steel body which is stronger than cold press. It has a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine equal to a 2.0 liter engine power. The engine complies with Euro-five standards.
7. A whole list of feature has been incorporated. This includes Vehicle Seek Lamp, Wiper Auto Speed, Auto side door folding mirror, Push Button Start / Stop, Sensors for Automatic Wiper and Headlamp and GPS Antenna for Navigation System.
8. Additionally it has Impact Sensing Door Lock, Continuous Variable Transmission, Security Alarm System, Immobiliser and Central Locking.
9. The automatic version has Shift Lever with Tiptronic Mode and Paddle Shifter on Steering Wheel for seven gear changes. ABS to prevent skidding and BA (Brake Assist) to increase brake pedal force.
10. There are many others features which enhances the performance of the engine and driveability of the car.
11. There will be several models with less features than I describe. But they are all superior to the other Proton cars.
12. Naturally the price would be higher though probable cheaper than imports with similar features and quality.
13. I believe this is a great car and Proton can be proud of it. Malaysians can be proud of it too. The extra Ringgit you have to spend will be worth it.
14. The car will be available in three months time.

Profile is more fastback than pure saloon,
this will give it a more youthful appearance

Ideas from various contemporary design has permeated the
P3-21A's rear design, let's hope the front is coherent with
this modern clean styling.

Luckily, the front is also quite neat but is it too simple
when compared to the unique surfaces and lines of
modern Japanese and Korean cars?

BTW this appears to be the picture closest to the production model 

An earlier photograph, 

In the wild the P3's profile is quite unique

The dashboard seems to be cleanly designed and logically
laid out with the radio on top and air-cond controls lower down
An I am glad to see sensibly sized buttons on the stereo controls.

One friend was more impressed with the interior than exterior
of the P3-21A.