Launch of the Proton Suprima S in 2013

On this day in 2013, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad launched the Proton Suprima S. At launch, the new 5-door C-segment hatchback was offered in Executive and Premium versions, priced from RM76,338 and RM79,998, respectively. A Standard version followed in 2014, priced from RM69,438 (with insurance). Only one engine was available – the 138 bhp/205 Nm turbocharged CamPRO 1.6 with a 7-speed Punch CVT.

Engineered for global markets
Intended as an export model, the Suprima S was engineered to meet global safety standards and came with an extensive list of active and passive safety features, including rear ISOFIX points for childseats. It also had 6 standard SRS airbags on the front and sides of the cabin, the first time any Proton model had this many. As a result, the Suprima S scored the full 5 star rating in ANCAP (the Australasian New Car Assessment Program).

R3 racing car
In 2014, Proton R3 developed a competition car to compete in the Malaysian Championship Series. The R3 Suprima S (with a 5-speed gearbox) collected many victories, including winning the S1K endurance race.

Many years later, the owner of a Suprima S enter his specially customised widebody version in the 2022 Hot Wheels Legends Tour and the car was chosen to represent Malaysia in the semi-finals of the global contest.

The Suprima S was produced at the Tg. Malim, Perak factory up till 2018, with the last 30 units rolling out in March that year.

Proton’s forgotten TGDi engine