Proton EXORA MPV

Proton EXORA MPV - The Malaysia’s first MPV Proton Exora launched on April 15 2009. After so long waiting this Malaysian made MPV Proton Exora, with so many leaked Proton Exora pictures and rumors, now answered. Here you are, we bring you the most wanted picture first, the back of Proton Exora. Looking at the previous leaked pictures, it is so different and this one really looks cool! We are at the EON Glenmarie during launching of Proton Exora. We are really surprised with what Proton offers compare to the price which is around RM69k to RM75K

Exora PRIME

Exora PRESTIGE

PROTON EXORA MPV FULL SPECIFICATION + PICTURES + PRICE OF PROTON MPV

Overall, the Proton Exora exterior is absolutely great and nothing else to say, Proton Exora is going to be the most desireable MPV in Malaysia. I personally proud of what Proton has made to produce our first MPV. The quality of the Proton Exora interior, nothing feels cheap. Meaning that the interior of this 7 seater MPV is nice and well designed. Especially the steering wheel which look like Honda’s steering. The 5 spoke sport rims really satisfy the eyes of observer which looks fit to the Proton Exora MPV.

From bonnet to bumper, your elegant cruising machine Proton Exora is fitted with only the best in aesthetics. Take a glance at its stylish body featuring a sporty winged grille, plus integrated head lamps and fender design. Look around some more and you’ll soon see that aerodynamics was not Proton only concern. Sophistication mattered too.

PROTON EXORA

Proton Exora Carries up to 7 adults comfortably in plush leather seats*. For more room, the 2nd and 3rd rows can be arranged and folded in 6 different ways, including completely flat.

Surprisingly, the 2nd and third row of Proton Exora fit 5 adults with comfortable space. I have tried sitting at the back and i feel that there is no problem for me to sit there for a long journey because Proton Exora can fit me without feeling uncomfortable. Amazing for an MPV below RM80k! I would say the space for third row is better than Rondo and Grand Livina. Proton Exora is really for 2 adults, not just 2 small kids.

Proton Exora comes with dual blower and individual air-cond outlets at every row, built-in entertainment system* and 10 cup holders. Interior finishing of Proton Exora is very nice.

ALL-ROUND PROTECTION : High tensile steel cage and hydro forming sub-frame technology for a safe, lightweight body that is designed to meet European impact standards. Dual airbags, smart anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution system (EBD) come standard.

SOLID PERFORMANCE : A CAMPRO CPS engine with 125hp and 150Nm of torque powers the Proton Exora economically, while Lotus driving dynamics provide agility. Sound absorption technology ensures peaceful journeys.

INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICS Access all essential electronic functions via an integrated Electronic Control module. Enjoy conveniences like signalling lane change with a swift touch of a switch, or even programming the speed of your front wipers.

Proton Exora Front bumper adds to a tough and sturdy image while its front grille carries a unique wing design.

Proton Exora Side mirrors with LED turning signal for better visibility.

A trendy LED tail lamp gives a balanced look to Proton Exora’s overall rear design. LED lights also have a longer life span compared to normal bulbs.

Wraparound bumper - clean and sleek look.

Very Sporty rear spoiler of Proton Exora

The third and second row of Proton Exora can be arranged in so many formation due to its ability to be folded and really carries the name of Multi purpose Vehicle with the function to fit big and many stuff there in Proton Exora. At third row, you will not have to sit like on the floor because it is quite high of seat height. The leg room is good for a person around 178cm high. At front row, no complain at all.. Spacious. Same with the second row seat.

Proton Exora LED Tail lights that is gorgeous!

The meter panel is quite simple.

Step inside the Proton Exora and you’ll realise why Proton Exora can easily be your family’s living room on the road. Be greeted by sleek trimmings, high-quality finishes and all-round comfort.

Thoughtfully crafted Proton Exora ergonomic seats for first-class comfort — perfect even for long-distance family road trips.

Boldly designed illuminated black fascia Proton Exora meter display. It gradually lights up when the Proton Exora comes to life.

Proton Exora Design with practicality and convenience in mind. Power window controls are alongside pockets and bottle holders.

The Proton Exora is powered by CAMPRO CPS 1.6 litre engine. Proton Exora is enough to bring this MPV with 7 passenger inside anywhere. Reading so many Proton Exora test drive review recently, they were all satisfy with the performance of this CAMPRO CPS under the hood of Proton Exora. But Proton Exora will not beat the Nissan Grand Livina’s 1.6 CVTC responsive engine due to the weight of Proton Exora is more than Livina eventhough both engine have same 1600 cc displacement. However, the performance of Proton Exora is acceptable and you will have no problem with Proton Exora to bring a body of a quite big MPV. Anyway, this is an MPV, not a racing sports car.

The Proton Exora center panel on dashboard is pretty nice. Looks simple yet elegant. the gated auto gear which only have on high end cars available in Proton Exora is easy to reach.

Proton Exora spec

Proton Exora ,Very spacious MPV. Proton Exora is what you need if you have a big family. Proton Exora really can fit 7 adults. Enough to bring other 6 members of your family happily anywhere. About fuel consumption of Proton Exora? For now there is no data provided by Proton in terms of km/l or litre per 100km. Basically Proton Exora will be slightly fuel consuming than the Proton Gen2 CPS with the same 1.6 litre campro cps engine. But yet still among the best fuel consumption in its class as an MPV.

Proton Exora

Proton EXORA MPV - The Malaysia’s first MPV Proton Exora launched on April 15 2009. After so long waiting this Malaysian made MPV Proton Exora, with so many leaked Proton Exora pictures and rumors, now answered. Here you are, we bring you the most wanted picture first, the back of Proton Exora. Looking at the previous leaked pictures, it is so different and this one really looks cool! We are at the EON Glenmarie during launching of Proton Exora. We are really surprised with what Proton offers compare to the price which is around RM69k to RM75k.

From bonnet to bumper, your elegant cruising machine Proton Exora is fitted with only the best in aesthetics. Take a glance at its stylish body featuring a sporty winged grille, plus integrated head lamps and fender design. Look around some more and you’ll soon see that aerodynamics was not Proton only concern. Sophistication mattered too.

PROTON EXORA

Proton Exora Carries up to 7 adults comfortably in plush leather seats*. For more room, the 2nd and 3rd rows can be arranged and folded in 6 different ways, including completely flat.

Surprisingly, the 2nd and third row of Proton Exora fit 5 adults with comfortable space. I have tried sitting at the back and i feel that there is no problem for me to sit there for a long journey because Proton Exora can fit me without feeling uncomfortable. Amazing for an MPV below RM80k! I would say the space for third row is better than Rondo and Grand Livina. Proton Exora is really for 2 adults, not just 2 small kids.

Proton Exora comes with dual blower and individual air-cond outlets at every row, built-in entertainment system* and 10 cup holders. Interior finishing of Proton Exora is very nice.

ALL-ROUND PROTECTION : High tensile steel cage and hydro forming sub-frame technology for a safe, lightweight body that is designed to meet European impact standards. Dual airbags, smart anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution system (EBD) come standard.

SOLID PERFORMANCE : A CAMPRO CPS engine with 125hp and 150Nm of torque powers the Proton Exora economically, while Lotus driving dynamics provide agility. Sound absorption technology ensures peaceful journeys.

INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICS Access all essential electronic functions via an integrated Electronic Control module. Enjoy conveniences like signalling lane change with a swift touch of a switch, or even programming the speed of your front wipers.

Proton Exora Front bumper adds to a tough and sturdy image while its front grille carries a unique wing design.

Proton Exora Side mirrors with LED turning signal for better visibility.

A trendy LED tail lamp gives a balanced look to Proton Exora’s overall rear design. LED lights also have a longer life span compared to normal bulbs.

Wraparound bumper - clean and sleek look.

Very Sporty rear spoiler of Proton Exora

The third and second row of Proton Exora can be arranged in so many formation due to its ability to be folded and really carries the name of Multi purpose Vehicle with the function to fit big and many stuff there in Proton Exora. At third row, you will not have to sit like on the floor because it is quite high of seat height. The leg room is good for a person around 178cm high. At front row, no complain at all.. Spacious. Same with the second row seat.

Proton Exora LED Tail lights that is gorgeous!

The meter panel is quite simple.

Step inside the Proton Exora and you’ll realise why Proton Exora can easily be your family’s living room on the road. Be greeted by sleek trimmings, high-quality finishes and all-round comfort.

Thoughtfully crafted Proton Exora ergonomic seats for first-class comfort — perfect even for long-distance family road trips.

Boldly designed illuminated black fascia Proton Exora meter display. It gradually lights up when the Proton Exora comes to life.

Proton Exora Design with practicality and convenience in mind. Power window controls are alongside pockets and bottle holders.

The Proton Exora is powered by CAMPRO CPS 1.6 litre engine. Proton Exora is enough to bring this MPV with 7 passenger inside anywhere. Reading so many Proton Exora test drive review recently, they were all satisfy with the performance of this CAMPRO CPS under the hood of Proton Exora. But Proton Exora will not beat the Nissan Grand Livina’s 1.6 CVTC responsive engine due to the weight of Proton Exora is more than Livina eventhough both engine have same 1600 cc displacement. However, the performance of Proton Exora is acceptable and you will have no problem with Proton Exora to bring a body of a quite big MPV. Anyway, this is an MPV, not a racing sports car.

The Proton Exora center panel on dashboard is pretty nice. Looks simple yet elegant. the gated auto gear which only have on high end cars available in Proton Exora is easy to reach.

SPECIFICATION OF PROTON EXORA 1.6L AUTO MEDIUM LINE (M-LINE) AND HIGH LINE (H-LINE)

Proton Exora spec

Proton Exora ,Very spacious MPV. Proton Exora is what you need if you have a big family. Proton Exora really can fit 7 adults. Enough to bring other 6 members of your family happily anywhere. About fuel consumption of Proton Exora? For now there is no data provided by Proton in terms of km/l or litre per 100km. Basically Proton Exora will be slightly fuel consuming than the Proton Gen2 CPS with the same 1.6 litre campro cps engine. But yet still among the best fuel consumption in its class as an MPV.

PRICE LIST OF PROTON EXORA - EXORA PRICE IN RM

PROTON EXORA

Proton EXORA MPV - The Malaysia’s first MPV Proton Exora launched on April 15 2009. After so long waiting this Malaysian made MPV Proton Exora, with so many leaked Proton Exora pictures and rumors, now answered. Here you are, we bring you the most wanted picture first, the back of Proton Exora. Looking at the previous leaked pictures, it is so different and this one really looks cool! We are at the EON Glenmarie during launching of Proton Exora. We are really surprised with what Proton offers compare to the price which is around RM69k to RM75k.

Overall, the Proton Exora exterior is absolutely great and nothing else to say, Proton Exora is going to be the most desireable MPV in Malaysia. I personally proud of what Proton has made to produce our first MPV. The quality of the Proton Exora interior, nothing feels cheap. Meaning that the interior of this 7 seater MPV is nice and well designed. Especially the steering wheel which look like Honda’s steering. The 5 spoke sport rims really satisfy the eyes of observer which looks fit to the Proton Exora MPV.

CAMPRO ENGINE SPECIFICATION - PROTON ENGINE TECHNOLOGY ON SAGA, WAJA, SATRIA, PERSONA & GEN2

CAMPRO engine is the combination name of Cam Profile engine developed by Proton with help from lotus technologies. Basically, Campro engine is just a normal engine which can be used with future latest technology like variable inlet and iafm. they claim that this engine provide more power and less fuel consumption. Recently, they have shown that what they claimed is true by winning the most fuel efficient family cars with Proton Persona.

CAMPRO ENGINE SPECIFICATION - PROTON ENGINE TECHNOLOGY ON SAGA, WAJA, SATRIA, PERSONA & GEN2

All Campro engines incorporate with drive-by-wire technology (specifically electronic throttle control) for better response,eliminating the need for friction-generating mechanical linkages and cables. There have been some issues with cracking oil pumps but apparently Proton have introduced a new part recently to solve this problem. A recall has not been announced.

CAMPRO Basic DOHC engine

The basic Campro engine coded as S4PH is a basic DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L engine that produces 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,000 rpm of power and 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) of torque. This is the engine that powers the Proton Gen-2. The S4PH engine can be fitted with Cam Profile Switching (CPS) and Variable Inlet Manifold (VIM) technology. Besides this 1.6 Litre engine, Proton has produced the 1.3 Litre version of the Campro engine.

Even though the S4PH engine seems to be quite powerful at higher revs, its performance is reportedly sluggish at lower revs and this is proven by driving the Gen-2 uphill where drivers who drive the manual transmission version have to shift a lot between 2nd gear and 3rd gear. This is due to its torque dip in the crucial 2,000 ~ 3,000 rpm operating range, where the torque actually decreases before picking up back to the maximum torque at 4,000 rpm. This torque characteristic can be clearly seen in manufacturer published engine performance curves.

Another engine option for the basic DOHC engine is a 1.3L engine coded as S4PE. The S4PE engine produces 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 6,000 rpm and the torque of 120 N·m (89 ft·lbf) @ 4,000 rpm, which is more powerful than the other 1.3L rivals, even with variable valve timing technology, it also (like its bigger brother) displays a torque dip at typical engine speeds of 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.

The bore x stroke dimensions for both engines are as follows:-

S4PH (1.6L): 76 x 88 mm, resulting the displacement of 1598 cc.
S4PE (1.3L): 76 x 73.4 mm, resulting the displacement of 1332 cc.
Applications:-

2004 Proton Gen-2
2006 Proton Waja
2006 Proton Satria Neo
2007 Proton Persona

Campro CPS and VIM engine

The Campro CPS engine uses a variable valve lift system (Cam Profile Switching system) and a variable length intake manifold (VIM; not to be confused with the stand-alone IAFM used in the 2008 Proton Saga) to boost maximum power and improve the CPS engine’s torque curve over the standard DOHC Campro engine.

The engine’s Variable-length Intake Manifold (VIM) switches between a long intake manifold at low engine speeds and a short intake manifold at higher engine speeds. Proton is using a longer intake manifold to achieve slower air flow; as they found this promotes better mixing with fuel. The short intake manifold allows more air in faster. This is beneficial at high RPMs.

The Cam Profile Switching (CPS) system uses a trilobite camshaft to switch between two different cam profiles. One cam profile provides low valve lift, while the other cam profile has a high valve lift. The low valve lift cam profile is used at low to mid engine speeds to maintain idling quality and reduce emissions, while the high lift cam profile is used when the engine is spinning at mid to high engine speeds improve peak horsepower and torque.

VIM switches from the long to short runner at 4,800 rpm, while the CPS system switches over at 3,800 rpm. The result is 127 horsepower (96kW) at 6,500 rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm compared to the non-CPS Campro’s 110 horsepower (82kW) at 6,000 rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm[2]. Proton claims that there is better response and torque at low engine speeds of between 2000 - 2500 rpm.

The new CPS engine first made its debut in the facelifted Proton GEN2 launched in Thailand, and made its first Malaysian debut in the Proton Waja Campro 1.6 Premium (CPS). Besides the 1.6L version, the Campro CPS engine is also available in 1.8L version; however, the bigger 1.8L version has not yet debuted in any of Proton’s car (as on 30 April 2008) but rather made its first debut in a Malaysian-made hovercraft.

Applications:-

2008 Proton Gen-2 (H-line)
2008 Proton Waja

What Is Campro IAFM engine?

A Campro 1.3L IAFM mounted on a second generation Proton Saga.The Campro IAFM (Integrated Air-Fuel Module) is essentially a basic DOHC Campro engine equipped with a variable-length intake manifold, developed under a joint fast track programme which began in April 2005 by EPMB, Bosch and Proton. However, the IAFM differs from the VIM (Variable Inlet Manifold) for the Campro CPS engine in terms as follows:-

The IAFM is a stand-alone module that can be fitted with a basic DOHC Campro engine whereas the VIM needs to work in conjunction with the CPS system in a Campro CPS engine.
The IAFM is operated by the engine vacuum while the VIM uses an ECU-controlled solenoid.
The Integrated Air-Fuel Module for the Proton Campro engine debuted in the second-generation Proton Saga, which was launched on 18 January 2008. We first heard of it back in October 2006 where it was still in advanced tooling stages, and ever since then everyone has been eagerly awaiting for the first Campros to roll out with the new air fuel module.

With the IAFM, the 1.3L engine used in the Proton Saga now produces 98 bhp (73 kW) @ 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque is slightly reduced to 113.2 N·m (83.5 ft·lbf); however, the engine has broader torque range and the noticeable torque dip in the basic DOHC Campro engine has been eliminated. However, the official brochure is only published with the familiar 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 6,000 rpm power and 120 N-m @ 4,000 rpm torque for consistency with other 1.3L Proton models.

Meanwhile, the output of the 1.6L version of the IAFM engine which debuted in the 2008 Proton Gen-2 M-Line produces 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,500 rpm of power and 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) of torque, and the torque dip around 2,500-3,500 rpm has been eliminated.

Applications:-

2008 Proton Saga
2008 Proton Gen-2 (M-line)
2008 Proton Persona

Hybrid Campro engine

In March 2007, Proton and Lotus have announced their concept model of a Proton Gen-2 powered by a hybrid powerplant that uses the Campro engine. The concept model was revealed during the 2007 Geneva Motor Show from 8 ~ 18 March 2007

The hybrid powerplant system, which is known as EVE system (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) will be using the same S4PH engine as the one that powers the present gasoline version of the Gen-2, combined together with a 30 kW, 144V electric motor. The main purpose of the hybrid powerplant system is to provide a hybrid system that can be retrofitted to existing models, retaining the same powerplant and also eliminates the need to develop a completely different platform, like the Honda Civic Hybrid. Unlike the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology in the Civic Hybrid which uses a bulky Ni-MH battery pack, the EVE Hybrid system will use a Li-ion battery pack inside the engine bay.

The EVE Hybrid System will have 3 key technologies:-

“Micro-hybrid” start-stop system - An integrated starter-alternator system is installed to switch off the engine automatically when the engine stops, for example at the traffic light. The engine will automatically restart when the gas pedal is depressed.
Full parallel hybrid technology - Combines the existing S4PH engine with a 30 kW, 144V electric motor, resulting in higher power (141 bhp combined), higher torque (233 N-m combined), lower emission (up to 22% carbon dioxide reduction) and better fuel economy (up to 4.6 L/100 km[13]). The system also includes regenerative braking system.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - The CVT system provides an infinite number of gear ratios for better efficiency.

The combined power and torque for the powerplant system are as follows:-

Max power (gasoline engine only): 110 bhp (82 kW/112 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque (gasoline engine only): 148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) @ 4,000 rpm
Max power (combined): 141 bhp (105 kW/143 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque (combined): 233 N·m (172 ft·lbf) @ 1,500 rpm (limited to 180 N-m continuous)
Proton will start commercializing their upcoming hybrid vehicles equipped with the EVE Hybrid System within 2010-2011

CAMPRO ENGINE SPECIFICATION BY PROTON

Developed in partnership with Lotus Engineering, this engine grants PROTON complete vehicle design independence. Its breakthrough engine technology produces low fuel consumption, yet gives rapid, high power response, and can even be produced to run on alternative fuels.

Its represents true world class powertrain engineering, and a revolutionary step forward in engine manufacture, with low toxic emissions, low noise levels and above all, highly economical maintenance of long service intervals.


Major design objectives :

- Space-saving transverse east-west direction engine installation

- Designed for long life of at least 10 years or 250,000 km

- Best performance in class

- Flexibility to use future technology (CPS & NGV)

- 80% recyclable to meet 2005 requirements

- comply to future exhaust emission legislation requirement

CAMPRO UNIQUE DESIGN FEATURES

1. Modular Engine Design - Common Cylinder, Piston, Camshaft.

2. Design Protected for future Combustion Technology (AVT) , Performance Technology ( CDA & CPS), Low Emission (DI-NGV, Diesel.)

CAMPRO CPS ENGINE TECHNOLOGY (CPS & VIM)

The Campro engine utilizes two ingenious technologies to give high power and rapid response, whilst maintaining low fuel consumption. Cam Profile Switching (CPS) and Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) technology.

Together, these technologies give the best if both worlds, essentially combining the best characteristics of two different engines in one compact package. The usual reduction in peak torque caused by High Lift cams is corrected by the Long Runner. The short runner works with the high lift cams to re-tune the engine and generate more power at high speed.

HOW CAMPRO CPS & VIM ENGINE WORKS

Engines create power from combusting a mixture of fuel and air. Valve lift creates a gap to draw air into the combustion chamber, and this gap influences the ratio of air in the mixture. Ordinary engines have fixed rate of valve lift, but Cam Profile Switching gives variable valve lift, for optimised airflow into the engine. A High Lift cam profile improves maximum power, whilst the Low profile offers fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Air is supplied to the valves by the engine’s intake manifold. Variable intake Manifold technology intelligently changes the rate of “breathing” according to the engine speed. At low speed, air will drawn through the Long Runner manifold. The resulting slower air flow allows more efficient, thorough mixing of air with fuel. At high speeds, the Short Runner takes over to supply more air for combustion, faster.

IAFM (Integrated Air Fuel Module)

The CAMPRO engine is now enhanced with a new air intake management system - the Intergrated Air Fuel Module (IAFM) technology. It helps the engine “breathe” better at offer you the best of both worlds - greater fuel efficiency at low speeds and better performance at high speeds. Be it a short one to the shops or a cross-state roadtrip, every drive will be one you’ll enjoy.

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So there are a completely described Proton Campro Engine which is actually a basic DOHC engine that can work with latest variety of technologies. And the basic dohc engine is now better than the other VVT engine in its class such as Proton Saga VS Perodua Myvi engine which have similar engine displacement but Proton Saga engine has better performance than the VVT engine in Perodua Myvi.

2010 proton persona facelift sighted on test

Click for high resolution image

Drex Chan sent in these great photos of what appears to be the Proton Persona facelift that’s due next year. The Persona was first launched in 2007, so mid next year would be about the right time for a facelift if you follow a 5 year model lifecycle, though most of us probably feel like a replacement is due since the Persona is actually a GEN2 sedan, and the GEN2 has been around a long time.

Click for high resolution image

The front bumper is taken from the GEN2 CPS. The rear end shows tail lamps that have been taped up to hide an updated design. It looks like Proton has incorporated the use of LED lighting in the updated Persona’s tail lamps.

Two more details – firstly the wing mirrors also appear to be taped up. The tape hides the use of turn signal indicators integrated in the wing mirrors. Secondly, in the engine bay we can see that the engine uses coil on plug ignition, which means it is a Campro IAFM engine. This means that Proton is continuing with the separation of the Campro into two different versions – the IAFM engine as an economy-skewed engine while the CPS engine is more for power. They should really just have one powerful and fuel efficient engine for the 1.6 liter size – I’m sure it will be better for economies of scale.

There are a few more photos that you can view at drexchan’s fotopic page. UPDATE: Drex has sent in the pix on his fotopic page to be hosted here instead, as his fotopic page has ran out of bandwidth. According to Drex, the test engineers informed him that the IAFM engine would get an improved ECU. Look after the jump for the rest of the pix.

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Proton’s Scottish star aims high at home

This week's Rally of Scotland will be the first event for the latest specification Proton Satria Neo S2000 and it will be driven by one of Scotland's most famous motorsport names ever: Alister McRae.

The Satria Neo S2000, which is built, developed and run by Production Car World Rally Championship title-winning firm MEM, has enjoyed a successful development year, demonstrating both pace and potential as it collected fastest stage times and encouraging results. But the Proton which has left the team's Derbyshire workshop bound for the Thursday evening start in Perth is the fastest and most highly developed Satria Neo S2000 yet.

Understandably, team principal Chris Mellors is excited about Rally of Scotland, which is the final round of this year's Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Mellors said: "The car is really on form at the moment. It's quick and it's getting quicker. We did a lot of testing before we went out and competed on the China Rally [FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championsip round] and we learned a lot more about the car on that event. The whole team is very excited about having Alister in the car and about the potential of this pairing on the Rally of Scotland."

Chris Mellors Q&A

How did the China Rally go?

It was good. We were setting strong stage times and the car was running very well. We were looking at third place, a podium finish on an FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship round, but it didn't quite come off. We move on and we're now looking forward to Scotland and the final round of the IRC.

Tell us about Scotland and the stages, are they similar to China?

No. Not at all. In China, the stages were pretty much all tight and twisty, with lots of uphill 90-degree and hairpin corners; these kind of roads really don't suit the Super 2000 cars.

Why not?

Super 2000 cars are lighter than the traditional Group N cars. They don't have quite the same amount of torque as Group N cars, because they don't have turbochargers. Rally cars will all go through tight radius corners at about the same speed, give or take two or three kilometers per hour, but it's coming out of the corners where Group N benefits: the Group N cars will get up and go quicker. Where the Super 2000 cars will score is in the fast and flowing bends, being lighter they can carry more speed courtesy of having more lateral grip.

And Scotland is more fast and flowing?

Absolutely. It's tailor-made for Super 2000 cars. That's one of the reasons why we're all so excited about this event.

Can the weather effect the stages?

It can. Cold and dry weather would have been better than the wet weather it looks like we're in for. I'm sure the spectators out there will be in agreement with that.

What's new on the Satria Neo S2000 for Scotland?

We've got some new gearbox ratios on the car and we have some engine modifications.

How will they affect the car?

The engine will develop more torque and a little bit more power and the gearbox ratios will match the engine better - it means the all round package will be more driveable and faster. There's also some new dampers for this event.

What's different with the dampers?

We've got new internals on them. There are different valves and pistons in the dampers now, they're making a big difference.

What difference does that make to the car?

It means the car will ride across the rough sections better than before and the car will benefit from more traction.

And when does Alister get to drive this latest Proton?

He's testing today (Wednesday) in Scotland. We're very happy with the set-up we've got with the car from China, so he'll just be getting used to the engine and [gearbox] ratios and fine-tuning the car for the event ahead.

How long will he drive for?

It could be an hour or it could be three or four hours if he wants to chase something in the set-up. He will also drive the car in the dark. Some of the stages in Scotland will be dark, so this will give him the chance to set the lights up and things like that.

What's a good result for you in Scotland?

It would be good to be in the top five and even better to be on the podium. There are some good cars out there on this rally and we're looking forward to seeing how our latest car matches up with them. At the end of the day, we're looking for a good, solid result. We haven't had the best of luck all the time this year and this week would be a good time, and Scotland a good place, for that to change.

Q&A Alister McRae

Nice to be home?

Aye, it is. I've done a fair bit of travelling recently and it's good to come back home and especially to these stages.

Nice to be around people who understand you as well…

That's true. I can talk as fast as I like here and people always know what I'm on about!

You've done some of the recce for the Rally of Scotland now. Tell us about the stages?

They're mixed. Some of them are in really good shape and look like they'll be very good on the rally. Errochty, for example, was lovely, but parts of Drummond Hill in particular were really wet and muddy.

From what you've seen so far, which stage will be the toughest?

Craigvinean the second time through will be a challenge, there's no doubt about that. We're going to be running through some fairly rough sections and it's going to be very slippery - and, of course, it will be in the dark.

When did you compete in the dark last?

That's a good question. It's been a very long time: I would say the Swedish Rally in 2004 was probably the last time.

Does the dark bother you?

Not at all, as long as I know my mommy's not too far away! Seriously, it doesn't worry me at all. Okay, if it's raining heavily and if there's a lot of fog around, it can be quite tough, but it's fine. We're going to get some dark running in at the test this afternoon, so it won't be so bad. We're also doing the first two Scone Palace stages on Thursday night in the dark, that's a good way of playing ourselves in for those conditions.

And this latest-specification Satria Neo S2000 looks pretty handy…

It does, doesn't it? The engine and gearbox work will help and the new dampers were great on the China Rally. In China, we were able to run the ride height higher on the car and not be compromised on handling or traction, which was a good step forward. We won't need to run the car so high in Scotland, which means the dampers will be even better. To be honest, I can't wait to get into the car to test it. And then I certainly can't wait to get started on the rally.

Where are you going to finish in Scotland?

A podium would be nice. It's not going to be easy going up against drivers like Kris [Meeke] and Guy [Wilks]. These guys have been in these kind of cars all year, and then there's Keith Cronin who has made a good season in the British Championship - and he's young enough to be able to switch from Group N to a Super 2000 car without any problems. It's going to be tough competition at the front, that's for sure."