The Proton Perdana II (facelift 2016) 2.0, equipped with a 156 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration of Proton’s flagship sedan. Introduced in 2016, this facelift built upon the Perdana II platform (internally designated as the VM2), which itself was based on the eighth-generation Honda Accord. Positioned as a premium offering within Proton’s lineup, the 2.0L variant aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped executive sedan experience for the Malaysian market. It served as a symbol of national automotive ambition, offering a locally assembled alternative to imported vehicles in its class. The Perdana II facelift received cosmetic updates and minor mechanical refinements compared to the original Perdana II launched in 2012.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Proton |
| Model | Perdana |
| Generation | Perdana II (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (156 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm, 125.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 4300 rpm (139.4 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96.9 mm (3.81 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1510 kg (3328.98 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4999 mm (196.81 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Perdana II 2.0 is a 1.997-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. While based on Honda’s K20 engine family due to the underlying Accord platform, Proton made modifications to suit local conditions and preferences. The engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and a multi-port fuel injection system. This configuration prioritizes smooth operation and reasonable fuel efficiency over outright performance. The engine produces 156 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 189 Nm (139.4 lb-ft) of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine’s 10.6:1 compression ratio is a compromise between performance and the ability to run on readily available fuel grades in Malaysia. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, which was also sourced from Honda. This transmission is known for its reliability but isn’t particularly advanced by modern standards, lacking features like paddle shifters or a sport mode.
Driving Characteristics
The Perdana II 2.0 Automatic delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. The automatic transmission provides smooth gear changes, although it can feel somewhat sluggish during quick acceleration. The 156 hp engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising, but it’s not particularly quick. Compared to the manual transmission versions (which were less common), the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy and ease of driving, rather than maximizing performance. The front-wheel-drive layout contributes to predictable handling, but it doesn’t offer the dynamic capabilities of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The power steering is hydraulically assisted, providing a reasonably weighted feel without being overly heavy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Perdana II 2.0 Automatic came reasonably well-equipped for its price point. Standard features typically included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and a reverse parking sensor. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dual airbags were also standard. Optional extras could include a sunroof, premium audio system, and upgraded interior trim. The interior design was generally conservative and focused on providing a comfortable and spacious cabin. The dashboard layout was functional and easy to use, although it lacked the modern aesthetics of some competitors.
Chassis & Braking
The Perdana II utilizes a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link spring suspension with a stabilizer bar at the rear. This suspension configuration provides a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. The braking system is adequate for everyday driving, but it doesn’t offer the stopping power of more performance-oriented vehicles. The chassis is relatively robust, providing a stable platform for the car’s weight. The 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/50 R17 tires contribute to the car’s overall handling and ride quality.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Perdana II 2.0 Automatic was generally well-received in the Malaysian market, particularly by government officials and those seeking a comfortable and spacious executive sedan. Critics praised the car’s ride quality, spacious interior, and reasonable price. However, some criticized its lack of dynamic flair and its somewhat dated technology compared to imported rivals. Compared to other trims in the Perdana II lineup, the 2.0L Automatic offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy. It was positioned above the 1.8L variants in terms of price and performance, but below any potential higher-performance models. Fuel economy was rated at around 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 25 mpg) in combined driving conditions.
Legacy
The Proton Perdana II, including the 2.0 Automatic variant, holds a unique place in Malaysian automotive history. It represented Proton’s attempt to create a truly national car capable of competing with imported vehicles. While the Perdana II wasn’t a runaway sales success, it established Proton as a capable manufacturer of executive sedans. In the used car market, the Perdana II 2.0 Automatic is generally considered to be a reliable and affordable option. The Honda-derived powertrain is known for its durability, and parts availability is generally good. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car’s age and the possibility of needing to replace wear-and-tear items. The Perdana II remains a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and spacious sedan with a touch of Malaysian heritage.
