Proton BLM: Episode 2-MyVi vs BLM (Updated Again 22/1/08)

22/01/2008 More updates after getting the accurate version after the launching of the Proton Saga BLM 

I never thought I’d be posting a 2nd Episode on the Proton BLM, especially after my post on it before. But here I am, talking about the new Saga from Proton. To be honest, I’m not interested in owning a Proton. NOoooooo!!! Not after my dad suffered badly after receiving his Wira. After a week, his car couldn’t start. After a year, the windows couldn’t shut up… and don’t get me started on the hydraulic hatch and so many other petty problems which is costly, and can’t be ignored! Yeah.. Proton is damn out if you were to ask me.. but then, it has been 3 years, and a lot can happen in 3 years. I noticed that Proton is somewhat decent nowadays. They are drivable (of course), and do have style, and as far price is concern, they are really cheap.


Front view of the BLM (Photo taken from hostvibes.com)


I think, Chua Soi Lek’s sex scandal is not as sizzling as the excitement for the new Saga, code name BLM (Base Line Model). Of course I’d like to see the DVD, who am I kidding?? Its not everyday you get to see a Malaysian minister on tape.. but I’m more interested to know how the new Saga would look like in person. I bet you that I will be at the launching of the BLM, or at least I will see the car. Too bad, test drive would only be available at the end of the month. If not, I’d really like to compare the ‘feel’ when driving it.

To cut a long story short, here is what I found out about the BLM M-Line from a local Proton dealer (and a telephone interview with Proton’s i-Care) today, and here’s my short comparison with what MyVi Ezi is offering (THOSE IN CAPITAL LETTERS ARE UPDATED ON 22/01/2008):

 


  • Book a BLM at RM500 which is returnable (Only if you write in)
  • First unit expected to be in two months prior to booking (Myvi is available within one week)
  • Test drive would only be available a few weeks after the official launch ON THE 23JAN2008.
  • 7 colours (6 colours for Myvi)  BETTER COLOR OPTIONS FOR SAGA BLM.
  • Interior is an upgrade of Savvy. Its kind of neat. I was shown the interior. (Can’t differentciate between Myvi and BLM)
  • Physically, its a Savvy sedan… YEAH.. ITS AN UPGRADE OF THE SAVVY INTERIOR.  NEAT, SPORTY AND SIMPLE.
  • Exzos(how do you spell this in English??) would be at the side
  • Its longer than Myvi, higher than Myvi.. wider than MyVi.. and classier than Myvi.. (obviously..)
  • Power windows only for front windows.. (Power windows for all MyVi windows)
  • Insurance cost cheaper (RM933) than Myvi (RM1237)
  • BLM is more economical than Myvi (so the dealer said… but I’m quite sceptical due to the huge body)
  • Its so much cheaper than a MyVi. The highest price of the BLM is RM42,746.70 while the MyVi(EZi) stands at RM54,407.30. (almost RM12k!!)<–SARAWAK PRICE
  • BLM offers single airbags, and the highest model comes with sport rim. MyVi has dual airbags with sport rims also.
  • Seats seem to be bucket seats.. or sort of for the Saga BLM.
  • Both have a 1.3 engine.. but MyVi has the 1.0 variant
  • MyVi uses the DVVT engine, while BLM is relying on the Campro.
  • Was told that Lotus was greatly involved in making this car, including the engine.

+++++++++Updated at 4:11pm++++++++++++++++

  • 4257mmx1502mmx1680mm for the Proton BLM and MyVi comes at 3720×1550x1665 (LxHxW).. Exterior dimension
  • MyVi can store 40liters of fuel while the BLM can take up 5040liters.
  • Fuel system for the BLM is AIFM, while MyVi uses the EFI
  • BLM uses disk break for both(they said.. I don’t really know), while MyVi uses Dru breaks for the rear tyre.
  • BLM is using the 16V DOHC, and MyVi uses the DOHC DVVT (is it the same?)
  • BLM weighs 1065kg, MyVi: 955kg (lighter car is MyVi)
  • Fuel consumption for BLM is 6.0liters per 100km.. MyVi?? I don’t know
  • Tork BLM: 120Nm/4000rp…MyVi:116Nm/3200rpm (BLM wins)
  • Max Outpun: BLM-70kW/6000rpm..MyVi-64kW/6000rpm (again, BLM wins)
  • Min turning radius of BLM: 5.3.. MyVi:4.7 (MYVI wins..again!)
  • WILL ACHIVE 100KM/H WITHIN 14.5SEC (FOR AUTO), WHICH IS VERY FAST!
  • CC: SAGA BLM (1332), MYVI:(errr.. I kind of forgot, but I know its lower than 1300)


Rear view of the BLM (Photo taken from hostvibes.com)

I think thats all I can remember for now.. I will update this list once I remember something. Just to note that the Perodua dealer (which I met after seeing the Proton dealer) says that they know they are in trouble once this Proton model is out, and they said MyVi might eventually offer some great discounts to counter the Proton BLM’s price. With that, I guess I’ll wait for what Perodua has to offer altough I’d rarther they drop the MyVi by RM10k.. hehehe… could save me a lot you know..


Looks way out of Proton’s league.. but its a Proton car!! (Photo taken from hostvibes.com)

Now, tell me.. is Chua Soi Lek’s resignation from the government hotter than owing a new car??

+++++++++Updated at 4:11pm++++++++++++++++

Here are a few more specs of the Proton BLM M-Line which is the same as the MyVi Ezi:

  • Both has power steering
  • Both has alloy rim
  • Both has seat adjusting features
  • Remote/Power windows for all windows in both cars
  • Radio with CD player in both cars
  • Fog lamp available
  • alarm system
  • Both comes with a ventilator (or that thing which makes you windows fog-less when it rains or gets cold)
  • Both have fuel injection

Seems that MyVi is going to be hit hard by this new Proton model as I can see that MyVi is loosing by more than 6 points to the BLM!!!

Please don’t forget to click the small triangle on the top right of this site to vote for cdason[dot]com, again.. You could vote more than once as long as its one hour apart!

… and I’ll update this post once I know more… keep in touch with this!!

21 Comments

hvm  on January 2nd, 2008

hi,

thanks for the ping back. you may want to change the pic to http://www.hostvibes.com/the-real-proton-saga-blm-pictures/ the real pictures. Above pic already dated and is clay model.

on the side note, just like you, i can’t wait to be able to see the car, sit in it and test drive it.

Cyril Dason  on January 2nd, 2008

Thanks man.. and the clay model looks really nice, just wished it was in the showrooms.. and also wished the cars were introduced last year.. anyway.. can’t wait for it to be launched!

Free  on January 2nd, 2008

Hehe. I’m sticking with the MOH scandal! Hahaha..nah, just kidding. The car looks kinda nice..but I have a soft spot for the Myvi. The Myvi SE to be precise. The visual improvements that came with the Myvi SE seemed pretty hot. I mean, you don’t have to modify it to have actual skirtings. LOL. But after reading your list..somehow the BLM seems more economical. I guess I just never bothered to do any research, eh? :D

Deejay  on January 3rd, 2008

Maybe its like a Russian Rolleute owning a Proton - my first generation Proton Saga with Magma Engine is 17 Years old - except for the holes developing on the proton which costs RM450 to fix so far no complaints :) except for a MyVi that hit me last time … grr

ember  on January 3rd, 2008

Yeah..I liked the Myvi SE too with all its skirts and spoilers.

But for a cheaper price you get a sedan!

And I’ve been convincing everyone that that new Saga actually looks really good! =) Every point you showed seemed to show that the new Saga is a better choice..the only downside is that 2 months wait! Ouch >

Cyril Dason  on January 3rd, 2008

Free
>>>I know what You mean by the MyVi SE. It looks really nice.. but I don’t favour the back of the MyVi SE.. I do mind however the huge price of the MYVi SE which cost about RM54k!! With my small pay, that would take forever to pay up man!!

Deejay
>>>Owning a car is luck I guess, I’m going to see whether this car has power steering. If it doesn’t, I’m going for a MyVi. Hate driving without a power steering.. I need more details!

Ember
>>>Yala.. 2 months is lie forever when you already have your mind setted on something*sigh*… Wished they had ready stock… I mean, Proton should make about 2000 cars ready for those whom book first..

slacker  on January 3rd, 2008

actually, you should be looking for a smaller turning radius not a bigger one. a smaller turning radius means that u can sorta make a U turn easier….imagine a smaller circle made by ur car while turning

Cyril Dason  on January 3rd, 2008

Yeah?? Thanks for the advice Slacker. I don’t know much about cars.. Thats why I’m doing like a whole review and really comparing MyVi and BLM..

Deejay  on January 3rd, 2008

Argh…i am tempted…but the monthly loan payable for the next seven to nine years is a detterent for me …. hehehe…now no need to pay loan oledi…should i suffer for the next 7 years or so? U are using gomen loan for that or private bank loan?

Cyril Dason  on January 3rd, 2008

I will use Bank loan. I’m still not able to use my gomen loan. PLus, if i take the car, with a huge sum of down payment, I can pay it for RM600 a month for 5 years… I guess, this would be my car… Its affordable.

slacker  on January 3rd, 2008

hey cyril, no probs.. but anyway.. i personally prefer the look of the BLM. the myvi like you mentioned is too common and somehow it look like a ‘girls car’.. :P just my opinon anyway

Cyril Dason  on January 5th, 2008

I don’t know about the look. I think the price is what attracts me most. Of course the modern look is a plus, and also good to have. I however still remain sceptivcal over the claims by Proton that this car would be more economical than MyVi.

I am however feeling rather reserved about the funny colours available for this car. But then again, I have paid my booking fees to get the BLM. Can’t wait to drive it!!

Howard Ling  on January 11th, 2008

Hi!

Im glad you posted the latest proton feeds on the BLM. I must say its kinda cool to see the BLM. Don’t you think it has the slight resemblance to a Honda City ??

But I would like to correct you on one thing. First of all, I really sympathize with your dad’s Wira debacle. Apart from the problematic windows (I think this is one of the things Proton is quite well known for anyway), the Wira is REALLY and SERIOUSLY one of the finer Proton productions. My family has 3 Wiras, 2 Perdanas, 2 Satrias and a near obsolete 1990 Saga. All are at their best conditions, and all 3 Wira’s are so well loved by everybody. You want power, the Wira has it. You want economical driving, the Wira can give you that too. You want style, I don’t think Wira will ever go out of style. Modifying a Wira is also a breezy task.

Please don’t generalize the Wira as the more inferior model just because your dad’s ain’t so good. Luck also plays its role when it comes to buying cars. Even the Mercedes Benz and BMW have got their faulty batches. Cheers !

cdason  on January 11th, 2008

HI Howard.. and thanks for the comment.

Yeah, luck play a role.. and I am not in any way trying to make the Wira the more inferior model. It just so happens that my dad only owns a Wira, and I can only talk about what I have seen and experienced with the car.

Its good that your 3 Wira’a has little problem. I hope that my BLM will also have no problem. And I’d also like to point out that lots of people have been advising me against the Proton brand, but still, I am putting my trust in them for my very first car. I just hope, they don’t disappoint me.

Cheers to you too!!

x5111  on January 12th, 2008

Hey, thnx 4 making ma job a lesser burden 2 scout around 4 a new car wif tht sorta budget! U r indeed ma wikipedia (sort-off) V comprehensive. Gud job! It’s gud 2 hv ppl like u around 4 stuffs like tis!
Wil there b ur 3rd? 4th? Blog?

cdason  on January 12th, 2008

Well x5111, There would definitely be something on the BLM. Just wait for the launching.. and of course, when I get to drive it.. I’ll post it up here.

Do come back!

SS  on February 28th, 2008

Hi all, i really upset to quality of proton and i never facing the new car have more than one problem in less than one month. Example suspension, handbrik and alarm all having a problem. i really hope for those who really want buy proton car please take note on the quality during you taking the car. i tell to all really really bad…………When you call to proton I-car, most of the operator is shit, there will tell you “we just warranty not garranty” you car. Please call or goto service center to complaint…..”shit” bad quality and bad service……..

Atnazir  on May 20th, 2008

Just received our new Proton BLM last week (13-May-08). For the last 6 days I noticed the fuel consumption is on the high side. Proton claim 6.3L/100Km, roughly 15.87Km/L, but I can only clock 7.64Km/L (that’s a 51.86% loss on mileage). When I ask Proton, they told me to wait till the engine runs in at 1,000Km, before retuning. Losing 10/20% on mileage could be acceptable, but 52% is a bit too much. Anybody experiencing the same?

cdason  on May 20th, 2008

SS
>>> I am still waiting for my warranty claim for my Proton Saga Aircond switch. SO lame.. their service sucks big time. The car has small problems here and there.. but considering the price.. I guess.. it is worth it.

Atnazir
>>> I never actually checked the fuel consumption as through as you, but I think I am spending about RM200 per week… and clocking about 700km per week.. I think it depends on the car usage, and type of car. I am using the 1.3 Auto version, so I do expect higher fuel consumption.,

aku  on December 18th, 2008

Myvi bodoh lah…bonet kecik…nak letak tayar 14 ori kat bonet pun x boleh masuk..mangkuk betul..abis tu nak kena letak kat pasengger!!!…ni pengalaman aku le masa tayar keta pancit, nak letak rim 14 standardt tu pun x boleh..kalau korang pakai 17?…pikul sendiri ler beb..hahahaha…go for BLM SAGA…best! cheaper, power beaty than MYVI..

[cdason]
Tak taula.. bagi saya, Myvi ada kelebihannya.. cuma harga mahal sangat. SAGA BLM ni pun ada kelebihan dan kekurangan. But kalau diberi pilihan, Myvi lagi selesa.

ashraff  on December 27th, 2008

Hye all..I’m using saga blm since 31st may 08. No problem at all. Fuel consumption slightly lower down when u reach 10k service. For long distance I can get 400-420km with 30 liters. But for town usage its up to 320 for 30 liters. Means still got 10 liters inside my tank. I’m using blm manual. Blm is really powerfull and confort..really comfort! Like my friend vios.. But I’m going to change sport spring soon.. Look like audi if lowered.. Haha.. Any question about my saga blm..u can always ask me thru my email : ashraf@axdi.com.my

Regards,
Ashraff

[cdason]
Yeah.. You got the facts right bro!

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