Proton Arena

Infobox Automobile


An upmarket "Fastback" Proton Arena.
name=Proton Arena
aka=Proton Jumbuck
manufacturer=Proton
class=Pickup truck
production=2002-present
predecessor=
body_style=2-door coupé utility
similar= Subaru Brumby
Ford Bantam
Opel Corsa Pickup
Volkswagen Caddy Pickup
Fiat Strada
platform=
layout= FF layout
engine=1.5 L 4G15 I4
transmission=5-speed manual
wheelbase= Auto mm|2600|1
length= Auto mm|4455|1
width= Auto mm|1690|1
height= Auto mm|1420|1
ground_clearance= Auto mm|170|1
weight= Auto kg|1045|0
top_speed= Auto km/h|155|0
fuel_capacity= Convert|50|L|usgal impgal|1|abbr=on

The Proton Arena (or the Proton Jumbuck in the United Kingdom and Australia) is a small front wheel drive coupé utility manufactured by Malaysian automaker Proton. Introduced in 2002, the Arena is the only form of pickup truck by Proton, and is the only Proton model to enjoy significantly more popularity in its export market than domestically.

Design and performance

Body design

The Arena is based largely on Proton's Wira/Persona saloon, sharing similar frontal designs of the then current Wira and mechanics, but having a reduced seating capacity of two confined to a Wira-based cabin and featuring a rear cargo bed measuring 1636mm x 1349mm x 415mm with a maximum payload of Auto kg|570|0 and a maximum load area of 1.64m x 1.18m.cite web |url=http://www.proton2020.com/arena.asp |title=Models > Arena |accessdate=2008-08-04 |author= |date= |publisher=proton2020.com ]

In Malaysia, the Arena is offered in three variants, which features a variety of cargo bed accessories and trims but do not vary mechanically:
* The "Freestyle", the base Arena model with an open bed, exposed metal sports bars, steel rims and hubcaps.
* The "Sportdeck", an open bed variant similar to the Freestyle with covered sports bars, body trims, and alloy rims.
* The "Fastback", an upmarket variant with a hard, streamlined tonneau cover-cum-camper shell (resembling a fastback body style), body trims, and alloy rims.

Chassis

Like the Wira, the Arena is of unibody construction, but in order to sustain additional loads from the cargo bed, the Arena includes a load-bearing ladder frame connected to a "torque box" for improved body durability and strength.

The suspension configuration of the Arena consists of a combination of independent MacPherson strut suspensions from a saloon car at the front, and torsion beam, leaf sprung suspensions at the rear. Other modifications include the use of a rigid rear axle, an uprated front stabiliser bar, and 14" front ventilated discs and 9" rear drum brakes with load sensing proportioning valves (LSPV), optimised weight distribution and the use of reinforced high profile tyres. Lotus Engineering provided additional ride and handling enhancements.

Similar to the car it is based on, the Arena is powered by a 1.5 litre, 12-valve Electronically Fuel Injected (EFI) Mitsubishi 4G15 engine fitted with Proton's proprietory EMS 400 engine management system. The Arena was proclaimed to have met Europe's Euro 2 emission standards, and was also claimed to provide a good power-and-fuel efficiency balance by producing an output of 60.6hp per litre and a power-to-weight ratio of 85.2hp per tonne. While the engine offers a respectable fuel consumption rating (5.8 litre per 100 km on the highway and 8.5 litre per 100 km in the city), it struggles a lot when heavy loads are carried at the back.Fact|date=August 2008

Marketing

In Malaysia, the Arena is often marketed for both commercial and recreation use. The stripped down Freestyle variant is specified to be targeted exclusively for a variety of commercial interests, while the Sportdeck variant is offered for both private owners and businesses. The Fastback variant, the top-of-the-line Arena, is targeted at private owners. While the three Arena variants are advertised as models for specialised tasks, all three models may be used in any way.

Although the Arena is offered in Malaysia, the truck is not a staple of the local Malaysian market and is mostly an export model (to the UK, Australia and South Africa, where coupé utilities are more marketable). Australia, where the Arena's nearest competitor sells for approximately $8,000 more, is its biggest buyer.Fact|date=August 2008

References