Proton rolls out three new models

KATHMANDU, NOV 28,

The Constant Business Group, sole authorised distributor of Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton in Nepal, has rolled out three new vehicles—Proton Persona, Gen.2 and Savvy—in the market. All the three automobiles will be imported from Malaysia.

“Proton is one of the most reliable automobile brands and has a high reputation in Europe and Australia. We are sure that the brand will be able to win the hearts of automobile enthusiasts in Nepal too,” said Dipen Pradhan, senior manager at the Constant Business Group. He added that the company had received more than 50 enquiries from potential customers within the first three days of the launch in Nepal which has further strengthened their confidence about the cars’ performance.

The Proton Persona is a sedan equipped with a 1.6 L DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine. The car can produce a maximum power output of 110 bhp and a maximum torque of 148 NM. “The Persona has been targeted at executives who want a sedan with superior facilities at an affordable price,” said Pradhan. The car is packed with features such as air conditioner, power steering, central locking system, airbags, antilock braking system (ABS), disc brake, alloy wheels and audio system that is compatible with CD/DVD and USB devices.

The Persona is expected to compete with the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Maruti Dzire and Tata Indigo. The company claims that the machine delivers a mileage of 9-10 kmph in the city and 13-14 kmph on the highway. The car has a price tag of Rs 3.07 million.

The Proton Gen.2 is equipped with a Campro S4PH four-cylinder DOHC 16V petrol engine. The full option, Proton highline car has features like dual airbags, front and rear disc brakes, leather seat, rear spoiler and audio system compatible with CD/DVD and USB devices. Likewise, the machine possesses McPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar.

The company has targeted youngsters who want a car with sporty appeal. “This Gen.2 encompasses all the features youngsters want to have in their car. Besides, the price is also reasonable,” Pradhan said. The machine can deliver a mileage of 9-10 kmph in the city and 13-14 kmph on the highway, Pradhan added. The Proton Gen.2 has been priced at Rs 3.05 million.

The third auto, the Proton Savvy, is a semi-option hatchback. It is equipped with a D4F four-cylinder 16-valve engine. Likewise, the car features hydraulic type power steering, McPherson strut coil suspension, torsion beam axle rear suspension and multipoint fuel injection system. The car has a maximum speed of 170 kmph and can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 12.6 seconds.

According to Pradhan, the car is a good option for those looking for a machine

to upgrade from their first car. The Savvy has a mileage of 10-12 kmpl in the city and 14-15 kmpl on the highway. The car costs Rs 2.12 million.

Meanwhile, the Constant Business Group has opened a Proton showroom at Naxal, Kathmandu. The distributor has assured quality after sales service and easy availability of spare parts. Ekantipur Report

Die-hard fan builds shrine to Bollywood's Khan

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has a legion of fans all over the world, but not many will be able to beat Vishal Singh's obsession with the star.

The 38-year-old businessman has plastered every square inch of his house with Khan's pictures and spent his honeymoon waiting outside the actor's house in Mumbai, hoping to catch a glimpse of his idol.

"I will do anything that will make Shah Rukh Khan happy," Singh, who runs a homeopathic medicine business from Lucknow, told Reuters.

Singh's house is a shrine to Khan. There are cut-outs of Khan on the ceiling, the television and even on cushions. Singh has even changed his name to Vishahrukh Khan.

"No one can be like Shah Rukh Khan, but I wanted my name to have his name. My children are named Simran and Aryan, which is his son's name," he said. Simran is the female lead in one of Khan's biggest movies.

His family was initially less than impressed with his adoration of the star, Singh said.

"My parents were very worried about me, but now they know that my love for Shah Rukh will never end," he added.

Khan has met his fan several times, including on Singh's honeymoon, when Singh drove more than 1,300 km (810 miles) with his wife to Mumbai. Khan has not returned the favour as yet, even though he's promised to visit Singh's home.

"I've been wanting to open up a store of homeopathic medicines, but I won't open it until Shah Rukh comes and cuts the ribbon," he said.

Khan, 46, is one of India's most revered stars, and his latest film, "Ra.One", opened to packed houses during the Diwali festival last week. Singh will watch the movie for the fourth time in a week on Wednesday, which is Khan's birthday.

"We'll cut a cake, dance and watch the movie. We'll celebrate our love for him," he said.

(Reuters - Reporting by Pawan Kumar in Lucknow; additional reporting and writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar in Mumbai; editing by Matthias Williams and Elaine Lies)