proton s16 flx

Proton Australia has dropped three models from its model lineup in the country, streamlining its range to three vehicles - the models that have been discontinued are the S16 FLX (the Saga FLX), Persona Elegance and long-serving Gen.2, leaving the Preve, Suprima S and Exora as the automaker's only offerings there.

Sales have reportedly been slow for the three outgoing models in 2014, with the S16 FLX being the best performer of the trio. Back in March, Proton Cars Australia stated its sales figures for January and February this year as being 48 and 106 units respectively. Reports indicate that the automaker has sold just under 800 vehicles in the country up to December.

The Proton S16 first began selling in Australia in late 2009, and was replaced in the model lineup by the S16 FLX in mid-2012, with two 1.6 litre CamPro IAFM variants, the GX and GXR, each with manual and CVT transmission options, going on sale there.

The last that was heard of the Gen.2 was last year, when it was named the country's 'least expensive small car under AUD$35k to own and run' by New South Wales motoring association NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) in the association's annual study of vehicle operating costs.

The Preve made its Australian debut in October 2012 at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, with the GX manual and GX CVT announced as variants. In August 2013, it was reported that pricing for the car had been revised, with both versions AUD$3,000 cheaper than they were at point of launch.

The Suprima S, meanwhile, made its market debut Down Under in November last year, while the Exora - in GX and GXR forms - was launched last December, even though it was also shown in Sydney a year earlier.