Tag Archives: rebadge

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7 most iconic rebadged Proton models

The word “rebadge” has quite a negative connotation among car enthusiasts in Malaysia. For them, rebadging is considered a somewhat shameful practice that should not be done by any aspiring car manufacturer.

But little do they know that rebadging has certain advantages that can help a company grow in the early stages of its business.

The main upside of rebadging is that it helps companies save on R&D costs. Developing a vehicle from scratch requires massive investment, and not all brands, especially new ones, are willing to break the bank as they do not want to face the risk of heavy losses.

So thanks to the magic of rebadging, companies not only can reduce R&D expenses but they are also able to sell their products at a much more affordable price to entice their target market.

For Proton, this has been the path taken since its inception in 1983. With Mitsubishi as a technical partner at that time, the national car manufacturer finally launched its first car, the Proton Saga, just two years after it was founded.

Fast forward today after nearly 40 years since the first Proton car was introduced, Proton is still in the business of rebadging cars but its involvement in the entire process is more profound, with the company taking part not only in design but vehicle tuning as well.

So without further ado, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at the seven most iconic rebadged Proton models ever offered:

Saga

The car that started it all for Proton. Launched by Tun Mahathir, the Saga was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore and sold until 1992 before being replaced by the Saga Iswara. It is currently in its third generation but now uses Proton’s very own platform.

Wira

The second rebadged model from Proton, which was produced for 16 years from 1993 to 2009. Based on the 1991 Lancer, it was available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback known as the Aeroback. It had several notable versions like 1.8 EXI Limited (C99) and the ultra-rare Sembilu, which sadly never saw the light of day.

Satria

The first-generation Satria was produced from 1994 to 2006 using the Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg as its base. This hatchback spawned two highly sought-after, performance-oriented versions co-developed with Lotus, namely the Satria GTi and Satria R3. It was later replaced by the Satria Neo, which was sold until 2015.

Putra

Photo: Wikipedia

The Putra was a surprise addition to Proton’s lineup because at that time nobody thought a newcomer like Proton had the cojones to offer a coupe. It was based on the Mitsubishi Mirage Asti and was only available with the 1.8-litre 4G93P engine that was also used in the Wira 1.8 EXI Limited and Satria GTi.

Arena

Photo: wheel-size.my

Also known as Jumbuck in international markets, the Arena was essentially a Wira that was cut in half and joined by a pickup truck cargo bed. In Malaysia, the Arena was offered in three variants – Freestyle, Sportdeck, and Fastback, each with different specifications to meet various customer needs.

Juara

Photo: ProtonPro Facebook

Another rebadged model produced in collaboration with Mitsubishi, the Juara was a microvan based on the Mitsubishi Town Box Wide. Marketed as a lifestyle vehicle, it received a lukewarm reception leading Proton to halt sales in 2004, just three years after its launch.

X70

Launched at the end of 2018, the X70 is a crucial model in Proton’s history as it is the first product to emerge after the merger with Geely, and also the first-ever SUV for Proton. Fair to say that the X70 is single-handedly responsible for restoring customer confidence in the national car manufacturer.

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Here’s a list of the most rebadged cars ever

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REBADGE is a production and marketing technique used by vehicle manufacturers. In terms of language, rebadge means changing the badge. More precisely, a car has its badge/logo replaced with another badge, and is then known by a different name.

There are many reasons for rebadging, such as market factors. If the Perodua brand is not well-received in Indonesia, the car is rebadged with a different brand that is more accepted by the market.

However, the primary reason for rebadging is cost. It saves production costs for a manufacturer from developing a new car. Simply take what is available, use a new badge. The ‘donor’ company then receives payment or incentive from it.

Let’s take a look at the most rebadged vehicles today. But first, there are conditions. Firstly, the vehicle must be sold under a different brand. So for example, if the Subaru Crosstrek and XV are sold under different names in different markets, that is not rebadging.

Secondly, the rebadged car must share a majority of body panels with the original vehicle. There should be no changes to the body design or lights, only the badge is changed.

Daihatsu Rocky

Beginning as the Daihatsu Rocky, this compact SUV was later transformed into the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa. It was then rebadged as the Subaru Rex. Yes, the Perodua Ativa is rebadged from the Daihatsu Rocky.

However, it must be noted that even though only the badge and cosmetics are changed, Perodua was also involved in the development of the Daihatsu Rocky from the beginning.

They have long planned to release different brands for different markets. But to the untrained eye, it still appears as a rebadge, and it meets our two criteria.

Suzuki Swift 1988

This is not the Suzuki Swift we know today, but the 1988 version. It was rebadged as the Geo Metro in the U.S., Chevrolet Sprint and Pontiac Firefly in Canada, Holden Marina in Australia, Maruti Suzuki 1000 in India, and Subaru Justy in Europe.

All in all, there were seven different models.

Opel Kadett C

The Opel Kadett C was based on the T-platform developed by GM. The Opel Kadett was rebadged as the Vauxhall Chevette, Chevrolet Chevette, Buick Opel, and Holden Gemini in Australia.

In Korea, it was rebadged as Saehan before becoming Daewoo, Isuzu Gemini, and finally in Argentina, as the GMC Chevette. In total, there were nine different models.

Isuzu Trooper Second Generation

Finally, the awaited car on this list, the Isuzu Trooper (second generation). Under Isuzu’s partnership with GM, it was sold as the Chevrolet Trooper in South America.

In Europe, it was sold as the Opel Monterey and Vauxhall Monterey. It was later known as the Holden Jackaroo in Australia, Subaru Bighorn, Honda Horizon in Japan, and eventually became the Acura SLX as a more luxurious model.

A Chinese company, Sainjiu, also released the Trooper as a CKD model. In total, there were ten different models, making the Trooper the most rebadged vehicle in history.

NEWS

Renault Grand Koleos debuts in South Korea as the twin of Geely Xingyue L

Renault has announced their first collaboration with Geely through the introduction of the latest hybrid SUV model Grand Koleos, at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

There is no direct relation to the existing Koleos; the 2025 Grand Koleos is a rebranded SUV model based on the Geely Xingyue L.

It is not just a mere rebranding process, as Renault has given a distinct identity to this Grand Koleos model.

 

 

For instance, it features a more futuristic grille design, revamped LED headlight graphics, more angular quarter window design, along with minor changes to the bumpers and tailgate.

The Renault Grand Koleos measures 4,780 mm in length with a wheelbase stretching up to 2,820 mm, the longest in its class.

Moreover, the five-seater layout allows the Grand Koleos to offer a cargo capacity of 633 liters.

 

 

Renault also showcased the premium Esprit Alpine variant featuring blue accents, Alpine badges, 20-inch alloy wheels, complemented by a dark-themed cabin with Alcantara finishes and blue stitching.

All variants come with a setup of three 12.3-inch screens encompassing almost the entire dashboard dimensions.

 

Sharing the same CMA platform with Volvo XC40 and some Geely and Lynk & Co models, the Renault Grand Koleos also offers similar engine options.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with two electric motors and a DHT transmission, producing a total output of 245 hp.

There is also a 2.0-liter turbo engine option with a power of up to 208 hp paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.

The Renault Grand Koleos will go on sale in the Korean market starting this fall.