- Willing 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Comfortable ride and competent dynamics
- Spacious interior
- Cheap retail prices
- BLM S16 lacks safety equipment (including ABS); three star ANCAP rating
- Poor standard of interior fit and finish
Review: Proton BLM S16 (2009-12)
Overview
Released in December 2009, the Proton BLM S16 was a light, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Malaysia, the Proton S16 was initially offered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder CamPro petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. In April 2010, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 1.3-litre G variant and, in July 2010, by a range-topping GXR variant which was also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The S16 was 4257 mm long, 1680 mm wide, 1502 mm tall and had a 2465 mm long wheelbase. The front suspension for the S16 consisted of MacPherson strut with coil springs, gas dampers and an anti-roll bar; at the rear, the S16 had a torsion beam rear axle and anti-roll bar.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1.3-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 2010-12 | 70 kW at 6000 rpm | 120 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| GX | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto | 2010-12 | 82 kW at 6500 rpm | 148 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 5sp man. | 2009-12 | ||||
| GXR | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
2010-12 | 82 kW at 6500 rpm | 148 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the S16 was limited to a driver’s airbag, though GXR variants were also fitted with a front passenger airbag and a driver’s seatbelt pretensioner.
The S16 was fitted with 236 mm front brake discs and 180 mm rear drum brakes.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , S16 GXR variants were awarded a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 19.96 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a high risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
Features
Standard features for the S16 included a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power front windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, an alarm and immobiliser.
Automatic GX variants produced from April 2010 and the GXR variants were further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, front fog lights and power mirrors; the GXR also featured rear power windows.
Review: Proton BLM S16 FLX (2012-13)
Overview
Released in June 2012, the BLM S16 FLX was powered by an upgraded 1.6-litre Campro engine that was available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) supplied by Punch Powertrain or a five-speed Getrag manual transmission.
Visually, the S16 FLX could be identified by its new grille, front headlights and bumpers; there were new seat fabrics, door trim and instrument graphics. The suspension was also revised with stiffer shock absorbers and a thicker front anti-roll bar.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX, GXR |
1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., CVT |
80 kW at 5750 rpm | 150 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard equipment for the S16 FLX included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard features for the S16 GX included 14-inch alloy wheels, four speaker Clario sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), air conditioning, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power front windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
The S16 GXR was further equipped with leather seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear power windows, instrument illumination control and a rear spoiler.
Brochure
Related links
