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

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.

In Malaysia, the Arena is offered in three variants, which features a variety of cargo bed accessories and trims but does not vary mechanically from the export edition:

  • GLSi - Top of the line model featuring a gold accent around the lower half of the vehicle exterior, as well as gold accented bumper at the front and bumperettes at the rear. This model also had "all power options" such as Power Mirrors and Power Windows. Interior was cloth seats.
  • GLi - No power options, and vehicle body was uniform colour.

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 Jumbuck lacks many of the safety features offered in other modern automobiles, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes. The absence of such safety features in an attempt to lower retail pricing is suspected to be one factor for the one-star crash test result.

These rims although shared with size in the Wira, and more common small cars like the Mitusbishi Lancer, they are not generally designed to be loaded with heavy weights, with a load rating of only 560 kg per tyre, and a Gross Vehicle Mass of 1,500 kg, the vehicle is running close to its designed limits on axle group loadings, especially when cornering and roll forces are applied to the vehicle.

The Jumbuck however does carry a spare tyre located under the rear of the load area, in a drop-down cradle that allows ease of access by reaching under the rear passenger step. The vehicle has a full-sized spare tyre, meaning regular highway speeds are viable when the vehicle is operated using the spare tyre.

Marketing

thumb|left|Proton Jumbuck GLi (Australia)

In Malaysia, the Arena was often marketed for both commercial and recreational use.

|-

|2002

|67

|-

|2003

|1,615

|-

|2004

|882

|-

|2005

|369

|-

|2006

|148

|-

|2007

|276

|-

|2008

|173

|-

|2009

|284

|-

|2010

|288

|-

|2011

|56

|-

|2012

|1

|}

References

  • Proton Holdings Berhad
  • Road Vehicle Description Sheet - 28741-491604 - Proton Ute 07/08/2002
  • Road Vehicle Description Sheet - 28741-508977 - Proton Jumbuck 20/11/2002
  • Road Vehicle Description Sheet - 28741-685150 - Proton Jumbuck 30/06/2006
  • Road Vehicle Description Sheet - 28741-685150 - Proton Ute 30/06/2006