The refreshed 2018 Proton Preve has quietly appeared on Proton’s official website, as spotted by reader Dylan Ch’ng. This means that the updated C-segment sedan will either be launched soon or has already gone on sale, as was the case with the also-updated Exora MPV last year.

Available in just two variants, the new Preve will be priced at RM 64,730 for the 1.6 Executive CVT and RM 72,510 for the 1.6 Premium CVT – increases of RM4,120 and RM1,193 respectively. All prices are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a five-year/150,000 km warranty.

Both models will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, paired to a CVT with a simulated seven-speed mode. Unfortunately for those of you who’d like to row your own gears, the naturally-aspirated manual variant has been dropped for the new model year.

According to an internal presentation that was leaked earlier in the year, the new Preve will also come with a litany of tweaks to reduce the car’s noise vibration and harshness. New engine and transmission mountings, pillar fillings and carpeting have been installed to improve refinement, and there have also been changes to eliminate wind noise and air-conditioner hissing.

Other changes include more compliant tyres for the 16-inch wheel option, a new gearknob garnish, improved radio reception and new fishnet-type floor mats. The new Preve is also expected to feature powertrain updates introduced on the Iriz and Exora last year, including a remapped engine control unit (ECU) and transmission control unit (TCU) for a quicker, more linear response, as well as a quieter exhaust system.

Visually, changes are expected to be limited to colour and trim, as seen on prototypes in earlier spyshots. There will be a blacked-out grille and bootlid garnish, along with new three-dimensional Proton badging. The Premium model also receives a black roof and wing mirrors for a two-tone finish as seen on the latest Iriz, as well as new 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Standard kit includes projector halogen headlights with follow-me-home lighting, front and rear fog lights, a driver’s side auto up/down window with anti-pinch and a standard radio/CD head unit with Bluetooth, USB and AUX-in connectivity. As before, all models get six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, active front headrests and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors.

The Premium model piles on the kit, equipped with LED daytime running lights, push-button start (still no keyless entry, however), single-zone automatic climate control, a touchscreen navigation system, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, auto-folding wing mirrors, paddle shifters and tinted windows.

Buyers can choose from five colours, including the new Ruby Red, Carnelian Brown and Graphite Grey, as well as Sterling Silver and Cotton White.