Proton Gen 2 Car Review
08-November-2011
- Vital Stats
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$15,990 - $21,990
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Unleaded
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Average
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2
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The scoop
Proton’s Gen-2 is a compact yet chunky-looking five-door hatchback that comes in three trim levels: G, GX and GXR (for those who like a bit of leather). At first glance, it reminds you of the car your grandma drives. But is it really nan’s kind of ride? Read on.
Style & drive
Proton’s Gen-2 is mechanically similar in a lot of ways with its cousin the Savvy. It has good handling and precision (again, thanks to Lotus who developed the suspension) but the engine – 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for an extra $2000 – is unrefined and noisy and, at 1.6L, it’s hardly powerful enough for the hatchback. Then there’s Proton’s plastic fetish; both the Savvy and Gen-2’s interiors are victim to it.
Speaking of interiors, the front seats are particularly unsupportive and uncomfortable while the ones in the rear are a little squashy. The cabin design is all over the place and full of second-rate trims. One positive is that the boot is surprisingly spacious for the light-car segment.
Unfortunately, Gen-2’s secure-grip tyres aren’t enough to save the car from feeling rocky on uneven road. The stiff wheel doesn’t help either.
All three models come standard with air conditioning, power windows, keyless boot entry, reverse parking sensors and cruise control. What the GX has over the G is a four-speaker audio system and alloy wheels, while the GXR trumps the GX with its leather trims.
Safety
As you go up the Gen-2 range, you get more standard safety features added on. For the G, it’s only dual airbags, for the GX it’s anti-lock brakes and for the GXR its side airbags and parking sensors. Electronics Stability Control is missing from the entire range.
Eco
Proton Gen-2 chugs 7.1 – 7.9 litres per 100 km but this is premium unleaded so beware.
3 words to describe this car
Unrefined, awkward, uncool.
What are the best things about this car?
The handling.
What are the downsides of this car?
Engine noise and uncomfortable interior.
What kind of petrol does it use?
Premium unleaded.
Liked it?
It’s average to say the least!
If personified, who would this car be?
Alf Stewart from Home and Away.
Soundtrack of choice for this car?
Garth Brooks.
