Proton S16 Car Review
04-November-2010
- Vital Stats
-
$11,990 - $15,990
-
-
-
-
Uneaded
-
-
-
Big enough
-
5
-
Proton’s a brand I’ve never thought too much about. I don’t mean this in a negative way, it’s just that the brand hasn’t been on my radar for one reason or another. Until now, that is.
Bringing it to my attention is the new Proton S16, a well-priced sedan that’s not only aesthetically pleasing, it’s surprisingly spacious and, in a no-fuss kind of way, gets you from go to whoa, no sweat.
Starting from $11,990, the S16 is great for a first car buyer, a single girl on a budget or a small family or couple on a tight budget. Standard goodies include an AM/FM/CD audio system, power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser, an alarm and a driver’s SRS airbag.
The Scoop
Did you know Proton is actually owned and made by the same people who make Lotus? Yes, that’s THE Lotus so to own a Proton could be the closest you come to driving one of the hottest sports cars around (or at least that’s what you can tell your friends).
The drive
My first push on the accelerator pedal gave me an indication that I only need the lightest touch to see some serious traction in the Proton S16. Screaming out of my car space and leaving tyre marks, it took me a while to get used the oomph-factor along with the very responsive brakes, however, eventually I got a handle on it and actually discovered my inner race car driver.
The S16 car purrs like a panther. Yes, the engine is audible yet in a comforting kind of way – like, you know you’re alive and you’re going places. I like driving a manual and hearing my gears change so I found the S16 quite fun to drive in a race-car capacity (or maybe I’m riding too much on the Lotus connection? Dream on I say!).
Inside, the car is surprisingly roomy. Although most suited to a single, I did pack my 2 kids and hubby in for a road trip up to Blueys Beach on the weekend and found we all fit in quite neatly. Driving on the highway was hairy at times with the Proton S16 feeling a little on the light side however, again, for the money, you can’t expect a first class ticket all the way.
Two notable exclusions for me were windscreen wipers on the rear window as it was raining for the duration of the test drive, along with reverse parking sensors which I have gotten well used to and lazily reliant on of late (*with the exclusion of the GX auto which comes standard with reverse sensors). Having said that, the standard S16 is so well-priced, one can’t expect all the bells and whistles for such a low price. The up-side of this of course is that should you wish to make these additions, they’re available and I would definitely suggest you upgrade on the standard stereo system in the S16 should you be a fan of car-karaoke at the lights like me!
Safety
The Proton S16 comes equipped with a driver's SRS airbag, a driver's seatbelt pre-tensioner, front seat headrests, rear seat headrests and a high-mount stop lamp at the rear.Price S16G from $11,990 drive away S16GX from $12,990 / $14,990 drive away GXR from $14,990 / $15,990 drive away.
3 words to describe this car
Fun, fast, furious.
Number of Cup Holders?
Five.
What are the best things about this car?
The design, the seats were super comfy, the booty is fabulously large and the fuel consumption (or lack thereof!) is seriously excellent. The Proton S16 also comes with 24 hour Roadside Assist and a 3-year factory warranty.
What are the downsides of this car?
None for me - I love the simple life so I really liked this car.
What kind of petrol did this car use?
Unleaded and not much of it – 6.3L/100km.
Liked it?
Yes. The Proton S16 has heaps of spunk and saves me cash. What’s not to like?
If personified, who would this car be?
Layne Beachley – it’s very sporty, not overtly feminine, has heart and performs brilliantly less the BS and ego…
Soundtrack of choice for the Proton S16?
Birds of Tokyo and loud!
