Proton GEN-2 Long TermTest : STYLE ON A BUDGET

Expert Rating:

Does Protons GEN-2 really have what it takes to interest budget-minded family hatchback buyers looking for something a little bit different, yet limited to a budget? Weve added one to our long term test fleet to find out.

What would a family hatchback designed by Lotus be like? Thanks to Proton, we dont have to wonder about that question. In the GEN2, the Norfolk company has helped to create a surprisingly innovative approach to the business of creating a budget-sized everyday motoring model.

We decided to put this car to the test as part of our long term test programme over a three month period in which it would be subjected both to the rigours of everyday family motoring and would clock up plenty of business miles too. In many ways, Proton has set themselves a huge task with this car. It is, after all, not too difficult to design a cutting edge family hatchback if there are no particular pricing constraints upon it when the car comes to market. Having to do so when the car must sell at or below the £10,000 mark is of course much more difficult.

At first glance, the Proton/Lotus combination looks good. Is there a better looking family hatch out there? Were not sure that there is. The storys not quite as rosy once you step inside, though three things have to be said here. First of all, the tight budget has to show somewhere.

Secondly, the cabin is a great deal improved since the most recent package of improvements for introduced to this car early in 2007. And thirdly, to a certain extent, the avant garde design of the interior makes up for the slightly low rent feel of some of the plastics. We liked, for example, the GEN-2s trademark seats with their integrated head restraints. They look unusual but theyre good to use, as are vertically stacked air-conditioning knobs on the centre console with their fetching metallic finish.

The latest models feature darker plastic for the dash and door trim inserts and buyers have the option of specifying leather for the seats. The steering wheel is massively more sporting looking than the apologetic tillers seen in most cars of the Protons ilk as is the instrument panel with its twin cowled binnacle and metallic look to the dials themselves. Everywhere you look, there are neat design touches, from the unorthodox handbrake grip to the semi-circular door pulls. Plastics quality still marks the GEN-2 out as a budget offering but theres little else to give the game away.

"What it all boils down to is that youre getting a family hatchback-sized car for less than supermini money"

The exterior detailing shows a number of well-judged contemporary features from the sculpted headlamp units to the bold design of the hatch and the coupe-like window line. This sporty styling does have a knock-on effect inside where headroom is an issue for tall passengers in the back seat but otherwise, interior space is adequate with the split-folding rear seats lowering to reveal a 850-litre luggage capacity. Our test car has been the range-topping 1.6 GSX with leather trim and almost everything on it but even this car is only £10,995, a figure you can probably reduce still further with some judicious haggling with your local dealer.

Lets put this into perspective: to get this kind of specification on an equivalently sized Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus, youd need to pay between £16,000 and £18,000. What it all boils down to is that youre getting a family hatchback-sized car for less than supermini money. Weve been using our GEN-2 for quite long journeys in its time with us. Ten years ago or even five years ago you simply wouldnt have considered using this class of car for anything other than a trip of under 100 miles not if you had any choice about it anyway.

Things have changed. This Proton is well equipped to soften the hard edges of long distance motorway travel. In our GSX model, you get power-assisted steering, electric windows, remote central locking and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors. In addition to this, it also comes with climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

On the outside, the 1.6 GSX is distinguished by a tailgate spoiler and body coloured door mirrors and door handles. Proton has covered all angles of safety and security with four airbags, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) for maximum stability under heavy braking. Choose the automatic version and enjoy cruise control as standard.

Climate control with pollen filters and electric rear windows are standard and for the winter, Proton has added electrically adjustable door mirrors with a defogger. The result of all the extra interior equipment is a relaxed, comfortable quality ambience - a cocoon of tranquillity for the bothered family man and an ideal environment in which to undertake a trip of a few hundred miles or more. Performance-wise, the cars most regular user June Neary reports that the 1.6-litre petrol engine is "a real pleasure to punt around. Its smooth and quiet but when you stir it up theres genuine bite to the acceleration. I understand that 0-60mph in 12.6 seconds is the official performance figure but powering out of a corner up a Peak District hillside, the flexibility of the powerplant makes it feel considerably quicker than that.

" Our experience to date proves that this Proton can function both as a family runabout and a more than capable long distance cruiser if need be. Its also actually very capable in the twisty stuff for a car of its kind. Potential GEN-2 buyers will be pleased to know that their car can cut it on cross-country B roads but theres no doubt that on tarmac, the motorways, urban streets and A-roads are its preferred habitat. Effortless performance and a quality ride all help here but surprisingly, one of the biggest draws of all for Proton GEN-2 customers may well be the fuel economy.

In our hands, the car has managed nearly 40mpg. Thats very impressive for a spacious 1.6-litre family hatch being driven reasonably hard. Overall then, here is a Malaysian contender with the capacity to surprise jaded family hatchback buyers limited to a budget, yet looking for something just that little bit different.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Proton GEN-2 1.6 GSX
PRICE: £10,995 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 7
CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 12.6s / Max Speed 118mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 39.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin Airbags / reversing sensors
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 4310/1725/1435mm