Proton GEN-2 RANGE
Its Probably Fair To Say That
Proton Arent World Renowned For The Cutting Edge Modernity Of Their Cars. The GEN2 Model Aims To Change That Perception. Andy Enright Reports
What does Proton mean to you? If youre not too clued in on all things automotive, youll probably think lowest common denominator motoring. Those a little better informed will know that this is a marque going places. The days of reheated
Mitsubishi relics are long gone. With the assistance of
Lotus, Proton have developed a hatch that looks set to conquer the budget end of the market.
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Say hello to the GEN-2.
Whereas previous
Proton models have bought in design and engineering expertise from other companies, the GEN-2 is a proper in-house project that must rely on domestic success. The chassis is shared with the Impian saloon car and thats a good start. The Impian is one of the better handling compact saloons and the dimensions, when translated to the GEN-2, give it a squatly purposeful, wheel at each corner stance. 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.
Although the GEN-2 will doubtless sell on the basis of its looks and value proposition, a great deal of attention has been paid to how the car drives. Proton now own 100 per cent of
Lotus and they want a return on that investment. Quick witted steering and an alert feel are Lotus trademarks and the GEN-2 isnt found wanting in this department. Factor in a chassis that corners without a great deal of understeer or body roll and you have a setup which will be more than adequate for most of the target market.
The more demanding minority may well find themselves wishing for a little more engine so good is the ride and handling. The ride is firm without lapsing into harshness and float over longer undulations is well suppressed.
"Protons ownership of Norfolk-based sportscar maker Lotus has realised a number of benefits"
There are only two petrol engines available at the moment - of 1.3 and 1.6-litres in size - and neither are bad units. The 1.
6-litre 110bhp CAMPRO unit has been developed in collaboration with Lotus and develops reasonable torque in the mid and upper ranges but youll need to resort to the gearbox to make progress in the lower gears. Fortunately this isnt too much of a hardship as the standard manual gearbox is a slick system. The 1.6-litre GEN-2 will cover the sprint to 60mph from rest in 12.
6 seconds and run on to a top speed of 118mph. A combined fuel consumption figure of 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of just 169g/km are both extremely competitive. The cabin is a bit of a treat if youre used to acres of dull grey and boring details.
Its styled by you guessed it the Lotus Design Studio and features a set of vertical air-conditioning knobs on the centre console support and a nice metallic finish that together really are a cut above the class standard in terms of aesthetics. The steering wheel is also 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. Equipment levels are competitive across the three trim levels as is pricing.
The 1.3-litre comes only in mid-range GLS guise and costs £8,795. As for the 1.6-litre models, the GL opens at £8,995 with the GLS retailing at £9,595 and the range-topping GSX pitched at £10,595.
Automatic gearboxes tack another £800 onto these prices but unless youre using your GEN-2 for the dullest of urban commutes, we wouldnt bother. All models get twin airbags while the GSX gets side airbags, a tailgate spoiler and body coloured door mirrors and door handles and (in automatic form) cruise control. All models also get air conditioning, an adjustable steering column, electric front windows, power steering, a CD stereo, reverse parking sensors and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. One grouse is that anti lock brakes arent featured across the range with only the top GSX model getting ABS as standard.
Work that one out. Overall, a much better effort from the Malaysian marque which should encourage more potential customers to head for their dealers. Upon reaching said showrooms, those potential buyers should be favourably impressed and not just by the car. A recent national dealer survey saw Protons dealers rated as second only to
Lexus for helpfulness, which shows how the network has been pulling its socks up in recent times.
As for the GEN-2, well its priced at around £4,500 less than an equivalent
Ford Focus and it isnt £4,500 less of a car. Not by a long shot. Which really says all that needs to be said.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Proton GEN-2 range
PRICES: £8,795-£10,595 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 7
CO2 EMISSIONS: 169-192g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.6] 0-60mph 12.6s / Max Speed 118mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6] (combined) 39.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin Airbags / reversing sensors
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 4310/1725/1435mm
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