Gen2
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hahahhahaha :lol: APOJ car..ehehehhee :lol:
CAMERON McGAVIN finds the new Proton Gen 2 is not up to scratch.
Proton Gen 2 M-Line
For: Attractive price, refreshingly styled, good ride and handling, big boot.
Against: Awful quality, gutless and noisy engine, average refinement, unsupportive seats, dubious space and comfort for taller drivers, limited cabin storage.
Score: 1 star (out of 5)
It's hard to believe but Proton has been around now for about a decade in Australia. Despite packing in a longer innings than other Johnny-come-lately brands, however, the Malaysian manufacturer is still struggling to make its presence felt on the sales charts.
And to be honest, things have gone backwards. In the 1990s Proton carved out a worthy foothold with its unremarkable but honest range of Mitsubishi-derived models. But the company's first in-house effort, the Waja, upset the apple cart.
Misguidedly pitched (and priced) as a premium small car - Malaysia's answer to BMW was the pitch - it was too ordinary to justify such fanfare. Buyers gave it a wide berth, forcing Proton to reassess its strategy.
The company's latest in-house job, the Gen 2, runs much closer to the time-honoured formula championed by other developing brands. Size-wise it's a small car but is priced towards the light-car end of the market. Kia's Cerato, Hyundai's Elantra and Japanese cheapies such as Nissan's Pulsar and Toyota's Corolla are obvious rivals. The Gen 2's 1.6-litre four-cylinder, though, is smaller and less powerful than the class norm.
Three Gen 2s are on offer, each as blandly titled as the other. The range kicks off at $17,990 for the base L-line, and with air-conditioning, twin airbags, remote central locking, trip computer, power windows, power mirrors and a CD player, it is respectably well equipped. The $19,500 M-line tested here adds anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels and, on auto versions, cruise control. The H-line brings climate control to the air-con, side airbags, parking sensors and a rear spoiler for $20,990.
So the Gen 2 meets on-paper expectations and looks attractive enough, too.
The real test, however, will be how it performs off the showroom floor - but going by our test car, the signs aren't good.
Quality these days is generally of such an acceptable standard that it's judged more on the richness of materials and tight assembly than noticeable flaws. But our Gen 2's list of sore points would test anyone who had shelled out 20 grand. The front passenger's exterior door handle was stiff and required a good yank to operate, cabin trim was misaligned in places - particularly where the centre console meets the dash down near the floor - and scrappily finished, and the material on the driver's seat was sagged and pitted. An annoying intermittent squeak from the clutch pedal and various buzzes and rattles rammed home the unpleasant feel.
Even if you ignore the Gen 2 cabin's flimsy feel and fittings and average storage (the ledges under the dash are handy, though), it has some significant practical shortcomings. The front seats are flat, unsupportive and uncomfortable, the driving position is awkward and space is limited for tall drivers, particularly with regard to leg room and steering-wheel adjustment.
It's a pity because the circular style throughout is refreshingly different (though the two-tone brown combo won't please everyone) and the room in the back seat and boot are competitive in the market segment.
Not so the 82 kW 1.6-litre "Campro" engine, which despite preferring premium unleaded lacks power at low revs and needs to be extended for urgent performance - but the annoying noise and harshness above 3500 rpm discourages such use. The standard five-speed manual shift isn't slick or quick but its stout feel is pleasing enough.
The Proton's performance so far is all the more disappointing in light of the impressive Lotus-tuned road manners. The Gen 2 steers faithfully into corners, rolls moderately and grips well enough, although it's so-so in the wet.
The Gen 2 is not without its merits, but in the cold, hard light of day it is too poorly executed to use any of its strengths. And in a market full of thoroughly professional and capable alternatives, there's no way we can recommend it with a clear conscience.
Nuts 'n' bolts
Proton Gen 2 M-Line
How much? $19,500 (man) or $21,500 (auto), plus options and on-road costs.
Insurance: Premium $798(RACV wholly owned, driver 40-plus, rating one, medium-risk suburb, $450 excess).
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km.
Engine: 1.6-litre, double overhead cam, 16-valve four. 82 kW at 6000 rpm and 148 Nm at 4000 rpm.
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive.
Steering: Rack and pinion, 2.5 turns lock to lock. Turning circle 10.2 m.
Brakes: Ventilated discs (f); discs ®, ABS.
Suspension: Independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabiliser bar (f); Independent by multi-links, coil springs and stabiliser bar ®.
Wheels/Tyres: Alloy, 15 x 6.5-inch. Tyres 195/55. Space-saver spare.
How big?
Length 4310 mm
Width 1725 mm
Height 1435 mm
Wheelbase 2600 mm.
How heavy? 1185 kg.
How thirsty? 7.1 L/100 km, premium unleaded.
Fuel tank: 50 litres.
Equipment: Airbags - yes, two (twin front); traction control - no; air-conditioning - yes; cruise control - no; trip computer - yes; power windows - yes; sound system - radio, CD player; security - immobiliser; cup holders - yes, one.
Competitors
Hyundai Elantra
3 stars
Kia Cerato
3 stars
Nissan Pulsar ST
3 stars
Toyota Corolla Ascent
3 stars
CAMERON McGAVIN finds the new Proton Gen 2 is not up to scratch.
Proton Gen 2 M-Line
For: Attractive price, refreshingly styled, good ride and handling, big boot.
Against: Awful quality, gutless and noisy engine, average refinement, unsupportive seats, dubious space and comfort for taller drivers, limited cabin storage.
Score: 1 star (out of 5)
It's hard to believe but Proton has been around now for about a decade in Australia. Despite packing in a longer innings than other Johnny-come-lately brands, however, the Malaysian manufacturer is still struggling to make its presence felt on the sales charts.
And to be honest, things have gone backwards. In the 1990s Proton carved out a worthy foothold with its unremarkable but honest range of Mitsubishi-derived models. But the company's first in-house effort, the Waja, upset the apple cart.
Misguidedly pitched (and priced) as a premium small car - Malaysia's answer to BMW was the pitch - it was too ordinary to justify such fanfare. Buyers gave it a wide berth, forcing Proton to reassess its strategy.
The company's latest in-house job, the Gen 2, runs much closer to the time-honoured formula championed by other developing brands. Size-wise it's a small car but is priced towards the light-car end of the market. Kia's Cerato, Hyundai's Elantra and Japanese cheapies such as Nissan's Pulsar and Toyota's Corolla are obvious rivals. The Gen 2's 1.6-litre four-cylinder, though, is smaller and less powerful than the class norm.
Three Gen 2s are on offer, each as blandly titled as the other. The range kicks off at $17,990 for the base L-line, and with air-conditioning, twin airbags, remote central locking, trip computer, power windows, power mirrors and a CD player, it is respectably well equipped. The $19,500 M-line tested here adds anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels and, on auto versions, cruise control. The H-line brings climate control to the air-con, side airbags, parking sensors and a rear spoiler for $20,990.
So the Gen 2 meets on-paper expectations and looks attractive enough, too.
The real test, however, will be how it performs off the showroom floor - but going by our test car, the signs aren't good.
Quality these days is generally of such an acceptable standard that it's judged more on the richness of materials and tight assembly than noticeable flaws. But our Gen 2's list of sore points would test anyone who had shelled out 20 grand. The front passenger's exterior door handle was stiff and required a good yank to operate, cabin trim was misaligned in places - particularly where the centre console meets the dash down near the floor - and scrappily finished, and the material on the driver's seat was sagged and pitted. An annoying intermittent squeak from the clutch pedal and various buzzes and rattles rammed home the unpleasant feel.
Even if you ignore the Gen 2 cabin's flimsy feel and fittings and average storage (the ledges under the dash are handy, though), it has some significant practical shortcomings. The front seats are flat, unsupportive and uncomfortable, the driving position is awkward and space is limited for tall drivers, particularly with regard to leg room and steering-wheel adjustment.
It's a pity because the circular style throughout is refreshingly different (though the two-tone brown combo won't please everyone) and the room in the back seat and boot are competitive in the market segment.
Not so the 82 kW 1.6-litre "Campro" engine, which despite preferring premium unleaded lacks power at low revs and needs to be extended for urgent performance - but the annoying noise and harshness above 3500 rpm discourages such use. The standard five-speed manual shift isn't slick or quick but its stout feel is pleasing enough.
The Proton's performance so far is all the more disappointing in light of the impressive Lotus-tuned road manners. The Gen 2 steers faithfully into corners, rolls moderately and grips well enough, although it's so-so in the wet.
The Gen 2 is not without its merits, but in the cold, hard light of day it is too poorly executed to use any of its strengths. And in a market full of thoroughly professional and capable alternatives, there's no way we can recommend it with a clear conscience.
Nuts 'n' bolts
Proton Gen 2 M-Line
How much? $19,500 (man) or $21,500 (auto), plus options and on-road costs.
Insurance: Premium $798(RACV wholly owned, driver 40-plus, rating one, medium-risk suburb, $450 excess).
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km.
Engine: 1.6-litre, double overhead cam, 16-valve four. 82 kW at 6000 rpm and 148 Nm at 4000 rpm.
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive.
Steering: Rack and pinion, 2.5 turns lock to lock. Turning circle 10.2 m.
Brakes: Ventilated discs (f); discs ®, ABS.
Suspension: Independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabiliser bar (f); Independent by multi-links, coil springs and stabiliser bar ®.
Wheels/Tyres: Alloy, 15 x 6.5-inch. Tyres 195/55. Space-saver spare.
How big?
Length 4310 mm
Width 1725 mm
Height 1435 mm
Wheelbase 2600 mm.
How heavy? 1185 kg.
How thirsty? 7.1 L/100 km, premium unleaded.
Fuel tank: 50 litres.
Equipment: Airbags - yes, two (twin front); traction control - no; air-conditioning - yes; cruise control - no; trip computer - yes; power windows - yes; sound system - radio, CD player; security - immobiliser; cup holders - yes, one.
Competitors
Hyundai Elantra
3 stars
Kia Cerato
3 stars
Nissan Pulsar ST
3 stars
Toyota Corolla Ascent
3 stars
only 1 star out of 5 :( :( :( :(
should put a reference here:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/01/10/1105582683001.html?oneclick=true (avoid from Plagiarism, copy right ;) ;)
COME ON PROTON, WAKE UP...!!! Revolution Needed...!!!
should put a reference here:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/01/10/1105582683001.html?oneclick=true (avoid from Plagiarism, copy right ;) ;)
COME ON PROTON, WAKE UP...!!! Revolution Needed...!!!
why support Proton ler....... ;)
Proton hav Mys Gov support & protect, so they lansi & dun wanna update ;)
lousy car/www.zerotohundred.com/forums/uploads/post-15-1107138837.gif[/img]
Proton hav Mys Gov support & protect, so they lansi & dun wanna update ;)
lousy car/www.zerotohundred.com/forums/uploads/post-15-1107138837.gif[/img]
A few quotes which I think sum up what a joke Proton is.
How long has Proton been around in Malaysia? And I'd add, How long will the government keep protecting Proton? How much longer will Proton continue to squeeze Malaysian wallets?
Oh I wonder why? How long have the Koreans been around?
Not surprising, considering the quality of the latest in house jobs like the Waja and Gen 2 and the whiny Cam"tak"Pro engine.
How long has Proton been around in Malaysia? And I'd add, How long will the government keep protecting Proton? How much longer will Proton continue to squeeze Malaysian wallets?
Oh I wonder why? How long have the Koreans been around?
Not surprising, considering the quality of the latest in house jobs like the Waja and Gen 2 and the whiny Cam"tak"Pro engine.
Sekarang you baru tau ah? The only reason why Proton is making money is because of Malaysians buying their cars as "cheaper" alternatives.Originally posted by acbc@Jan 31 2005, 10:35
WTF!?!?
How come the export models has more safety features than the local version and also cheaper?
Proton is scamming us, the consumers!
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY!
Yes, they have been robbing Malaysian in broad daylight for a long time already
If you wanna cheap local new car, Perodua is OK/Fair. At least they have relatively good quality.
PROTON SUX BIG TIME
My dad owns a 1984 BMW E28 for a really long time already. He say "sayang" mau jual.... All 4 power windows are still working!!! Some Wajas, 1 week power window kong!!!
If you wanna cheap local new car, Perodua is OK/Fair. At least they have relatively good quality.
PROTON SUX BIG TIME
My dad owns a 1984 BMW E28 for a really long time already. He say "sayang" mau jual.... All 4 power windows are still working!!! Some Wajas, 1 week power window kong!!!
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malaysian cars were never liked by australian, dunno why.
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Hey!...They knew M'sians are Immortal human being mah!?!Originally posted by acbc@Jan 31 2005, 10:35
WTF!?!?
How come the export models has more safety features than the local version and also cheaper?
Proton is scamming us, the consumers!
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY!
....soOo no need to install so much of saFety features in their
local prOductions...
No suprised if 1 daY those 1.3 model doesn't came up with
a safety belT feature as well.....a hahah :lol:
In chinese they say's "Mm Sook Mm Thong"...that means..
"the closes the easier to be cheated"!
sigh we can merely afford others car model from japs or conti....even we can afford but to mantain it is another problem...tats y we willingly let them rob us.....between really not fair those exported model have such nice accessories...
Here's the rundown on why I hate Proton.
1) Shit overall quality.
2) Shit service.
3) Jackass tax structure which makes them more "affordable" compared to foreign cars.
4) Sold in other countries for less.
5) Sold in other countries better equiped.
Bravo Proton! Now I know how to do business. Sell shit products with less extras for a higher price to your own ppl. Sell shit products with a lot more extras for a lower price to others.
1) Shit overall quality.
2) Shit service.
3) Jackass tax structure which makes them more "affordable" compared to foreign cars.
4) Sold in other countries for less.
5) Sold in other countries better equiped.
Bravo Proton! Now I know how to do business. Sell shit products with less extras for a higher price to your own ppl. Sell shit products with a lot more extras for a lower price to others.
If there is no Proton, we will be driving Mitsubishi cars at cheaper price (since the G'ment has no industry to protect) :D
Same goes for other cars... no more converted local cars (Wira, Satria, Putra, Saga & Iswara)! :P
It will be like Singapore minus the COE.
Same goes for other cars... no more converted local cars (Wira, Satria, Putra, Saga & Iswara)! :P
It will be like Singapore minus the COE.
y must set up proton la???
c hong kong no local cars so nice... everywhere can c nice cars...
"ori" mitsubishi is all around...
c hong kong no local cars so nice... everywhere can c nice cars...
"ori" mitsubishi is all around...
Proton established since 1985, The ''Most" Champion cars are WAJA and recent GEN 2... Yeah, you are the ''best ever'' MAS quality product, Keep going Proton, Keep PROTECTING Your PROTON, because you are still a young "20" year old infant...
WTF, use 20 years R&D to score 1 out 5? Totally cant acceptable...!!! , You see how people build their hyundai, Holden etc. ATLEAST better than you...!!!
Some more IMPOSE higher tax on those imported car, WHAT for? BECAUSE, It lies to the consumer, PROTON still very "cheap" ma...
Yeah, your statement is, ''Proton still need protection, because there are not enough strong to compete in the market ''... GOOD, Proton BOLEH...!!
WTF, use 20 years R&D to score 1 out 5? Totally cant acceptable...!!!
, You see how people build their hyundai, Holden etc. ATLEAST better than you...!!! Some more IMPOSE higher tax on those imported car, WHAT for? BECAUSE, It lies to the consumer, PROTON still very "cheap" ma...
Yeah, your statement is, ''Proton still need protection, because there are not enough strong to compete in the market ''... GOOD, Proton BOLEH...!!
proton....sigh~ wat a sad thing...never liked gen 2 anyway, from the 1st sight even, bad exterior and interior...especially the rims...YUCK
Don't Buy any new proton.... let them "gulung tikar"
.... short term, "sakit laa" for certain people, but its better off for the entire nation in the long run....
.... short term, "sakit laa" for certain people, but its better off for the entire nation in the long run....
its not that malaysian cars are not like by the aussies.. its just that the car is priced similarly to other brands like toyota, and honda..etc. if you lived in australia, and you compare the interior build quality of the 3 brands, which would you buy?
anyways.. in ref to that article. "But our Gen 2's list of sore points would test anyone who had shelled out 20 grand. The front passenger's exterior door handle was stiff and required a good yank to operate"
funny thing is, i've sat in 3 different gen2's in KL, and they all have the same problem above, its probably a manufacturing jig problem. so all the cars come out with the same fault.. but somehow, never gets caught by QC.. hmmm..
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