Proton Preve - first global proton model

Proton recently launched their new Preve model which was suppose to be a big step up from the previous models they developed. At the launch there were 3 models on offer, the basic 1.6 manual, 1.6 CVT and the first ever 1.6 Turbo. This created a lot of excited with the local media and a lot of claims were made by Proton on the big improvements made in the development of this car. Proton being Proton, they have never really focused much on quality or technological innovation. In their history of manufacturing cars, they have thus far developed only a handful of models on their own. All other models were rebadged Mitsubishis or Citreons. Having little experience in developing their own models Proton had to rely heavily on their subsidiary Lotus which had far more engineering and design capabilities despite producing far few models of cars than Proton.
Proton went on a big marketing campaign to promote the Preve and even spent a lot of money on teasers. At the launch Proton received good number of orders amounting to 4,000 bookings of which 70% went to the new 1.6 Turbo model which was naturally the premium model of the 3.

The real verdict of the car was still yet to be known as no journalist at that time had ever driven the car or seen the actual car in the flesh. Since then the car has started to hit the streets and several journalists managed to test drive the car. Journalists in Malaysia are usually discouraged from saying bad things or giving bad reviews about Proton cars which is a real travesty to the motoring publication industry. I always believe that the readers should always be given a chance to read the real news. Anyway, Proton openly allowed the public to test drive the Preve at all their showrooms across the country hoping to impress upon the potential buyer the numerous improvements made.

I for one have always been critical about Proton cars maybe because I have been annoyed with the poor quality cars they have produced and how they survive in Malaysia purely because of Malaysian government protection.

Here is my take on the car itself. In terms of visual appeal the car does look decent from the outside and the proportions are good and properly balanced. From all angles the car look quite good. However with the interior it looks like it was designed by a 5 years old child with a ruler. It has no character, very bland and looks very cheap and tacky. The worst part is the instrument cluster. It looked like it was taken out from a parts bin that was left behind 20 years ago. I understand the point about sharing parts but this looks so cheap and ugly!

The car's ride and handling is good because of Lotus' input on suspension design. It can be said that it is European like ride. This is definitely a plus point however this alone will not sell a lot of cars in an open market. Performance wise, no one should expect much from the basic 1.6 litre engine. The 1.6 litre engine is the same as the engine used in the Persona model which was weak and lacked torque. The engine had to be thrashed hard to extract any real useable power. With the CVT models the car seemed smooth but the car's engine just didn't have enough power. The premium 1.6 Turbo model promised a lot but as expected it was far below my expectations. In comparison to the closest 1.6 turbo engine rival which is the Peugeot 308 turbo, the Preve fell very short in terms of power, torque and overall performance. The Preve's 1.6 Turbo being matched with a CVT was just wrong. The CVT may be smooth and economical but it just felt weird. The gear shift paddles at the steering seemed dumb at times and the gear box just didn't know what to do.
CVT gearboxes are not known for their durability and I won't be surprised if it starts to have problems a few years into ownership.

Proton promised a lot, boasted a lot about the Preve but it just failed to impress. If a new car buyer had RM72,000 to spend on a car I would suggest they buy a Toyota Vios. At least you know the car is reliable, easy to get parts and has good residual value.