https://soundcloud.com/db_drivenmedia/road-test-proton-preve-a-cheap-car
The Proton Preve (pronounced pre-vay) is a small/medium sized sedan. Their optimistically named Suprima is the hatch back version.
The Preve has not been selling well. So far this year in Australia they have sold just 100 cars. The leader in this class is the Mazda3 which has sold 12,117. So the Mazda is outselling its Malaysian rival by over 120 to one. The Suprima is selling less, but that’s another story.
It’s a critical period for Proton. In 2012 they moved from being a Government-Linked Company, to a private entity following its takeover by DRB-HICOM
Proton is putting a lot of faith in the Preve. It represented the start of a range of new cars they are releasing onto the market.
It looks good on the outside and the features look good on paper.
But how does it stack up, let’s find out from Brent Davison from the Newcastle Herald and the Illawarra Mercury.
• Comes with the full gamut of after purchase enticements
• 5 years Capped Price servicing,
• 5 years warranty,
• 5 years free roadside assist and
• 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
Engine is only just adequate.
Handling, they say, has been worked over by Lotus (who they own) but it is not class leading.
Good space inside and in the boot.
• It’s got a lot of features
• Bluetooth phone and audio,
• USB and auxiliary jack,
• phone and audio controls on the steering wheel,
• reverse parking sensors,
• fog-lights and 16-inch alloy wheels
• Follow me home lights
It is cheap – I mean low priced – $15,490 drive away – GXR – $22,990 drive away
A five speed manual transmission or a six speed CVT
