Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GLS 5dr Review

For The 1.6 GLS has more kit than the 1.3, with alloys as well as air-conditioning, remote central locking, CD player and electric front windows. The 1.6 is much better than the 1.3.

Against GLS trim misses out on some desirable kit, such as side airbags and the convenience of electric side mirrors and rear electric windows.

What Car? says

1 out of 5 stars

We'd recommend you didn’t buy a Gen-2 in the first place, but if you must have one, don't bother with this one. The lack of some crucial kit puts us off.

What Car? readers say

3.933333

Key facts

0–60mph: 12.6 secs
Top speed: 118 mph
Average mpg: 39.8
Tank range: 438 miles

See all running costs

Features

See all equipment

Size

View the whole Proton GEN-2 Hatchback range

The full Proton GEN-2 review

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
The 1.6 engine gives adequate pace
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Tidy handling and decent ride
Refinement
1 out of 5 stars
Not a quiet place to be
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Cheap, but residuals are poor
Quality & Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Feels cheap and badly put together
Safety & Security
1 out of 5 stars
Only top models have side airbags
Behind The Wheel
1 out of 5 stars
Awkward driving position
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Decent boot; short on headroom
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Respectable kit for the money

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

As a piece of engineering, the Proton Gen-2 doesn't really cut it against its direct small hatch rivals. If you do want one, go for the 1.6 GSX, but only after you have tested the car's rivals.

Ultimately, this is a purchase you justify solely on value for money, something Proton are renowned for. However, it doesn’t stop at the list price. There's a prominent section on the company's website detailing the latest special offers, and these have included things like free leather upholstery and discounts of as much as £2500 on certain models.

To save you the bother of constantly logging on, you can also supply your email address via the website, which will allow the company to keep you up-to-date with all the latest offers.

Reader test team says:

Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GL 5dr

This car gets one star!! In the real world with the average driver it should get three or four.On cost alone we have recently purchased a 2007 1.6 gls…

steven mcdonald

4 out of 5 stars