PROTON GEN-2 HATCHBACK REVIEW

For The Gen-2 is smartly styled inside and out and, thanks to Lotus’s input, it rides and handles well. Prices undercut those of mainstream rivals by a hefty margin

Against The cabin is marred by abysmal quality, an awkward driving position and a shortage of rear headroom. Engine refinement is poor and residual values are weak

What Car? says

1 out of 5 stars

Cheap to buy, fairly well equipped and with fine handling, but the Gen-2 is too lacking in quality and refinement to recommend

Reader review rating

3.933333

The Proton GEN-2 Hatchback full review Read in full

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

Or view…

There are 5 Proton GEN-2 versions available

Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.3 GLS 5dr	£9,195	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GLS 5dr	£10,195	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GLS ecoLogic 5dr	£10,195	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GSX 5dr	£11,195	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GSX ecoLogic 5dr	£11,195	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5

Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GSX 5dr

In all honesty, we'd recommend you didn’t buy a Gen-2 in the first place, but if you must have one, this is the model to have.

What Car? says:1 stars out of 5

Read review

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

As a piece of engineering, the 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.