For The Proton 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
Cheap to buy, fairly well equipped and with fine handling, but the Proton Gen-2 is too lacking in quality and refinement to recommend
What Car? readers say
3.933333
There are 3 Proton GEN-2 versions available
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…
4
out of 5 stars
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GSX SE 5dr
I did own a Proton Compact as my first car, drove it 2 years all day, long distances, and never had any problems with it. Then as I got 21 I bought…
5
out of 5 stars
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GL 5dr
I have been driving a variety of cars, ranging from sports cars to full-sized passenger coaches, for 40 years. I have owned Toyota Celicas and Mazda…
4
out of 5 stars
Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 1.6 GSX 5dr
Why is this car getting just a one star rating in magazines? I bought this car initially on price - it was cracking value. The bagful of warranties…
5
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
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.
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