USED Proton GEN-2 Hatchback (04 - )

My car

Like Stan Wilde, I am totally overawed by the Gen-2.

We retired a short while ago, and decided to buy a smaller car, as our only car, we looked around and did our sums and homework, and the local Proton dealer, was both friendly and helpful (Skoda, take note!, gave me the best trade in for my Mercedes than any other dealer.

I took delivery at the beginning of September, and I can honestly say that the Gen-2 handles beautifully, it is very quiet at speed, and the automatic gearbox is a delight. The complaints about the interior being tacky, do not measure up in my estimation, I have the "new interior" specification, black and beige, it looks absolutely superb, and with the leather interior it really is the DB. The price was absolutely superb, for and equivalent Ford Focus I would have had to pay 4 to 5 thousand more. I came across the following web site for a totally unbiased review of the Gen-2, so if you are at all even considering, have a look at this site .... it will change your mind... http://www.thisismotorsplatform.co.uk/newportal/cars/reviews/SearchResults.aspx?VehicleType=New&ManufacturerId=38&Fish4SiteId=nortiessx&ManufacturerIndex=60&PageIndex=0

The other thing that convinced me to go for Proton was the second hand price of a Mercedes ... I saw a Mercedes Turbo Diesel with an 03 Plate for £13,995, so the depreciation over two years was about £15,000, one thing for sure my Proton won't depreciate by £15,000!

My car

This is my first Proton, what attracted me was the amount of kit you get for the money. Mine is the 1.3 GLS model, which on reflection was not best choice as the 1.3 lacks any real go at anything below 4,000rpm, once going though it pulls well and is very capable of breaking speed limits.

Don't switch on the aircon though as it drags performance down too much! I echo the comments about the quality of the interior trim, i've got to say the cheap and tacky plastic is not great, the beige interior components are not all a matching shade and jars the eye. The door armrests are particularly hard on the elbows. saying that though it is comfortable and a pleasant ride. It also has a decent stereo.

Running costs are reasonable although I think it could do better. What impressed me most was the dealer back-up. Very good, I had a couple of minor warranty issues which were dealt with very quickly with no fuss, and the fact that you get six years warranty on engine and drive-train and three years free servicing, who else offers that? All in all, not a world beater but it is good value for money and worth considering.

My car

Now there, my star rateing stuffs all the others doesn't it ???

Why ? Because the Gen-2 is a superb motor vehicle in ALL respects.

I am an ex police driver, motor trader & mechanic. I have over 40 years of driving experience, so I am well qualified to judge whether a car is good of bad. Why do so many miss-informed people degrade PROTON cars ? This is my third PROTON.Now do you really think that I would have had three if they were as bad as some people say ? No of course not, there are plenty of other vehicles to choose from....And I chose a PROTON Gen-2 ! LOTUS designed engine, ride & handling. They don't rust, they don't break (French & italian car owners please note !) The seats are very comfortable, even on a three hour non stop journey ! The equipment is good. My GSX has climate control, 10 disc CD changer, leather seats etc. Just as you would expect from a quality car. Just because the price is reasonable doesn't mean that it's rubbish.

Take no notice of all the unfair reports they are NOT true !

PROTON own LOTUS so they have a large stake in the UK motor industry, unlike some more popular manufacturers ! Go on try one, you WILL be impressed !

My car

i like this car..its practical and for me..its the better wise choice for city car..the equpitmen is standard as other world class company car like toyota nissan and others..so..dont waist your money to buy the import car... PROTON GEN.2 1.6..IS AWESOME..from PROTON..OF COURSE