Item: Used Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 2004 - 2007
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">When Proton sold cars in the UK, it highlighted their low-cost, no-nonsense appeal. Sadly for them, neither What Car?’s testers nor many buyers were won over – but that does mean that those now found on the used market can be exceptionally cheap to both buy and run.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Buyers are most likely investigating one of a trio of different-sized hatchbacks (the Satria, Neo or Savvy) or two saloons: the even more oddly named Impian and Wira.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights beyond the low asking prices include the fact that the cars were often generously equipped compared with rivals, in a bid to woo buyers, and sometimes comparatively spacious too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While used cars for sale now will be out of warranty, Proton offered generous cover on its cars when they were new, suggesting that it was confident they would last. Anecdotal evidence supports this claim, although not enough owners have responded to the annual What Car? Reliability Survey for us to offer a verified view.</p>


PROTON

GEN-2

<p>The Proton Gen-2 handles well, but too many faults in other areas to be recommended</p>


Used Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 2004 - 2007

<p>When it was new, the Gen-2 could be bought for very little money and in the time it has taken to reach the used market it has got an awful lot cheaper - chronic depreciation means low prices.</p>

<p>Servicing costs are not particularly cheap, though. This is due in part to the Gen-2's relatively short maintenance intervals. It needs a major service every year, or 9000 miles, whichever comes first, whereas rivals like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/chevrolet/lacetti/estate/used-review/n275">Chevrolet Lacetti</a> can run to 10,000 miles and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a> 12,500. So, over three years, the Gen-2 will work out more expensive to service than the Ford or the Chevrolet.</p>

<p>Fuel economy, at 40.4mpg for the 1.3 and 39.3mpg for the 1.6 is reasonable.</p>

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The Proton Gen-2 handles well, but too many faults in other areas to be recommended

<p>There's a choice of two engines and two trim levels, but we don't rate the 1.3-litre petrol unit much. It has 74bhp and 80lb ft of pulling power, which is okay when you're driving it on your own, but not great with a full load of passengers on board.</p>

<p>The 1.3-litre car is available in basic GLS trim only, but that comes with more equipment than you might think. Air-con, remote central locking, alloy wheels and a CD player are all standard fit, as are twin airbags and anti-lock brakes. On top of that, the 1.6 GSX adds side airbags.</p>

<p>Although it could hardly be described as rapid, we recommend the 110bhp 1.6. It provides reasonable response right through the rev range. Along with enhanced safety and climate control, rear electric windows are also fitted to GSX cars, plus there is a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

<p>Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.</p>

<p>The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;</p>

Family

<p>Arguably the best thing to look out for is someone selling a higher mileage, yet infinitely better Ford Focus. However, if you do find a privately sold Gen-2 in good condition at a very low price, then it's worth giving it a thorough check over.</p>

<p>Pay particular attention to the state of the cabin. Build quality was disappointing on these cars from day one and many of the controls have an insubstantial, flimsy feel to them and may not go the distance. Electrical components such as air-con and window motors also need checking.</p>

<p>Check the transmission, looking out for a jerky or reluctant gearchange with the automatic gearbox. And, ensure the manual five-speed unit allows you to engage all gears smoothly and that there's no evidence of the clutch slipping.</p>

<p>Also check on the Vehicle and Operator Safety website at www.vosa.gov.uk as the Gen-2 was recalled to have a battery harness problem rectified. If the car you're looking at was involved, check it had the work done.</p>

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<p>The Proton Gen-2 is a five-door hatchback designed to compete in the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf class. And, to its credit, it looks smart and handles quite well. Proton owns Lotus and got the sports car company to develop a sharp, yet subtle-handling chassis for the Gen-2.</p>

<p>The trouble is, Proton could do with help in a lot of other areas, too. Engine noise plagues the Gen-2's cabin, and it doesn't seem to matter how gently you apply the throttle. Road and wind noise are also only too obvious.</p>

<p>Inside, although both the driver's seat and the steering column are height-adjustable, it's still hard to find a good driving position. There's reasonable room up front, but space is poor in the back.</p>

<p>The Gen-2 gets a good-sized boot, but doesn't have a glovebox. And, while the cabin looks smart enough, the build quality and levels of safety equipment are poor.</p>

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Used Proton GEN-2 Hatchback 2004 - 2007 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Proton GEN-2 hatchback?