Item: Used Proton Impian Saloon 2001 - 2008
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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Saloon

<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

IMPIAN

<p>The Proton Impian is well equipped and adequate to drive, but the lacklustre engine makes progress very slow</p>


Used Proton Impian Saloon 2001 - 2008

<p>A used Impian will be pretty cheap to run. Repairs won't cost a bomb because parts are usually cheap. The 1.6-litre engine returns 42mpg, which is slightly more than the Impian's two closest competitors, the Renault Laguna 1.6 and Ford Mondeo 1.6.</p>

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The Proton Impian is well equipped and adequate to drive, but the lacklustre engine makes progress very slow

<p>On the used market, you've got the choice of just one engine - a 102bhp 1.6-litre petrol - and two trim levels, GLS and GSX. All models have air-con, all-round electric windows, a CD player and powered door mirrors. The range-topping GSX adds a six-CD changer and leather seats.</p>

<p>As for safety kit, all models have twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control.</p>

<p>The only option buyers may want to look out for is a four-speed automatic gearbox, but there aren't that many used examples about. And, if you can find one, expect to pay a small premium.</p>

<p>We'd opt for the manual, though, because it's a nice, neat 'box with a positive action and makes the most of the engine's lethargic performance.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></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>Proton has tried hard to give the Impian's cabin a classy European feel, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. While the design is modern, many of the materials are hard and shiny to the touch, while the overall feel isn't as solid as the best examples in this class.</p>

<p>So, when you're looking over used cars, watch out for flimsy trim, and for worn plastics and switchgear on high-mileage models.</p>

<p>The Mitsubishi engine, though, is well proven, and if serviced correctly, should give no cause for concern. Although Warranty Direct doesn't list the Impian on its reliability survey, we haven't heard of any major mechanical problems with the car. Not that you need to really worry anyway, thanks to the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.</p>

<p>The Impian's main reliability hiccoughs, although few and far between, seem to be with the electrics. The immobiliser is the main culprit, particularly on the higher-spec GSX models.</p>

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<p>The Proton Impian is certainly worth considering if you're after cheap family transport.</p>

<p>For a start, it's loaded with kit. And, because Proton owns <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lotus">Lotus</a>, the British sports car maker has worked on the ride and handling, so the Impian is agile and supple, with good body control and little lean.</p>

<p>There's just one engine - a 102bhp 1.6-litre petrol from Mitsubishi. At 42mpg on the combined cycle, it's frugal, but it struggles to keep up with most traffic and is too noisy when revved.</p>

<p>Things don't get any better inside. The trim feels cheap, and the ergonomics are poorly thought out. There's no reach adjustment for the wheel, and the driver's seat is short on support.</p>

<p>However, on the positive side, the Impian can carry five adults in reasonable comfort over long distances. The boot is a good size, too, and the rear seat splits and folds.</p>

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Used Proton Impian Saloon 2001 - 2008 review

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Used Proton Impian Saloon 2001 - 2008 review

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