Used Proton For Sale

Country & Base – Malaysia – Shah Alam

Key Models:

• Savvy [city car]
• Satria Neo [supermini]
• GEN-2 [family hatch]

Netcars Need To Know:

That this Malaysian industrial conglomerate works so closely with the Norfolk performance car manufacturer may come as a surprise to many who aren’t clued in, but those with a little more savvy will know that Lotus was swallowed up by Proton way back in 1997. It was a smart move in many ways. Lotus were floundering financially but the brand equity would add significant clout to a Proton badge that was desperate for global credibility.

Whereas previous Proton models have bought in design and engineering expertise from other companies, the GEN-2 family hatch is a proper in-house project with a chassis derived from the Impian saloon. The Impian was one of the better handling compact saloons and the dimensions, when translated to the GEN-2, give it a squatly purposeful, wheel-at-each-corner stance. First arriving in dealers in May September 2004, the GEN-2 received critical acclaim, many commentators observing that this was the car that would punt Proton onto the shortlists of a new cadre of car buyers. Subsequent take up has been good although there is still some residual badge resistance. Proton upgraded the interior trim materials and introduced the option of leather seats in the Spring of 2007. A revised alloy wheel design was also introduced at this time. The GEN-2 Persona saloon version arrived in the spring of 2008.

The Savvy city car is also worth checking out. They're incredibly cheap and resolutely tough. The interior fittings are not of the highest quality and the centre console does look a lot better than it feels. Make sure the car you’re looking at has been serviced on the nose. Other than that, this is one of the least troublesome budget cars you can buy. Those looking for something a little sleeker could do a lot worse than try the Satria Neo. It's a sign that Proton is moving in the right direction. If the big Korean marques can do it, the Malaysians are surely hot on their heels.