I just wanna share my experience test driving the newest Proton a few days ago. The only available test drive unit was the CFE version.
After filling in the form, I took the key (not really a key but a kind of tiny plastic box/immobilizer) from the pretty sales advisor , put it in the slot, press the brake pedal, and push the start button. From standstill, throttle response was dull, meaning there's very little response in the first few mm of pedal travel. I really don't like this, but I guess some people just don't bother with it. Once picking up speed, throttle response improved a bit, but I still felt that it could be improved. There's no feeling of underpower once the engine speed rises above 2000rpm. Tried the sports mode. The RPM went up by 1000 while still maintaining the current speed. Throttle response was not significantly better. When I mash the trottle, the acceleration can be felt. I believe Proton's claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.6s is easily achievable. Then I tried the 7-speed manual mode. Shifting speed was okay, but it's not immediate. Acceptable for a CVT I think.
In the ride and handling department, I can say that Preve is a level above it's competitors like Persona, Waja, Forte or City. I dunno about Inspira since I never drove one. The ride comfort is almost similar to Civic but the handling is much better. Suspension is firm and the rebound is fast like continental cars setup but not harsh over small stones and yellow lines. Body roll is well retained during cornering. Thumbs up! :top:
NVH levels are very good at low and medium speeds. However, I couldn't manage to drive it above 110km/h, so I dunno about its NVH levels above that speed.
Design wise, it looked quite good (to me) especially in white. Much better in real compared to photos.
Interior: Quite okay. The quality of plastic used is almost the same level as Forte. Interior design is average but ergonomics is really good. My left leg can rest in comfortable position and didn't fight for space with centre console. Seat height is adjustable. The steering is small but precise and nice to hold. Steering feel is just okay, it's light but I can still get some feedback from it, but not that much. Steering ratio is quick and I like this.
The only thing that bothered me was the sluggish throttle response. I hope Proton do something about this. Other than that, thumbs up to Proton!
After filling in the form, I took the key (not really a key but a kind of tiny plastic box/immobilizer) from the pretty sales advisor , put it in the slot, press the brake pedal, and push the start button. From standstill, throttle response was dull, meaning there's very little response in the first few mm of pedal travel. I really don't like this, but I guess some people just don't bother with it. Once picking up speed, throttle response improved a bit, but I still felt that it could be improved. There's no feeling of underpower once the engine speed rises above 2000rpm. Tried the sports mode. The RPM went up by 1000 while still maintaining the current speed. Throttle response was not significantly better. When I mash the trottle, the acceleration can be felt. I believe Proton's claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.6s is easily achievable. Then I tried the 7-speed manual mode. Shifting speed was okay, but it's not immediate. Acceptable for a CVT I think.
In the ride and handling department, I can say that Preve is a level above it's competitors like Persona, Waja, Forte or City. I dunno about Inspira since I never drove one. The ride comfort is almost similar to Civic but the handling is much better. Suspension is firm and the rebound is fast like continental cars setup but not harsh over small stones and yellow lines. Body roll is well retained during cornering. Thumbs up! :top:
NVH levels are very good at low and medium speeds. However, I couldn't manage to drive it above 110km/h, so I dunno about its NVH levels above that speed.
Design wise, it looked quite good (to me) especially in white. Much better in real compared to photos.
Interior: Quite okay. The quality of plastic used is almost the same level as Forte. Interior design is average but ergonomics is really good. My left leg can rest in comfortable position and didn't fight for space with centre console. Seat height is adjustable. The steering is small but precise and nice to hold. Steering feel is just okay, it's light but I can still get some feedback from it, but not that much. Steering ratio is quick and I like this.
The only thing that bothered me was the sluggish throttle response. I hope Proton do something about this. Other than that, thumbs up to Proton!