LAUNCH: Proton Prevé (From RM59,990 to RM72,990 OTR)!

[neohadri]

I am toyota user and love toyotas. But to be fair, I must say that the TRD sportivo is shit and I am dissapointed with it. Not just cosmetics, it does have sportivo suspension setup. But then, we are getting a lot less than what thailand is getting. Their TRD vios got turbo and more goodies. According to my friend, a salesman at toyota, they had initial plans for the TRD engine. But after the gov tax the shit out of us, they found that the price soared way high close to the region fo altis. Therefore it appeals to very little people and they ditched the plan. So actually, i agree it is shit but not caused by toyota themselves. But by the gov. For what? In the end, to protect proton.

Then again, to be fair, all those japanese cars have defects as well and unfortunately, toyota seems to have a lot of them lately. Quality issues. Even some time back in the US, they have probs with Prius sticky pedals. Even some Lexus models. Sigh... But remember, what a lot of people say about proton is not jsut normal issues. But the fact that they took their long sweet time being comfortable and selling us crap quality cars. So it's more like we feel that they took advantage on us rather than quality issues anymore. If it is just quality issues, it can be solved. But when it gets to the heart and it angers people, it is difficult. The whole brand name is ****. Maybe instead of proton, they should just shut it down and rename it electron or neutron .

nah, even proton went bankrupt, gov. will still impose same tax for foreign car, if gov. want to help proton so much they would not impose 75% excise tax & 10% sale tax for proton, our lovely gov. just want our money, that all, i do agree, proton are plague with quality issue, & if proton close shop, less tax payer money will be use to help proton ass whenever they are in trouble,

but, but, for soo long toyota & honda made proton as their scapegoat but after looking at this website Malaysia Automotive Association

it look like ckd'ed cars like vios & civic only been imposed extra 10% extra only compared to proton, and yet these car's price so high here in malaysia, these company been milking malaysian buying their overpriced & underspec cars

 

[fraz006]

nah, even proton went bankrupt, gov. will still impose same tax for foreign car, if gov. want to help proton so much they would not impose 75% excise tax & 10% sale tax for proton, our lovely gov. just want our money, that all, i do agree, proton are plague with quality issue, & if proton close shop, less tax payer money will be use to help proton ass whenever they are in trouble,

but, but, for soo long toyota & honda made proton as their scapegoat but after looking at this website Malaysia Automotive Association

it look like ckd'ed cars like vios & civic only been imposed extra 10% extra only compared to proton, and yet these car's price so high here in malaysia, these company been milking malaysian buying their overpriced & underspec cars

we are lucky enuff not to be like singapore. they got taxed plus other things forgot already the term. kind of permit to own car.

in the end singapore car ownership cost are farking expensive. so, ok what msia.singapore super berkira, to the extend that weekend only car permit also got, thats y sometime u see red plate numbers.

google singapore car ownership cost...most kiasu/poyo country on the planet.

 

[ixeo]

Singapore I think it is acceptable to implement the COE because its a small country... can't have that much cars else the road will end up being a parking lot! lol. but that is steering off topic.

fraz, when you said stance high, what was the impact on driving? did you notice roll on the car or just the high feeling like your in a crossover rather than a sedan?

 

[fraz006]

Singapore I think it is acceptable to implement the COE because its a small country... can't have that much cars else the road will end up being a parking lot! lol. but that is steering off topic.

fraz, when you said stance high, what was the impact on driving? did you notice roll on the car or just the high feeling like your in a crossover rather than a sedan?

stance only give psychological effect. like u scared it will roll like hell. i am used to low stance, coz i am adjustable suspension user.

in reality, its a stable car. roll is minimal and not cause u to sweat.

 

[Veloc]

we are lucky enuff not to be like singapore. they got taxed plus other things forgot already the term. kind of permit to own car.

in the end singapore car ownership cost are farking expensive. so, ok what msia.singapore super berkira, to the extend that weekend only car permit also got, thats y sometime u see red plate numbers.

google singapore car ownership cost...most kiasu/poyo country on the planet.

Why compare to Sg? Why compare to places that are worse? Surely there are places that are worse than msia. But if we want to improve, we must always compare/benchmark against those better such as US, UK. If we keep comparing our car prices to Sg, our fuel prices to Aust, our rotax to Japan, we will just be complacent and not have the drive to improve!

 

[g4i8y0t]

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!

 

[Veloc]

If they offer the manual CFE version, that's syok man..

 

[g4i8y0t]

If they offer the manual CFE version, that's syok man..

That's what I'm thinking about..

 

[fstr]

srsyly, if this topic was about a bugatti veyron assembled by proton dunno if u all wud be so hike up about this issue of proton making a global car LMAO

 

[beatnik]

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!

Went to see the car but didn't get the chance to test drive. The interior looks better in real life. And for the first time, Proton has managed to get the materials right. The plastics are FINE. But the fit and finish are still not up to mark. Closing the glovebox is a bit notchy. Seats are firm and nice. Suspension is set firm - the car hardly moves when I get in and out of the car. Steering looks like import grade.

Throttle lag? probably it's the drive-by-wire thingy. The car is also heavy hence the feeling of slightly underpowered.

Proton should have come out with a car like this 5 years ago. And where is the CFE 6-speed manual?? It's a global car.. mat sallehs love stick shifters!

 

[TimLang]

Those who hating proton preve are Justin Bieber fans...lol.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I managed to test-drive a CFE Preve last Saturday, and here is my opinion:

Exterior:
Looks better in real life. This is maybe because in real life, you are looking at an angle downwards to the car, as opposed to the pictures where you were looking upwards. Some people can say that Proton should have made the car attractive from all angles, but as a Honda fan, I am forced to swallow my pride and say, objectively, that the FD Civic looks flat from the side also, and the rear lights look like a cheap abomination from Altezza.

The Audi-like LED, when viewed during the dusk, is like wow. It makes the silhouette of the car looks menacing enough for people to double-guess and just make way: for a Proton to overtake.

Interior:
The dashboard's design, surprisingly, is not bad also. I can understand the direction: some people like bubbles, Angeline Jolie likes knife.

Colour choice: I've seen worse in Evos, but everybody loves Evos. Just because everybody loves the engine doesn't make the seats less sh*tty.

Seat's headrest reminds me of CRX EG2, which is my favourite. Seat is almost as firm like an BMW E92: which I don't personally prefer: if it's a family car, a 'balik kampung' ride, I want my cushion as thick and slack as performance can allow. Japanese Yakuza-sytle thick or British royal-syle thick, not Scandinavian or German minimalist sh*t. I didn't ask for chrome trims or undercarriage neons. I just appreciate my spine.

But when I stepped out of the car, my head hit the upper door frame. What the f**k. My old EG6 is small but I never hit the door frame ever. Probably the seat height: tall, but the cushion is not thick. So what makes it tall then?

Ride & handling:
Ride is good: you can sit in a BMW F10 and your butt won't be able to tell the difference. Believe me: go sit in a BMW F10, and then find a pothole.

Handling is where this car shines. The car is high, yes, but the handling is still good for such a high car. The only way that this car can get into an accident, like in the viral photo, is that the SA forgot to downshift (maybe he's on the 7th gear hohoho).

Performance:
Performance from standstill is similar to what other people say: sluggish. You need to rev until 2,000rpm before you feel the difference. When the turbo kicks in, hmmm... not bad. I used the S mode, but I feel like the S mode is more suitable for say: auto-cruise touge? Sometimes it holds rev too long. Personally I like to use the paddle shift more: makes me able to choose... when I'm excited. When I'm lazy, S mode or D mode is enough.

Verdict:
A car enthusiast wants a fairly powerful car. If it doesn't have the horsepower, it must have torque. This car has the torque.

A married car enthusiast however, who also happens to works in KL, wants a fairly powerful car that is not a manual, otherwise you go through MRR2 traffic often enough and your knee will become cacat: love your kepala lutut fellas. And, not the traditional auto either. He wants a tiptronic so that he can be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde when he chooses. And his wife can become Mrs. Jekyll when sending the kids to the nursery.

So what turbo torquey tiptronic family car can you buy in the market? Colt? Not a sedan. Legacy? RM50k more... for a used unit. Evo GTA? A bit harsh for the children.

That leaves you with... Preve?

Brand sentiment? We are mature enough to overcome that, don't we?

 

[TitanRev]

In Malaysia, can safely say that majority of the average driver buy a car according to brand only. Toyota and Honda branding is very strong in majority of the people. Trying asking 10 people is Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suzuki good? they sure give you that blank face....The Vios and City is overrated....the underdogs? the Sentra, Latio, Mazda 2

Just my 2 cents...

 

[ixeo]

So what turbo torquey tiptronic family car can you buy in the market? Colt? Not a sedan. Legacy? RM50k more... for a used unit. Evo GTA? A bit harsh for the children.

That leaves you with... Preve?

Brand sentiment? We are mature enough to overcome that, don't we?

Fair assessment of the car.
this point made me ponder, are there any turbocharged CVT cars prior to this Preve? I can't think of any.

 

[xtremeleo]

ixeo, it was the ixora bold iirc

 

[Izso]

In Malaysia, can safely say that majority of the average driver buy a car according to brand only. Toyota and Honda branding is very strong in majority of the people. Trying asking 10 people is Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suzuki good? they sure give you that blank face....The Vios and City is overrated....the underdogs? the Sentra, Latio, Mazda 2

Just my 2 cents...

Erm.. underdog? Perhaps the Latio drives well but looks awful. Sentra 1.6 drives awful. Sentra 1.8 is overpriced. Mazda2 not bad.

But then again this is my own opinion.


As for the Preve, nice review Deaconfrost!

 

[ixeo]

ixeo, it was the ixora bold iirc

ah, yes. I meant, other than Proton doing it. somehow in my mind CVT has not have a good track record with high horsepower/torque usage. and for the life of me I cannot think of any other car manufacturer pairing CVT with turbo -- stock from the factory that is.

izso: I like the new Latio hatch's rear..like it more than the Preve. I really can't swallow Preve's rear end... look like it got rear ended.

of course, looks are subjective.

 

[DeaconFrost]

ah, yes. I meant, other than Proton doing it. somehow in my mind CVT has not have a good track record with high horsepower/torque usage. and for the life of me I cannot think of any other car manufacturer pairing CVT with turbo -- stock from the factory that is.

Colt is CVT.

---------- Post added at 09:00 AM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 08:48 AM ----------

Just when I thought the Preve is ruined by it's Persona platform...

Youngman Lotus T5 - an SUV based on the Gen2 platform. One could think that the Persona/Preve/Gen2 platform has a high back for a purpose - to form the back of an SUV/crossover.

 

[ken yeang]

Looks like there are mixed reviews here. Not surprising actually. Everyone is entitled to his /her own view. useful for those who might want to own this Preve.

Keep the review coming, guys.

 

[Seng_song]

Proton need to keep the run at this pace. Introducing new model in every 5 years to replace the older. So, we can expect much more improvement in next model.

 

[xtremeleo]

seng_song, more interchangeable parts as well please

 

[ixeo]

Colt is CVT.

I did a quick search on the Colt CZT (Turbo+CVT). Haven't come across reports of transmission failure. So I guess to be fair there is yet hope.

 

[TitanRev]

Erm.. underdog? Perhaps the Latio drives well but looks awful. Sentra 1.6 drives awful. Sentra 1.8 is overpriced. Mazda2 not bad.

But then again this is my own opinion.


As for the Preve, nice review Deaconfrost!

If put Latio and Vios together I think will be hard to judge...The Latio Hatch is quite nice actually. Also the Mazda2 is not bad compare to Vios but just the branding is not strong here...

Its like people are all locked inside the Toyota or Honda box.

 

[Izso]

If put Latio and Vios together I think will be hard to judge...The Latio Hatch is quite nice actually. Also the Mazda2 is not bad compare to Vios but just the branding is not strong here...

Its like people are all locked inside the Toyota or Honda box.

Aiya taiko, that's why I pointed out it's my own opinion. I dislike the Latio at any angle with any bodykit. It's just god-awful to look at imho. But drives pretty well this I gotta admit.

Toyota or Honda box... well there's a few reasons for that not including the performance of the cars. Easy accessibility of parts, cheaper parts, maintenance is cheaper, insane resale value, just to name a few. If I had loads of cash in hand I'd get myself a Audi A4T 2008 model and do it up. But that'll probably cost more than buying it 2nd hand.

Anyway we're digressing.



Note : I like the way how the conversation is going on here. This should be the way for all of our conversations! Very little flaming and lots of factual discussion so kudos to all for the highly mature talk!

 

[D7zul]

Included in the standard mix are LED lights, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), active headrests and anti-trap power window (driver's side only), front driver and passenger airbags and possess 4G accessibility. However, YES 4G has been integrated into the Premium Prevé, whereas the Executive allows you to remove the 4G unit for greater mobility.

The Prevé Executive comes with an IAFM+ engine that churns out 107bhp at 5,750rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,000rpm and allows the buyer to choose either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed CVT gearbox which will cost RM59,990 OTR or RM62,990 OTR respectively.

i'm quite scared reading all those electronic controlled thingy..

if 1 chip burns, u won't be able to start ur car..

i also scared to see my lil bro's Hybrid Lexus.. so many electronic things..

but , that's just me