First (Non Driving) Impressions of the Proton Prevé 1.6 CFE

So, what do I think about the Proton Prevé ? Preve is another word that means 'proof'. But 'Preve' is not spelt with a 'é' and actually sounds 'preef' instead of 'pree-vay'. Is it a way to spice things up? Make a plastic crystal into a diamond? Make a loaf of bread into black forrest cake? It could actually be Proton trying a little too hard as the Prevé, let's just call it the Preve as it means the same thing and I don't have to type that 'é' over and over again, is actually a car that they have put their hopes and dreams into.

So, what do I think about the Proton Prevé ? I think that the Preve or Proof isn't a poof of a car. In terms of its styling my first impressions are as follows:

The Proton Preve looks like:

• a Proton Persona that has grown up a little and went to polishing school and gym; and/or
• a Kia Forte that had slimmed down sideways and lost that character kink just under the front headlights; and/or
• a Honda City that had gained some extra width yet lost the 'Transformers' front end but kept the lights and wing-type front end.

And then the car could actually be Proton's replacement for the Proton Waja. This is something I cannot fathom as it looks more like a Persona replacement in terms of shape and size with the exception that it is now priced like the Waja (for the base CPS model). Of course, the only variant that is on sale at the launch is the 1.6 turbocharged Preve at RM72,000.00.

What this would do is actually cannibalize sales from the slightly cheaper Persona High-line (approx RM59K) and sales from the slightly more expensive Proton Inspira 1.8P (manual and auto – which is why there are rumours that Proton may discontinue the 1.8 Inspira in a few months time). It would also (try its very best to) steal sales from those that want a Toyota Vios J or even the Kia Forte. It could, as it is specced like the Kia and not as sparse as the really crummy and crappy Vios J. Or even Vios G.

But this actually does not answer the question on why didn't Proton just replace the Persona with this car for the sake of economics of scale. It would be wise to streamline its production and therefore product line to save costs and maximise profits. Proton somehow confuses me sometimes. I could go on and on and give you theories and ideas on why Proton seems to like killing their own car sales (as most people who buys the Toyota Vios has already made up their mind of not buying a Proton even if someone dropped a grenade down their pants).

At RM72,000 it is slightly expensive for a Proton. But it does have everything but the kitchen sink – paddle shifts, 7 speed CVT, turbocharging, start-stop button, touch screen GPS multi-media double DIN unit, an airbag 'off' switch for the passenger seat (so you can put a child seat there without the danger of the airbag destroying the child seated up-front), a large boot, teh-tarik/utility hooks front and rear (I counted four in total) and basically everything a Malaysian would want in a car. Except for pedigree of course. And Malaysians like something with a brand or a proper name, which is why for some a RM72K small sized sedan made by Proton is slightly hard to swallow.

Quality of the interior is actually quite good, the air vents are surprisingly good to the touch and feels slightly premium in nature. The leather wrapped steering wheel and other controls like the signal stalks and door handles feel good. Soft touch plastic is used on the top of the dash but when you reach the lower reaches of the car, the glovebox and coin holder feels flimsy. The coin holder especially so. I sat in three units and all seemed to have a coin box that wobbles left to right when open. This makes it feel cheap actually. It looks like Proton has done what most budget car manufacturers do – keep everything that most will look and see feeling good to touch and look at but not those below the belt. Oh, with the exception of the touch screen multimedia system. The touch screen seems to work fine, but some of the buttons feel cheap to the touch. No tactile feel here.

The ergonomics seem pretty sound too. No more rubbish driving position like the Waja and improved on the Persona which inherited an incredibly low driving position from the Gen2 (albeit made slightly better). The front armrest is also at the correct height for one to use. The only drawback is that thee front seats aren't body hugging. There is a lack of lateral support. Even for a big guy like me. I have to say that it is good that Proton did not use leather here as one could be sliding around in the front seats if it were leather. I believe the seats are made slightly big so that the Preve could cater to the larger sized people. As this is Proton's 'world car', it has to fit almost everyone and it isn't a sports car mind you. It would get the job done, but don't expect it to be a sports car even though it has a turbocharged engine as it has to cater to a wide range of people and not just pedal to the metal motorheads. And the rear seats are good too, the fold down armrest at the rear has cupholders and you actually like putting your arm there too.

I haven't driven the darn thing yet but I know that one journalist telling a friend don't buy it. I also know another one who said 'buy it'. It depends on what you want in a car. If you want some pedigree, you may have to look elsewhere. If you want a competent car, you could buy this. It could handle extremely well and it could be very fast for its category and price, but I cannot tell you at this moment as I haven't had the chance to drive it yet. I will, but not yet.

I however have to say that I have no doubt that the Preve will handle and ride well. Proton's offering has always had entertaining handling and decent ride but no one actually gives two hoots about it. I have said earlier that the normal Malaysian public does not actually care about the 'Handling By Lotus' badge. Most may think that Lotus is a curry house that sells banana leaf rice in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Normal non-enthusiasts usually want their cars to have some pedigree (status, badge etc), space to carry their family members, a boot for durians and 'ikan masin' and enough power to irritate other road users by hogging the overtaking lane on the North-South highway.

So there you have it, the Proton Preve. Proof that Proton can come up with something decent. Occasionally. So will a RM72K Proton that is actually quite competent be good enough to bring in the sales it needs? I have no idea. I will have to drive it to come up with a verdict. Stay tuned folks.