Proton Reviews

For Proton to be competitive the price needs to be $14,990 instead of the list $16,990 which is only a grand short of a Nissan Tiida.You can argue that it comes with more year than a Tiida until you're blue, but in the end most people would rather buy a Japanese designed car.THE GOOD:Built in Malaysia. Sedan version of the Satria hathback. 1.6-litre four cylinder Campro engine produces 82kW of power and 148Nm of torque from 4000rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 6.6 litres/100km (we were getting 7.3). Handles okay thanks to input from Lotus which is owned by Proton. A long equipment list includes two airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, temperature controlled air, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking with boot release and 15 inch alloy wheels with Goodyear rubber. Asymmetric layout of centre instrument console shows some artistic flair. Bonuses include a biggish boot, trip computer and rear parking sensors.THE BAD:Comes out of a modern factory but the finish is not as good as competitors. Especially noticeable inside the boot where exposed speaker wiring could easily be damaged. Ticks all the right boxes but lacks even a hint of excitement. Boxing above its weight in terms of the engine department. Misses out on the cam profiling promised by the engine name. Performance okay but suffers from a lack of torque. Doesn't get going until you have at least 3500rpm on the dial. Takes pricier 95 RON premium unleaded too with no apparent gains. Steering wheel is rough on the hands. MP3 compatible CD sound with a handy 12 volt outlet but no AUX input for iPods. Only a space saver spare.THE DECISION:It's time Proton acknowledged its position in the market place and started to price its cars accordingly. How can it hope to sell more than a sprinkling of cars if it is not competitive? 

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton has pitched its new Persona at the budget end of the small-car market. At $16,990 for the four-door, five-speed manual Persona sedan, it is the cheapest in the segment, based on the superseded Gen.2 platform but slightly larger.A Persona hatch will arrive later this year, but the five-seater sedan arrives in one specification level for now.A second model is coming mid-2009, thought to be bringing with it stability control and additional airbags above the sedan's two front airbags.A four-speed auto adds $2000 and an after-market cruise control is coming and will cost $700 plus fitting.Proton has packed the car with a healthy list of creature features, including power windows and mirrors, 15in alloys, trip computer, Blaupunkt audio with controls on the steering wheel, reverse sensors and fog lamps. Under the bonnet is Proton's 1.6-litre four-cylinder CamPro petrol engine with claimed fuel economy of 6.6 litres/100km for the manual and 6.7 litres/100km for the auto, with emission figures of 157g/km (manual) and 160g/km (auto). But the engine is no dynamo, with 82kW of power and just 148Nm of torque available only at high revs.Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says the company is targeting young families, first-car buyers and retirees: “People who are looking more to running costs than power,” he says. “We believe we have the right compromise between power and fuel economy.”Mr Startari says Australia has been allocated only 600 Personas this year because of unexpected demand in Malaysia and limited production. Cynics rightly suggested that the Proton Persona launch drive from the top of Mt Hotham down to Melbourne might mask the engine's lack of power.Peak power is 82kW, which is respectable in this class and by no means the weakest, but it's at 6000rpm with the rev limit only a few cycles above. More importantly, peak torque of 148Nm only comes on at 4000rpm.In the real world where you will have to work the gearbox for even meagre results, the economy will blow out. On the launch drive, my Persona used fuel at a rate of 9.3 litres/100km.While the engine requires revs, it doesn't feel coarse when the tacho needle heads for the red line. The chassis, suspension and steering are capable of handling much more grunt.There is little body roll or pitch and the ride is compliant.There is a substantial amount of wind noise in the cabin, especially around the wing mirrors.The cabin is generally stylish and modern, and the interior fit and quality are good.

Proton is jumping on the popular light-car segment in Australia by reintroducing the Satria after a two-year absence. The Satria (which means warrior), joins Proton's other small cars, the Saavy and Gen-2. While the new model may not exactly be up to Braveheart "warrior" standard, it is up to the benchmark of other cars in its class.The Satria Neo, as it is now called, is available in two specification levels: the GX, starting at $18,990 and the GXR at $20,990, both drive-away prices. That's dearer than the likes of Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz but Proton is pitching the Satria further up the ladder, against the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.The three-door hatch features a revised and redeveloped 1.6-litre, four-cylinder CamPro engine, with 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Don't expect a thrilling ride, but for a car priced under $20,000, it's not bad, either. This is only the third car the Malaysian brand has fully developed using its own engineering and design team, as well as drawing on the expertise of connected brand, Lotus.The Satria Neo is attractive. It incorporates its own design mixed with some familiar elements from other small cars. Proton claims a European influence in the styling.Both models have a similar exterior, but for an extra $2000 for the GXR, you feel a bit short changed. You want something that advertises your superior status, apart from the rear spoiler. Alloy wheels are the only other physical difference, although even these aren't very different in design.The exhaust, on the other hand, is a real stand-out, with the single-mounted chrome tail pipe located smack bang in the middle of the Satria's posterior.On the inside, it feels a bit small, especially in the back seats. It has one of the tiniest gloveboxes so you can forget about storing accessories (although, I guess, it would fit a pair of gloves). Further storage is a stretch, with only cup holders in the middle and no real area to store wallets or mobile phones.The layout of the centre console is simple, but it seems to work. Proton claims it has gone with the Lotus minimalist concept on the interior. The airconditioning is basic and, in the GX model, struggles on a typical Australian summer day.The boot continues the minimal storage theme, and a relatively low roof means reduced interior space. So no, it's not a great car for a tall person.In terms of handling and ride comfort, the Satria is impressive for a small car. This is largely because of its Lotus DNA. It wears a small badge on the back advertising this.The new Proton boasts an entirely new, stronger platform and is an evolution from the previous best-selling Satria GTi, the performance model.On the road, the Satria Neo grips well and takes corners at faster speeds soundly.The five-speed manual transmission is smooth with a high gear ratio.Both specifications are also available in a four-speed auto for an extra $1000, which has been improved with smoother shifting and a more even power distribution.Taking into account the type of car this is, its performance is certainly reasonable. But you do notice it's just missing that extra bit of life to make it a truly enjoyable ride. The car hits peak power at 6000rpm, which takes a while to get to, especially on slight inclines.There's a fair bit of road noise, especially on the entry-level model GX, with the inferior tyres. The Continental SportContact-2 tyres on the GXR are slightly better.The Satria also uses new materials to reduce noise levels in the cabin.The equipment list is impressive, with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, airconditioning, electric windows, power steering, rear sensors and a CD player all standard.The GXR adds a rear spoiler, front integrated fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as cruise control on the auto only.It has a claimed 7.2-litres per 100km for the manual, 7.6-litres for the auto, although our test on winding roads, mixed with some quiet town driving, saw a reading of 8.6-litres per 100km, and 8.2-litres on the return highway, combined city trip. That extra power may not be far off, with a new GTi model a possibility for the near future. Proton is forecasting 600 sales for the year.While Satria Neo has given off a decent first impression, although a little pricey, only time will tell if this Malaysian trouper has the durability and tenacity of a real warrior.

For a long time, Proton's best-selling model was an aged, two-tone bargain ute named after a sheep — the Jumbuck. But this year, the Malaysian manufacturer has sharpened both its form and its design in order to be competitive, with two new models that look more Lotus than jolly Jumbuck.Proton has come ahead in leaps and bounds in the past few years, bringing Lotus into the fold and doing away with the bulbous, conservative school of design that still afflicts some Asian marques.The Savvy is one such point-proving model. Released earlier this year, it holds the title of the most affordable five-door hatch on the market — no mean feat, considering the current push towards small and economical. But this is where Savvy shows its street smarts.The Savvy is on the anorexic side of light, with a kerb weight of just 965kg. This allows for a milk-bottle engine to power the car — an 1149cc four is all that beats under the bonnet.It puts out just 55kW at 5500rpm, and 105Nm. That won't blow anyone away at the lights, and revs are needed off the line with a load, but the engine works particularly well around town, matched to a concise, open-gated five-speed manual.The clutch is a little sensitive at first, and the pedals too high for this driver, but ergonomics are otherwise comfortable.Proton has sold out of its consignment of automatics, with the $1000 clutchless manual overwhelmingly popular.Naturally, the Savvy's a winner at the bowser. With a claimed 5.7 litres of premium unleaded per 100km in both manual and auto guise (and just 0.2 litres more on test), it's not far behind the hybrid Toyota Prius in real-world driving.The engine is loud and tyre roar is rampant at speed, but the Savvy makes up for that in corners. It takes turns like a little Lotus cousin should.The steering rack is quicker than expected, and communication through the wheel and tyres is superb, thanks to 15-inch alloy wheels and well-tuned suspension.In fact, the worst thing about the car is probably the tyres, which are fairly average in the dry and horrendous in the wet, provoking wheelspin (from a one-litre engine!) and serious understeer on a slick road.It also has a space-saver spare. But tyres can be replaced, and the Savvy comes standard with ABS/EBD, which is more than some of its similarly poorly shod hatch competitors.Even with four full doors and five seats, the Savvy is tiny — just 3.7m long — but a 1.65m width makes the cabin roomy for front passengers.Squeezing into the tiniest spaces is almost guaranteed, as the Savvy comes standard with reverse parking sensors.You miss out on electrically adjustable side mirrors, but the cabin is so compact that it's no effort to adjust the passenger-side reflector.The real squeeze is for rear passengers: the seat is a little too compact for three people, and a flat, unsupportive foam filler and a lap-only centre seat belt render the skinny centre position almost useless.Although there's no external boot release, cargo space is substantial. And up front, where most of the action is, driver and passenger are well looked after.Some cheaper cabin plastics are compensated for with little luxuries like standard climate-control aircon, and visibility is excellent, particularly with the cut-away design of the door.For a $13,990 car, the Savvy was more than a little surprising. Stick a new set of tyres on, and you have a practical, well-specced five-door hatch with more standard features than some cars $5000 dearer.Brand confidence, questionable cabin plastics and resale values will continue to be a burden on Proton in the near future but, like some of the Korean marques, it is stepping further ahead in the quest to be competitive.The Satria, the nameplate that put Proton on the map, is making a comeback and should join the Savvy in this new-look, Lotus-influenced family by year's end.The makeover is producing more than just pretty faces.

A friend bought a new car last week. That's not unusual, but the car she chose is not one you might expect. It is a Proton Savvy — red with the automated manual gearbox. The Malaysian baby car was not on her shopping list at first, then she read about it and had committed within a week.Why? Because the price is right, because it looks good and because she thought it was fun to drive. She could have gone for a Holden Barina or a Hyundai Getz or any of the other baby cars in the $15,000 price range, but decided the Savvy felt more substantial and more sporty at the wheel.That is good news for Proton, which believes it builds cars that drive to a slightly different beat. It has launched a new-model drive led by the GEN-2 hatchback and now the Savvy, with a new Satria coupe just on the road at home and heading Down Under next year.But Proton is still battling to win ground in Australia, and has lost sales and share at home as it faces tougher competition without enough ammunition to compete.The Savvy was developed specifically for Malaysia and was originally going to be called Sassy, until the former chief executive realised it would be a turn-off for the young men who might enjoy the car.So it is small — even smaller than the Getz — and only has a 1.2-litre engine. But the value deal is good and no other cars at $13,990 come with twin airbags, anti-skid brakes, air-conditioning, alloy wheels and rear parking radar.The Savvy is light on fuel and has an official rating of 5.7L/100km for the manual; an impressive figure against the 7.1L for Getz, 7.5L for Ford Fiesta and Barina's 7.8L.It is helped by having an overall weight of less than 1000kg. Proton claims it has a super-rigid body, is well-finished, tough and will be ideal for first-car buyers.But power is nothing special, with only 55kW and a claimed 0-100km/h time in the 12-second bracket. The mechanical package includes a five-speed manual gearbox, but Proton has a five-speed automated manual (no clutch, but you still have to change gears with the lever) from Renault.The first shipment of Savvys was a sellout, and Proton Cars Australia believes it will do well as more people see the trendy compact on the road. Savvy is not the best car in the class. That honour goes to the Ford Fiesta.Yet it has charm. And it looks good. And you don't have to buy much petrol. When you drive the Savvy you are conscious it is small, even in the small-car class, but it still feels solid. It is a strength that comes from the basic body structure and suspension and steering allowing good connection to the road. Lots of small cars feel light and wobbly, but not the Proton.It also has supportive front buckets, simple but effective instruments, a solid sound system and enough space for five adults.It turns well, has good grip, and always lets you know what is happening at the wheels.But the engine never feels particularly keen, even if you push to the redline, although there is reasonable torque in the midrange. But the payback comes at the pumps and we had no trouble scoring 6.L/100km economy during our road test, with much better results on the freeway, despite an engine that is spinning beyond 3000 revs at only 100km/h.The five-speed manual has well-spaced ratios, but we had a little trouble selecting first and with the one-two shift at times.But there is absolutely no drama in parking, the headlamps are good and the safety bonus of anti-skid brakes and the parking radar is a plus. Those elements will make a big difference for Proton in the showrooms.

The Corolla-sized compact is the start of a change of life at Proton.The Malaysian brand is looking to make its own way in the car world, and not just by trumpeting its ownership of the Lotus sports car company and Italy's wonderful MV Agusta motorcycle brand.The Gen2 is the first in a new generation of Proton cars. It's a product from a new generation of management, a new design from a new generation of local designers and the signpost to a future without help from the Mitsubishi cars and systems that got it started.Proton says the Gen2 is proof the company can go it alone in the 21st century.It shows plenty of promise, featuring styling that is clean and attractive, its own Campro engine, suspension by Lotus and a distinct Proton personality.It's a Proton package, from the first design sketches to the final assembly at the company's huge new assembly plant outside Kuala Lumpur.And it's a good drive. Here is a car that's surprisingly sporty. It has compliant suspension with great grip and nice feedback.Proton Australia has also done a good job on the pricing after earlier mistakes, starting the Gen2 at $17,990 and holding even the flagship H-Line car to only $20,990.But the Gen2 has a long way to go on the quality front.The basic assembly work is fine, but there are some glaring flaws in components and cabin parts that point to the inexperience and – perhaps – incompetence of Malaysia's supplier companies.The car has to be marked down over mismatched plastics, faulty switches, scratched gearknobs, and general squeaks and tizzes.When you add the need for premium unleaded fuel for an engine that is only a 1.6 in a field of 1.8s, and the potential for longer-term quality problems, the Gen2 is not going to make a breakthrough in Australia.That's a pity, because it has plenty of strengths and Proton is trying to build a solid following.It has cash and commitment in Malaysia, and has learned from mistakes, including silly names and poor pricing. But still the Gen2 isn't going to worry the class-leading Mazda3 or even the Hyundai Elantra.Vfacts sales figures for January show its place in Australia. Proton sold 49 Gen2s against small-car sales leader Mazda3 (2781). Toyota sold 2593 Corollas and Holden 2459 Astras.So Proton is at the bottom of the class on sales, but it will improve.It has lots of new models under development, and has plans to push its name and representation in Australia, so it's perhaps best to see the Gen2 as the start of something new.

Knowing that Lotus has its parent company in Malaysia also gets a lot of attention, primarily disbelief.But that's life in the British car industry, which has seen virtually all its big brands succumb to offshore ownership.Lotus owner Proton doesn't dwell on history, rather it picks up on its British arm's substantial engineering excellence and injects it into its latest five-door hatch, the Gen.2.Yes, that's its name. Though for following traffic, the bootlid says CamPro Gen.2, proving that the erratic English of a 1960s Japanese car industry is not dead.For heaven's sake . . . CamPro sounds like the nickname for a South-East Asian prostitute and Gen.2 sounds like her daughter. Wombat would have been better.But what's in a name? The car is well designed, freshly styled with a blunt Mazda-like nose and a sweeping tail that is a bit Volvo S60-ish.It's not a big car, though there's ample room for four adults and the boot is both spacious and extendable, thanks to the split fold-down rear seats.Proton designers neatly trim the cabin in soft beige hues, so it's all quiet pastel and airy and welcoming in a warm and fuzzy sort of way.The dashboard gets top marks, with easy-to-read instruments, Blaupunkt radio/CD that looks as though it came out of a Citroen, and an unusual vertical stand for the ventilation and airconditioning controls that is straight out of a Lotus Elise.But there's no glovebox – an underdash tray holds your gear – and only one cupholder.The seats are remarkable in having virtually no lateral support – but more of that later.A bit fell off, but I put it back, indicating quality control is the next priority.The best thing about the Gen.2 is its ride. It rates as one of the best rides in its class and has handling that will put cars costing three times its price to shame.The steering feel is excellent, as are the ratios; the road holding is sharp and the body stance is flat; and the engine – though well down on power – is an eager player for some quick motoring.Even the brakes are all-wheel discs, so the taut chassis is somewhat of a big, yet welcome, surprise.But while you're enjoying that handling, your body is not. The seats are well finished, but have no lateral support and a shallow cushion, which don't produce much comfort. In effect, the car's handling is way above your ability to sit there and exploit it.The engine appears to have all the credentials, though at 82kW it's down a bit on its rivals. However, it gets along without fuss and it accelerates faster than you expect.The manual gearbox linkage is a bit notchy, though the ratios are well suited to the little engine.It's a pretty good car at an exceptional price that outpaces the Koreans.The final comment is that Proton's use of a space-saver tyre is inexcusable and, like any other carmaker who wants to go cheap on the Australian public, should be made illegal on safety grounds.

That rude, obnoxious man, for example, will always remain so, even if he is really quite polite and reasonable, and was just having a bad day when you first met him. And so it is with most things, even cars.My first impression of the new Gen 2 Proton was that I thought the doors were going to fall off.Awkward, clunky, not easy to open. Not a good start.But try to put that aside. Take a step back and look at the design.From the outside, it looks good, not "astonishing" like the publicity promises, but it is sporty and stylish, and I love the Energy Orange paint job. A few people commented that it looked like an Alfa. Even the badging, they said, has similarities. Now check out the inside ... but you have to open those doors again.The interior is not as impressive. Too much plastic and there's not enough room for your legs.Even my short limbs were bruised after too many close encounters with the steering wheel height lever.And, yes, I know you can lift the wheel up and lower the seat, but that didn't help much, either.There are not enough compartments, just two narrow ones in the doors plus the centre console.And there is no glove box. None. Just a little ledge.The stereo controls on the dash are a bit space-age-ish but the sound from the Blauplunkt system is music to your ears and the wheel-mounted buttons are in the perfect spot. Airconditioning and fan speed dials are large and easy to use but look out of place on a central column under the dash.Even the sporty double veranda over the speedo looks odd, like Mickey Mouse ears.The handbrake resembles an upside-down stirrup and the one cup holder won't fit a water bottle.How does the rear section hold up? It's roomy and comfortable enough to keep teens quiet on a long drive (what more could you ask?) but the back doors are just as stiff as the front ones.Now for the hatch. The boot is huge but there's another door. And unless I've missed something, there is only one lever by the driver's seat to release the hatch, which is heavy to open and close.Why go further? Because beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I may just be a weakling when it comes to opening doors.The Proton Gen 2 is a great size for city driving but it also handles highways beautifully. At higher speeds, it holds the road, hugs corners and the 1.6-litre engine has enough power when you drop back a gear, to overtake with confidence.The trip computer is a nice extra, calculating fuel consumption and telling you how far you can travel before you have to fill up again.If only I could handle the doors.LOVE IT LEAVE ITProton Gen 2 LOVE ITPlenty of room in the back for growing teens.Huge boot.LEAVE ITThe doors (although that wouldn't be very safe).Clunky gears.No glove box ... not even a tiny one.Almost useless cup holder.Clock is almost impossible to read while driving.

The Malaysian hatchback, five-doors in a compact package, has some perky style, a peaky 1.6-litre engine and well-behaved chassis.Prices start at $17,990, top of the tree is the H-Line version with auto and a $22,990 tag.There are some good parts and some ordinary parts to the Proton Gen 2. The style is neat and clean; there's a cool, straightforward stance to the front end and a little rise in the profile to that high rump. Inside, it has a fresh and simple, uncluttered approach to dashboard style and layout. The stereo (with tiny controls) is integrated into the dash, the airconditioning controls sit below.There is a deal of plastic here. Some is acceptable, some bits such as those inside door handles are tacky and feel a tad fragile.While on doors, this M-Line version of the Gen 2 Proton had sticking doors all round. All shut with a decent sound but all were reluctant to open clean.The design, inside and out, is good but loses something in the execution. Taller drivers will find the cute sports steering wheel set too low and the seat too high; some of the materials and some of the fit and finish could do with extra polish.The Gen 2 Proton arrives in three trim levels, all with a fair amount of gear.An entry level L-Line, from $17,990, is packed with airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, driver and passenger side SRS airbags, remote keyless entry, CD player and trip computer.The M-Line Proton at $19,500 adds ABS brakes, alloy wheels plus cruise control on the auto. The H-Line from $20,990 adds side SRS airbags, climate-control airconditioning, electronic reversing sensor, front and rear fog lights, rear spoiler and mobile phone holder.Out and about the 1.6 litres and its 82kW is adequate. There is enough power for most drivers, although it can struggle down low in the rev range and others in this class have more refinement.There is little argument with the five-speed manual gearbox, the ride or the handling of the front-drive Gen 2.Perhaps the steering could be sharper but the Proton is quite willing to be pushed along without too much front-wheel fight or understeer. It follows through with suppleness and a decent amount of grip.This Gen 2 shows some promise as a handsome and handy hatchback.The road manners are good, the style is cute. There remains room for improvement in build quality (check it against a Honda Jazz or Mitsubishi Colt) and in some of the cabin's ergonomics, particularly the driver's seat-steering wheel relationship.But if the Gen 2 is evidence of future Proton products, the brand is steadily moving on.

But that's exactly what Malaysian carmaker Proton is doing with the Gen 2.A four-door with a hatchback, the Gen 2 has been built with the help of Lotus Design Studio in the UK – owned by Proton – which gives it some styling and performance kudos.Proton is marketing the Gen 2 with the slogan "a new generation begins".This model is crucial to Proton's transition from a manufacturer using parts from other marques, such as Mitsubishi, to a stand-alone company.It also heralds the rebirth of Proton as a player in Australia, where it hopes to build to a yearly sales base of 5000.It plans to do this through a revitalised dealer network and a range of new models.As a first attempt, the Gen 2 is pretty good.The interior looks very stylish in the brochures.But slip into the real thing and the amount of plastic and faux aluminium threatens to overpower the clean, minimalist, sporting design.For example, the butch-looking ring on the steering wheel is a piece of moulded plastic posing as brushed aluminium.What looks like the hilt of Excalibur's broadsword is the handbrake lever.The interior is roomy and I liked the high position of the driver's seat with its excellent lumbar support.The boot is also very roomy and one or both of the rear seats can fold down for longer items.The 1.6-litre, DOHC, 16-valve engine fires up readily but you need 2000rpm on the tacho to take off smoothly.Proton claims peak power of 82kW and torque of 148Nm.Maximum power arrives at 6000rpm and torque at 4000rpm.Below 3000rpm the motor is sluggish.Turn on the airconditioner and you have to drop two gears from top to overtake cleanly on the freeway.The Gen 2 redeemed itself on my favourite set of corners in the Hills.The rain-slick road was empty and it coiled tantalisingly up through a small valley of trees.Changing up at 5500rpm in the lower gears of the five-speed gearbox (the engine revs out to around 7000rpm), I made brisk and exhilarating progress.The revs never dropped below 4000rpm, indicating a reasonably close-ratio gearbox.The Lotus-designed suspension kept the Gen 2 pinned to the greasy surface with no bodyroll.It tracked surprisingly well around the corners with very predictable feedback through the power steering.Even on a couple of switchback, uphill hairpins, there was no scrabbling for grip from the front-wheel drive.I reckon the Gen 2 would give its more fancied rivals a real shock in the handling stakes.The question is, how many owners are going to drive the car in this manner? There are quite a few young hotrodders out there looking for a nimble hatchback but the typical buyer of cars like the Gen 2 are commuters, not funseekers.Perhaps a simple remapping of the engine management would bring more usable power and torque lower back down the rev range.Around town, the Gen 2 is easy to manoeuvre, with good all-round vision, slick gearchange and light clutch action.The large marker on the speedo at the 50km/h calibration is a useful speed reminder.Out on the freeway at the legal limit there is too much wind noise from the window seals.Change down to keep the speed up and the engine is loud and harsh compared with many of its rivals in this price bracket.On rough roads, the test car exhibited some vibratory-type rattles.Turning at slow speed in a multi-storey carpark revealed an occasional clicking sound from the front of the car.However, it should be stressed that the Gen 2 on test was a fleet launch car nearing the end of a rugged test cycle.Production cars should be better.One area the Gen 2 received constant praise in was its appearance.A worker at a drive-in bottleshop thought it was an Alfa Romeo.I liked the swooping lines, aggressive-looking headlights and cleanly-cut rear but thought the wheels looked too small for the body size.Priced from $17,990 and optioned up to $22,990, Proton's Gen 2 is a brave attempt to take on the predators in the shark pool of compact cars.