Proton | The Shiftr

First Impressions: Perodua Bezza 1.3 Advance

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Hunter Foong

Remember back in the day when the only choice you have as your first ever car was either a Proton or a Perodua? Naturally, you would immediately choose a Proton because it has a more powerful engine, more space, and of course, a boot. Peroduas then were small city cars based off a variety of Daihatsus. Both Perodua and Proton were more like close cousins then the frenemies you see now. Perodua deals in making affordable cars for Malaysians and Proton was the symbol of engineering achievement for Malaysia. That all changed when Perodua launched the Myvi in 2005. See, Perodua was a small player and Malaysians tend to prefer 4 door sedans than hatchbacks. But as the urban population increase and perhaps the need for practicality than spaciousness becomes important, a shift in tide was seen in the Malaysian car market. Proton at around the same time launched its version of a small city car called the Savvy. Thus begins a shift in tide. Perodua was making best sellers after best sellers from that point out while Proton seemingly staggered and surprised by the sudden shift could not catch up.

The one that started a renaissance for Perodua. Photo credit: Perodua

Fast forward to 2016 and Perodua is now leading the charts. The Myvi has gone on for 2 generations with a number of facelifts in the past 11 years but it is no longer the prized champion of Perodua. That award belongs to the Axia, a small city car whose lineage traces back to the little Kancil/Nippa. The Axia was launched around the same time as Proton’s Iriz and although both cars are different in category (The Axia is a small city car while the Iriz is supposed to compete with the Myvi in the small family car range), many people cannot help but compare the two cars. The comparison between the latest car launched by the two Malaysian automotive giants did not stop there. Proton finally launched the newest Perdana, its flagship model that is essentially a stretched out old Honda Accord to much fanfare that quickly dissolves into a disappointment once you see sat in one and feel it. A few weeks later, Perodua finally launched its first ever sedan, the Bezza, which is a small family sedan that is essentially a stretched Axia to much fanfare and… Well, to find out more, read on my first impressions of the Bezza.

Writer’s note: I test drove the Bezza a few days ago at a nearby Perodua dealer. All photos are credited when noted. All views here are independently the writer’s own.

The Perodua Bezza is quite possibly a game changer not only for Perodua but the Malaysian car industry too. In fact, a few weeks ago I mentioned 5 reasons why the Bezza is a Proton killer. Not that I hate Proton but after one disappointment after another, it seems that RM1 bil government “bailout” seemed like a waste of taxpayer funds. The next Persona have a lot to live up to. It would be launched in a few weeks from now and if you’re interested in what’s under the new Persona, check it out here. Perodua on the other hand had been releasing success after another like it is the golden goose. The Myvi, Viva, Alza, and Axia had become market leaders in their own category and no doubt the Bezza will be one too. But how does it actually feel to drive? This is Perodua’s first foray into the sedan market and an actual competitor to Proton’s Saga. The Saga has been in production for years and the aged model shows no signs of slowing down. A supposed refresh is due soon and while it is cheap, buying one is just not likely.

The Bezza comes in two engine choices, a 1.0 VVT-i that is nearly similar to the Axia and a 1.3 DVVT-i that is similar to the Toyota Avanza. It comes in three trim levels, the Standard G, the Premium X, and the Advanced. The first two are offered with a choice of manual or auto and the one that I’m reviewing is the Advanced which is the top of the range model. Perodua’s entry into a new market is something that I’m intrigued to talk about. Initially, everyone thought Perodua’s first sedan would be based off the Myvi, which makes sense seeing the new Persona would based on the Iriz. Instead they decide to face head on with the Saga. Will it work? With bookings that have reached more than 10,000, Malaysians agree that this is a right decision.

Interior

Photo credit: Autoworld

The first thing when you step foot in the Bezza is how spacious it is. There is obviously no doubts in the spaciousness of the Bezza seeing the Axia is already pretty wide. The headroom and legroom is adequate even for those sitting at the back. The plastic feels thick but certain areas feel hollow. The dials for the air-conditioner feel pretty rubbery and it feels like I could easily take them off. But those are the only complaints I find myself with the car’s interior. The Bluetooth system works seemlessly and the touchscreen is a tad better than the Axia. The dials are clear and readable and the the gearstick feels solid. However, the coup de grace of the Bezza 1.3 Advance is the start button. Seeing that this is Perodua’s first attempt at introducing a start button technology, the button feels solid and it immediately attracts the attention of those who wanted to get a car this cheap that has that feature.

Driving and handling

Photo credit: Perodua

Handling-wise, Perodua does not offer anything exciting in their cars unlike Protons. Driving one usually means a bland experience. Like decaf coffee. And it is no different with the Bezza. The gear change is simple and it does its job just fine. There is no sense of slowing down especially up an incline. The Bezza rides pretty smoothly for a car this size but it handles awkwardly with a slightly tall stance. Steering is a bit off-putting and the NVH is similar to the Axia. There is still wind resistance but it is not as bad most Peroduas. A function that Perodua boasts with the Bezza is the Eco Idle function. Found in most hybrids and Continental models, this function allows more fuel efficiency. The Bezza is already fuel efficient in the first place so this function is not much to actually brag about. I tried the system and it feels like it’s slowly draining the battery away. Yes. It is essentially a Stop/Start function but in a car like this, it is not really that useful.

Design

Photo credit: Autoworld

Perodua was once known as a company that takes whatever Daihatsu car and slapped on the eliptical P logo on it. The Bezza is technically Perodua’s first in-house designed production model. (I don’t know whether the second-gen Kancil would count as that because it isn’t really based on any Daihatsu model I can think about) While the front looks pretty decent, the rear…doesn’t. I have mentioned before that he car’s design is not that bad but when I looked up close, it looks weird. Look at the picture above and see for yourself. The back makes the rear tyres look like trolley tyres. I know 14-inch wheels are indeed small but couldn’t they at least make it look a little more presentable? Overall, the Bezza has some Toyota elements in its exterior design. The rear lights remind me of a Toyota Vios and if you remove all the Perodua badges, it really does look like a Vios.

Verdict

Photo credit: Perodua

Overall, Perodua’s first ever sedan is not a bad effort. As a commuter, it works fine. Prices are even cheap and enticing too. The Bezza starts off at RM37,300 and this top spec model costs RM50,800 and it includes a start button, infotainment system, and…I think those two are the only interesting things. Nevertheless, at around RM51k with a lot of equipment for that price, it’s no wonder it is the car everyone is talking about. The Perodua Bezza is not only a Proton killer but a game changer for Perodua. Now if only they fix the disproportionate rear design.

A new start for Perodua. Just like that start button.

3/5

First Impressions: Proton Perdana 2.4

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Hunter Foong

When Proton announced that, after more than 30 years of producing ~~tin cans on wheels~~ automobiles for the masses, their newest model is a Honda Accord with fresher clothes and a longer ~~butt~~ wheelbase, every Malaysian must be thinking, have Proton gone backwards? Remember the Inspira six years ago? That was just a Mitsubishi Lancer with Proton badges sticked everywhere the Three Diamonds used to be. Instead of being just a ‘baka’ copy and paste effort, at least they improved on the handling of the Lancer and I’m talking about the normal Clark Kent Lancer and not the alter ego Evolution model. Speaking of the Evolution, remember those old cop car Evos? Whatever happened to them? The Inspira was a less than modest success and you can probably buy one new. Even if they were supposed to be out of production for a year. It must be hard to sell them off.

Writer’s note: I test drove the Perdana fairly recently from a Proton dealer and as such, I am not allowed to take pictures or record my drive. Also, the words expressed here are of my own and I am not paid whatsover by Proton, so this is 150% independently of my own opinion. All images are credited when necessary.

Proton has been in the down recently. Heck what was once a dominant brand in the Malaysian car market thanks to ~~obviously bias~~ protective laws against imported brands has suddenly become the third best selling car brand instead with Perodua and Honda ahead with Toyota not far behind. Part of this slip is because of its model range that were sold. While most car companies refresh their lineup or perhaps sold models based on the economics, Proton’s range of models are just all over the place. At the bottom, there’s the Saga. There’s an MPV model called the Exora. a hatchback called the Iriz, and then there’s the confusing part which is the Persona, Preve, Suprima S, and the aforementioned Inspira. All of these are in the B-segment, which are basically medium-sized family cars. The Persona will be replaced soon by a sedan based off the Iriz which will basically downgrade that model’s segment. That’s not all, Proton will soon release the Ertiga, an MPV that will be built by Suzuki in Indonesia. Another MPV? It will be smaller but who will it target exactly? Also Malaysia’s MPV market is growing but not many would want a small-ish MPV in this day and age. Does anyone still buy an Avanza anyway?

Which brings me back to this car. The old Perdana was an amazing car especially the V6 model. In fact the V6 was so popular, government officials used this as their de facto model of showing support of local brands. It was fast and it was quite smooth. The V6 was also in production far longer than the other variants, and its facelift was reminiscent of Alfa Romeos, but only the grille. It was based on the Mitsubishi Galant and like most Protons of the 90s it was round. The Perdana was and still is Proton’s flagship model. So, when Proton announced that their latest Perdana would be based on the Honda Accord, every joy to finally see a cheaper version of the Accord turned out to be just that in 2014 when the new Perdana became the Accordana. A Honda Accord with Proton’s lion slapped onto whatever that held the H logo. However Proton assured us that the newer Perdana will not be a simple ctrl+c and v, and that in two years time it would be different.

Accordana MkI Photo credit: Autocar Asean

Well, 2016 has finally arrived and after all that teasing, the all new Perdana is launched. Ugh…2016 is just so different to 2014. The economy is stagnant and fluctuating compared to two years ago. Halfway through the year and I feel more lethargy thinking for the year to end quickly. I have the key to the car in my hand. It feels solid and… What’s this little button…*click*. And out pops the metal fob. For a car that costs RM134,888 they could have at least toss in a start button. Honda’s Accord has one but not this. At least the quality feels good. The salesperson told me that Honda oversaw the quality control. The salesperson also told me the petrol cap is on the right when it is actually on the left. I’m not going to trust a single word on her opinion from now on.

Interior

Two screens, a row of buttons, a lot of wood trim Photo credit: paultan.org

So, let’s start with the interior and first thing’s first. It retains the mishmash of buttons seen in the eighth-gen Accord, which the car is based on. The buttons are in a row just below the air-cond which is not really user friendly. What do those buttons do? They control the air-cond obviously! No knobs or touch sensitive buttons here. Just clunky buttons. Also not user friendly is the touchscreen below that row of buttons. Did I mention that the Perdana has two screens in the centre? That’s right! Two! One on the dash and the other on the centre console. Let’s call these screens as Top and Bottom. Top is basically useless. It shows the clock and the air-cond temperature as well as the radio. The only thing Top is useful for is the reverse camera which is a must for maneuvering a parallel park in this behemoth. Bottom is the media centre. It is a touch screen and the interface is an improvement over the Suprima S and Iriz. As usual, the navigation isn’t available but it’s just a short drive. I haven’t try the Bluetooth since it somehow non-accessible but the sound system is good. There are 8 speakers and surround sound is so loud I set the volume at Level 2. 2! The volume knob acts as a power button and it’s the little things that annoy me in this car like the fact that the “On/off” symbol rotates as the knob moves. Good thing there are control buttons on the wheel. Time will tell how long will these not function eventually. The seats are comfortable with leather and on the front seats, the word “Perdana” is embossed on them to remind you that this is NOT an Accord. The wood trim is only on certain parts of the tested car, mainly on the storage compartment covers and boy are there a lot of storage here. There’s even a safe located in the rear seat. A freaking safe! Seems Proton already thought of how dangerous Malaysia has become with all that shooting. Speaking of the rear, legroom and headroom is good. Even better than the Accord or most of its close rivals like the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Teana. It has rear air-conditioner that is controlled by the driver but one of the benefits of a Proton is that the hot sticky weather becomes cool in seconds.

Driving and Handling

This is the 2.0 model. Note the absence of a front splitter. Photo credit: Proton

Normally, Proton brags about Lotus ride and handling in its cars. In the Perdana, it feels…meh. There is no excitability in this car. Even Mercedes-Benz changed their ethos to provide cars that have handling AND comfort. Speaking of comfort, the NVH is nothing much to brag about. It is similar to the Accord. And most other Protons. The old Perdana was once advertised to have quiet power windows. This one doesn’t have quiet power windows but mainly normal Honda-derived windows. Hopefully it doesn’t break like most Protons. The 2.4 engine is the same seen in the Accord so of course the VTEC will kick in, yo! Efficiency is not this car’s strong suit. I admire Honda’s engine, don’t get me wrong, but with all that added weight in this Accordana, you can bet spend time making dates at petrol kiosks. Another problem is that for a big car like the Perdana, it shouldn’t take a long time to get it up to speed. It’s not like the car runs on a conventional Proton CVT gearbox that changes once a millennium. In fact it uses the similar Honda-derived gearbox from, you guessed it, I’m not even writing what this car is based on again. It should have been as efficient as most cars today even if the gearbox is a little bit long on its tooth. Despite being a long car, it feels easy to drive. Handling is not much different to the Honda but I am really impressed with the way it moves. It doesn’t feel like it’s a long car after getting used to it pretty quickly.

Styling

2016-proton-perdana_pandulajudotcomdotmy-3

Picassso once said great artists copy. Not that Proton is No.1 in car styling. Photo credit: PanduLaju

Yes, it’s long and huge but before you decide to bash the keyboard on how it copies a lot of elements to make this car, the Perdana and a typical Chinese car would be on different Venn diagrams. Yes, the roofline reminds me of a Jaguar XJ but come on! How often do you see cars that have some influence of Jaguar and still look good. Okay, how about decent? At least we’re better than an early 2000’s Hyundai Sonata (Look how far they’ve gone). The rear does remind me of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, a car which is not available in Malaysia, and the front makes it easily distinguishable from an Accord. Not a bad effort by Proton to make it look different. On the other hand, there are some aesthetics that just give the car a false sense of hope. The side gills are mainly for decoration and could one day be a marker to differentiate the different ranges of the car, which reminds me of a BMW except that they don’t have any uses. Like a Buick. The rear skirts that are absent makes the car feel incomplete especially with the front and sides inserted. This is something that cannot be ticked off the options list unfortunately. Of course, the worst part of the design has been ranted on here but looking at it up close, I really wonder what were the designers thinking when they decided to match the colour of the obviously useless exhaust tips with the body colour.

Verdict

Photo credit: Autofreak

Having been with the car for about 15 minutes, there really is nothing much to shout about the Perdana. While it essentially is an elongated Accord with a Proton badge, at RM138,888 for the metallic colour model and RM450 less for a solid variant, it is cheaper than the Accord which is RM40,000 more. The closest rival within the Perdana’s price range is the Kia Optima K5 at RM150,000. But since it is based on the old Accord, why not get a used one? Same drivetrain. Same engine. It ain’t new. But with the road tax going for a similar price, there isn’t much harm. And that brings us back to square one of Proton’s economics. Malaysia is going through some troubled times economically ~~and politically~~. Proton’s timing may be bad and I would not be surprised if Proton flopped this model. The old Perdana sold badly because it was launched around the Asian Financial Crisis. Had Proton learnt its lesson? We’ll see.

A high price mixed with mediocre quality and old technology makes this a really hard sell for Proton.

2/5

The Biggest Reason I Hate The All New Proton Perdana

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Hunter Foong

After months of teasing and a year of looking at Honda Accords with the Proton lion slapped on the front and rear of the car, the all new Perdana is finally launched. It is based on the eighth gen Honda Accord and has the same 2.0 and 2.4 litre engine from the aforementioned Accord. But this is not just a simple rebadge unlike the government-only model that was launched in 2014. Almost the whole exterior is changed to differentiate between the Perdana and the Accord. In fact, the Perdana is actually longer than the Accord (5020 mm to 4870 mm).

All in all it’s a pretty grand car. Grander than the car it is based on. The grandiose style reminds me of China’s Hongqi. For those of you who don’t know what a Hongqi is, they are considered China’s Rolls Royce. For their sheer size and equipment not the quality mind you. Just like the Hongqi, the Perdana is expensive. Or overpriced. Prices start at RM113,888 for the 2.0 and RM138,888 for the 2.4 model. However, that is not the reason I hate the Perdana. I’m already acquainted to the price of cars in Malaysia, that being overprotective of the local carmakers; ie. Proton and Perodua. No. That’s not why I hate the car.

It actually looks pretty attractive especially the rear which reminded me of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. The side profile and grand style has a bit of Jaguar’s XJ in it. Equipment is fairly good even if the interior is just a copy of the Accord it is based on. The two LCD screens look really cheap and off-putting for a car with this price. As a matter of fact, the interior of the 2.0 model does look a little bit “meh”. Just look at it!

At least the center console has fewer buttons compared to the Accord. But the meh interior isn’t the biggest problem of the Perdana. No. Of course Proton has to ruin something. For the Exora MPV, it is the slow engine. For the Proton Preve, it is also the engine, and the whole look. For the Suprima S, apart from the name, it is the engine. For the Iriz, they had to ruin it by giving a crappy automatic gearbox. So, what did Proton do to ruin the Perdana? It may be a small issue but this feature is just useless and helped to point the obvious. Or the oblivious. The feature I hated the most in the Perdana is the body coloured mufflers. I mean just look at it.

That exposed exhaust pipe is not a quality issue. The mufflers DO NOT work. They are just for show. To deceive people that this car has TWO mufflers! However, this method isn’t rare in most cars on sale. BMW, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz sold their cars mufflers that are just for aesthetics but they made it real by chroming it or having speakers that made the exhaust “noise”. Proton however, took a step forward (or backward) by painting it the same colour as the car. The explanation for this is because apparently executives, who are the target owners of the Perdana would not like it if the diffuser looked different to the rest of the car. This was said by Proton’s deputy CEO in the interview shown below.

So, Proton, while the latest car is just a slight redesign that does look fairly attractive. That rear muffler just made Proton not just a company that is daring but weirdness doesn’t always pay off. The piece of shit Juara, the Kancil wannabe Tiara, the Myvi wannabe Savvy and of course the meaningless but still okay Inspira. History has shown that being different isn’t Proton’s suit. If Proton wants to truly move forward, guess they should just improve themselves instead of trying something new and experimental.

Photos credit: paultan.org

New Saga Variant Launched. Is it Time to be Replaced?

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Hunter Foong

Eight years after launch and countless variants, disguises, and spoilers, the Saga has been roaming around the streets of Malaysia and Malaysians are wondering when will the replacement arrive. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I’m afraid the time has not come for a brand new Saga. Usually when a car is about to be replaced, car makers would want to get rid of existing units by offering discounts on certain models and of course giving facelifts every few years or so. But Proton is different. Take their newest variant for “the most popular people’s car in Malaysia”, the Saga Plus. Essentially, it will replace the other variants, the SV, Executive, and the SE.

So, what is the difference? Well, it starts from RM33,242 and comes in a choice of either a manual transmission 1.3 litre Campro IAFM or a CVT automatic 1.3 litre Campro IAFM. The Saga Plus also has the same bodykit you can get when you buy the Executive model and also a “Plus” badge to differentiate this Saga to other Sagas. As it is based on the SV model, the interior should look unchanged.

Based on the price offered, Proton aims to attract the Saga Plus to young families and graduates who are looking for their first car. Even so, after eight years, two facelifts, numerous variants (which I could not count), will this be the final variant model for the popular car? From the original 1.3 to the FLX to the Plus, isn’t it time for a change, Proton?

Images courtesy of paultan.org

30 Years of Proton. 30 (+4) of its Cars (Worst to Best) (UPDATED)

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Hunter Foong

30 years ago, the personal computers were launched to the masses, the Apple Macintosh was a revolution, and Madonna shocked the world with her VMA performance. It was also the year Malaysia gets its first entry into the automobile scene with Proton. A brainchild of Malaysia’s former prime minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, it paved the way in revolutionizing the Malaysian motor industry. By enforcing higher import duties to every single manufacturer except Proton, it has a huge advantage in Malaysia by dominating the market. 30 years later in 2015, the personal computers were reduced to being tablets, the Apple Watch was a revolution, and Madonna shocked the world with her Coachella performance. And Proton did not dominate Malaysia’s automobile market but rather another local manufacturer did; Perodua. But that is another story to tell later. 30 years and the automotive industry has changed as well. Back then you would be dropped dead driving a Hyundai Excel but now the Hyundai Sonata actually looks really appealing. Proton? Well, to put it kindly, they still looked bad but with the Iriz, hopefully things are going well. To celebrate Proton’s 30 year milestone, here is the list of 30 of its cars rated from worst to best.

UPDATE: With Proton launching 4 new models in 2016, we decided to add in the four models. Read on to see where they rank

34. Proton Juara

Juara means champion in the Malay language. But this is not one. The Juara represents Proton at its worst, The quality is bad and when it was first launched it turned a few heads. It is the lowest selling Proton to date with under a few thousand sold in its three year production. I drove one and I really hated it. Slow, highly unstable when in corners and really fugly to look at.

33. Proton Tiara

The odd one out. Mainly because it is actually a Citroen underneath instead of a Mitsubishi (The POS Juara was based on a Mitsubishi Town Box van). Cheap when it was made, cheap as chips now with some going for RM1500 in the used car market. A perfect car to hoon around in, i.e. Destroy the shit out of. The car was slow and the design changes actually made it uglier than the cleaner AX its based on. If you want to experience how cheapness feels like, this is the car for you.

32. Proton Arena/Jumbuck

Proton’s idea of a ute, a pick-up truck based on a car platform. Needless to say, it is the ONLY Proton to sell well in the export market rather than the domestic market. Supposedly highly in demand in Australia especially. That is until a crash test revealed it to be one of the unsafest cars in the market, scoring 1 out of 5 stars. When you sell it for cheap, that is what you get. Based on the old Wira platform, it is more of an urban workhorse rather than an off-roader.

31. Proton Saga LMST

By the mid-2000s Proton were thinking that their cars are more white goods than real actual cars. So, what did they do? Instead of replacing cars every 5 years, Proton continued to sell the car that started the whole Malaysian motoring revolution, albeit with a facelift. By facelift I meant putting the front of an Iswara and mating it with the rear of a Saga Aeroback. It was supposed to compete with Perodua’s Myvi, instead it became a symbol of Proton’s old-age philosophy that if it still works, why replace it? Proton also used this philosophy to the Wira and Satria. Also, it marked a decline in Proton’s hold in the automobile market. They continued producing this until 2007 when the new Saga replaced it.

30. Proton Perdana Mk1

Once upon a time, Malaysia had a very strong economy. One that enticed investors from around the world and Malaysia became all of a sudden pretty rich. To accommodate the burgeoning middle class, Proton decided to tackle to upper echelons known as D-segment. What lies beyond this segment is large cars like Camrys and Accords. Needless to say, Proton did succeed. For a while. Production lasted for only 4 years before Proton decided to cut it off. The Perdana soldiered on in a more powerful V6 variant. More on that later.

29. Proton Perdana MkII

Now, before I proceed, I would like to clarify that the picture shows a Honda Accord. Because essentially, the Perdana Mk II looks exactly like a Honda Accord slapped with Proton badges. Heck, it is even built in a Honda factory! It is not available for the public but rather for high ranking government officials. So, details are pretty scarce but it probably drives, handles, and smells like an Accord.

28. Proton Perdana MkIII

Unlike the Accordana, the latest Perdana is more than just a simple copy and paste. The whole car is redesigned and is in fact longer than the Accord it was based on. The drivetrain, engine, and well almost everything underneath remains the same as the Accord but it is so expensive. A used Honda Accord costs cheaper to buy and while it may be second hand, it costs similar to maintain The handling is not much to shout about and it is boring to drive. I’ve reviewed it here.

27. Proton Waja Chancellor

This Waja limousine is one of the rarest Proton cars to be built. The Chancellor is a stretched Waja that offers gizmos like rear air-con and a DVD player. It even has a V6 engine from the Perdana. However, it is only available in automatic, which in a Proton Waja means it is slow and unreliable.

26. Proton Gen-2

Once again, Proton showed the world why it still did not learn anything when it comes to building cars. Billed as a replacement to the ageing Wira, the Gen-2 actually ticks the box in terms of style and handling. What it lacks is everything else, the quality is bad, the Campro engine is horrible and utterly unreliable, and the car does not even have a glovebox! Proton managed to fix this though.

25. Proton Gen-2 ecoLogic

Proton managed to fix all that is wrong with the first generation Gen-2 by replacing the Campro engine with a cam profile switching (CPS) update which at least improve the quality. The unique thing about the facelift was not the engine but Proton’s greener variant, the ecoLogic. Only available in the UK, this is actually a converted Gen-2 that is able to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and normal petrol. Essentially, this is Proton’s first hybrid car! Even with a greener fuel alternative offered, Proton looked more like an outdated hippie-wannabe than a modern hipster.

24. Proton Exora

Before the Exora came about, Proton referred to a book titled “How to Build an MPV” and this is what they came out with, a full MPV package with all the technology and gizmos needed to entertain a family on their trip to the seaside. Except one problem, the car was too heavy and the 1.6-litre Campro engine could not cope with the weight. Thus, it was too slow and being hauled up by one is a common sight in Malaysian traffic jams. In fact most jams in Malaysia are being caused by an Exora because of it being too slow.

23. Proton Ertiga

Proton’s latest car is just another rebadge of a Japanese car. But hold on, isn’t this the Suzuki Ertiga? Well, yes it is. In other words, meet Malaysia’s newest taxi. It’s cheap, slow, and Proton would gladly sell it to taxi drivers because let’s face it, no one in the public would buy one. It’s high up here compared to the Perdana because it is cheap. On the flipside, you hardly get any equipment. No Bluetooth, a 1.4 litre engine that takes years to reach 100km/h, only thing missing are taxi drivers protesting Uber and Grab. Improve your quality, jackasses!

22. Proton Exora Bold

Naturally, Proton being Proton updated the car and gave it a facelift as well. With added spoilers and a more youthful look. Oh and did I mention it now has a turbo too? Let’s breathe it all in for a moment. A turbo in an MPV. Not only is the Bold faster than the old Exora, the turbo makes schoolkids feeling proud to have an Exora. “So, what if your Grand Livina has 8 cupholders? My Exora has TURBO!!!” Kudos Proton, at least you actually made this better than the original.

21. Proton Savvy

“Only unsavvy people drive this car” That is a quote often associated to people who drive a Savvy and also by those who wanted to buy one. In reality the Savvy epitomizes the uniqueness of Proton. Sometimes. The design is quirky, the ads are weird, the gear shifts are unlike any conventional car in Malaysia (i.e. more Euro-centric). Proton’s dark horse. A car that could have been great spoiled by the badge’s reputation.

20. Proton Persona MkI

Proton’s Gen-2 was code-named WRM, the Wira Replacement Model. Unfortunately, given the huge backlash the Gen-2 faced, Proton launched a saloon variant of the Gen-2 and called it the Persona. This is the true WRM, not the Gen-2. I remember being cross by Proton for calling this their “pride and joy” and now I understand. It is not just a Gen-2 with a boot, it is a Gen-2 done right. Placed low because of the usual complaint with Protons, it feels and looks cheaply made.

19. Proton Persona MkII

Based on the Iriz, the second generation Persona is smaller than the previous generation but it has a bigger boot. Launched around the same time as Perodua’s Bezza, some people confuse both for being in the same category. The Persona is a lot bigger than the Bezza in terms of engine size and body. Drives and handles well like most new Protons. Too bad about the looks, it takes some getting used to.

18. Proton Saga BLM/FL/FLX

If you are a student or a fresh graduate, chances are this is your first car. It is either this or a Myvi. The Saga when first launched brought a huge anticipation. It also brought in changes at Proton too. Gone were the days when every Proton gets replaced 20 years later. Now, the Saga has entered multiple refreshes to keep it youthful. Also, the Saga is a joy to drive in the city and could work well in developing countries. Time will tell when Proton decides to export to developing countries.

17. Proton Putra

A Malaysian modder’s dream, the Putra is Proton’s ~~bland~~ sporty looking coupe. A rarity too since it did not sell well initially. So rare in fact that production lasted for around 3 years from 1999 to 2001 before it relaunched for a year in 2004 to clear its stock. Even rarer is finding one that is bone stock. The Mitsubishi sourced engine is preppy and wonderful.

16. ~~Mitsubishi Lancer~~ Proton Inspira

Ah yes, the ~~Mitsubishi Lancer~~ Proton Inspira, the car that inspired kids to worship rallying. The ~~Mitsubishi Lancer~~ Proton Inspira is one of those cars that actually drives pretty well even without modifications. Obviously, the ~~Evolution~~ R3 (soon?) variant is the one that gets heads turning but even the stock ~~Lancer~~ Inspira handles well and has a good acceleration. Not to mention that it is also affordably priced.

15. Proton Preve

The Preve, however you pronounced it, is Proton’s first ever global car. Except that it gets praises in Malaysia but not anywhere else. The Aussies mocked it, the Brits and Singaporeans are indifferent and at least the Thais liked it. The latter loved them so much that at one point, the Proton was one of the fastest growing car companies in Thailand.

14. Proton Wira

The Proton Wira marked a change for Proton in terms of quality. Want to know which Proton model had the most electrical problems? The Wira. Which model begin to make Proton seem like they have given all hope in exciting buyers? The Wira. Which model made Proton the face of electrical window problems? The Wira. Yet, despite all these criticisms, the Wira was the most exported Proton in the company’s history. Just go to this page to check them out. It was even found in North Korea. North freaking Korea! It is also Proton’s golden egg. A huge success when launched, now a hit among people who wanted to ~~increase the weight a this flab~~ transform it into Mitsubishi Lancers

13. Proton Saga MkIII

The latest Saga shows Proton’s improvement for its most popular model. Well-equipped and with a lot of room inside, the third-gen Saga is truly a value for money car with the highest spec going around RM45,000. Essentially, it is the same car as the Saga FL/FLX underneath but it has an improved engine and looks better.

12. Proton Perdana V6

The Perdana V6 is Proton’s most powerful, comfortable, quiet, and a choice for government dignitaries. Like most Protons it has a long cycle, 11 years. Unlike most Protons it still remained desirable and these cars do not come in cheap even in the used market as these cars have low depreciation. That along with most V6s built after 2007-08 are for VIPs, and have a longer rear wheelbase. A bulletproof car with bulletproof performance.

11. Proton Waja CPS

During the final years of the Proton Waja, Proton replaced the old Mitsubishi engine with the more modern Campro engine and just like the Gen-2 it is also met with criticisms. But the CPS add-on that followed was sweet and marks a great farewell to the aging car. Despite having phallic themes on the rear light cluster. MOOOOVING ON!

10. Proton Satria Cabriolet

If only they made this. A Satria with its roof cut of makes it look really funky. Especially with that roll bar! Launched as a concept in the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, the project was shelved due to an economic recession happening in Malaysia. A huge “What If”

9. Proton Satria

The Satria is Malaysia’s answer to the Honda Civic hatchback. A cool car and another tuner’s blank canvas, the Satria is in one word, youthful. It may not have sold as well as the Wira or the Saga at the time but it has really become a cult classic. Especially the GTi variant. Which is somewhere on this list.

8. Proton Saga Iswara

It became a laughing prop but despite that, Malaysians loved it. If the Saga revolutionized Malaysia’s motor landscape, the Iswara is the one that made the wheels turned. Most of our family owned one or two, like my uncle. In fact, it has become a symbol of Malaysia, you are not Malaysian if you never sat in an Iswara. It has also become a symbol of hatred by foreign tourists who got cheated by errant taxi drivers. Most of whom drive Iswaras even though they are slowly replaced by more modern cars. The Iswara, the symbol of Malaysian roads.

7. Proton Suprima S

Admittedly, when the Preve first came out, I thought it was ugly and disproportionate. When the Suprima S came along I thought it was better looking than the Preve and I don’t think I’m alone with this opinion. Just like the Persona and Gen-2, the Suprima S was a much better car than the Preve. It not only looked better, it was better built, quieter and has better to drive than the Preve.

6. Proton Satria Neo

A youthful-looking Proton? That is something coming from the same car maker that still sells the old Satria for 12 years. The Savvy, while looking funky and all is too funky for today’s 20-something. The Satria Neo on the other hand has a stupidly-funky name straight out of the box labeled “Unused Japanese Car Name Ideas” and yet looks modern enough for youths to buy one. The manual gearbox for this one is pleasant and the CPS version makes the match seem like in heaven. The R3 version is one of the best handling modern Protons out there. A sweet car for today’s generation.

5. Proton EMAS Concepts

When Proton commissioned Giugiaro to pen a few Protons, little did everyone know that they are witnessing the cleanest city car design ever. Yes, the Volkswagen up! looks like an unblemished iPod, but the EMAS trio and the fact they have Proton badges make car fanboys from Malaysia squeel like 5 Seconds of Summer fangirls. Also the fact that they were launched in the Geneva Motorshow makes it more deafening. It is AMZING and make us wish that Proton makes this city car a reality.

4. Proton Waja

OK, I will admit it. The reason why the Waja is placed quite high here is because I have driven this car numerous times and I really like the way the car handles. It may have bad plastics, the air-con only blows to the driver making him feel like he’s in the Arctic, and the buttons are far to reach. But who cares? The gear change is smooth, the engine revs perfectly, the steering is spot on and the fact that it is designed in-house after only 15 years of experience in the industry makes it more amazing to drive. In fact, the interior is probably inspired by BMWs since they are towards the driver as well.

3. Proton Iriz

Yes, you heard that right. Proton’s newest baby is one the best Protons of the last 30 years. They fixed everything that is wrong about Protons of before and make them better. The noise has been reduced, the quality has been upped tremendously, and the looks speak out modern. It may not have been as clean as the EMAS concept but at least it does not look to fussy. They have finally hit the right notes with the manual gearbox (GETRAG!!) and the engine. The CVT gearbox still has some issues but other than that, it is still a good progress for Proton.

2. Proton Saga

This is it. Genesis I. The one that paved the way for changes in the Malaysian motor world for good or worse. A brand new car that is cheap, reliable and has a lot of equipment? That was how Proton was being marketed everywhere. Japanese Technology, Malaysian Style was how the Saga and in fact Proton was being marketed in the UK. Proton turned out to be a huge success in the UK and a whopping 33,291 were exported to the UK. In just 7 years, Proton started from nothing to producing 300,000 cars at the end of its lifespan before being replaced with the mechanically similar Iswara.

1. Proton Satria GTi

Well, obviously. It has to be the legendary cult favourite Satria GTi. Lotus tuning and handling. 138hp Mitsubishi Lancer GSR engine. 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. What more could you ask for? A Proton that handles great with a heck of an engine. And also it is praised by Top Gear’s Richard Hammond. That is star quality in a really exceptional car. No wonder purists wanted a MkII GTi but I think it is better to leave it with just one. The Satria GTi, cult classic, ultra rare to find one that is unmodified or the original model, a true hot hatch and the best Proton to ever come out of the factory.

There you have it, 34 Protons from the past 30 (ish) years. Some were special variants, some were mere facelifts. If you have any opinions you would like to share or you’d prefer a Wira over an Iriz, do comment. Here’s to the next 30 years, Proton.