Proton Preve GXR Turbo 2014 Review
When we road test brand new Proton Preve sedan when it was introduced in early 2013, we were impressed with its smooth ride and handling, but felt it needed more power to match the dynamics of the chassis. At the end of the year, importers added a turbocharged engine option to a new model called the Preve GXR Turbo.
PRICE
The Proton Preve GXR sells for between $23,990 and $75,000, which is a pretty good price in the class as the Malaysian manufacturer tries to gain a bigger share of the Australian market. Something we believe should be achieved as you get a lot of competent car for modest cost. Additional savings come from free services for the first five years or 150,000 kilometers. It also has a five-year warranty and five-year free roadside assistance, both with XNUMX miles of high mileage.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Despite still displacing just 1.6 liters, in a class where 2.0 liters are more common, the turbocharged Proton engine now produces 103 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque, putting it in the same power category with the big boys in this dimension class − Mazda3 и Toyota Corolla.
At this stage, the Preve GXR's engine only works with a seven-ratio CVT automatic transmission should the driver wish to take over manual control from time to time. An optional six-speed manual transmission is under development for sale in Australia.
SECURITY
The Proton Preve GXR received a five-star ANCAP rating in Australian crash tests late last year. Standard active safety features include Electronic Stability Control with Brake Assist, which includes traction control and ABS with EBD. There are front seat belt pretensioners, active head restraints and hazard warning lights that automatically turn on when heavy braking is detected at speeds above 90 km/h and/or the vehicle is involved in an accident.
DRIVING
Our initial test drives from Sydney when the Preve GXR was unveiled to the automotive media late last year showed that we were impressed with how the Malaysian sedan handled with the Lotus suspension tuned. Proton owns a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars, and this company helps Proton not only with suspension, but also with engine and transmission design.
Now we've lived with the Proton Preve GXR for a week at our Gold Coast base, using it not only for routine road testing on our favorite roads, but also for everyday life and commuting.
The continuously variable transmission works especially well with a turbocharged engine, as gear ratios drop to lower ratios as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal. Thus, the engine goes through a period of turbo lag, resulting in faster throttle response than other turbocharged engines.
Ride comfort is generally good, although some big bumps and dips do catch it, perhaps a bit shorter suspension travel for rough and prepared back roads in Australia. Handling continues to impress - but don't expect to get a sports sedan for the money, as even the turbocharged model is aimed more at comfort than sharp steering and handling. The style is neat and tidy, but in no way outstanding. No one will admire the shape of this sedan, then it will not look outdated in the coming years.
The cabin of these Protons has good seating for four adults, five without much hip and shoulder friction. Rear seat legroom is plentiful, and we had no problem transporting four adults for a long social trip. Three adults in the back are cramped, but three children are quite normal. The trunk is large, with a wide opening and the correct internal shape. The rear seat backrest can be folded 67/33 to further increase load capacity and handle long loads.
