Proton Preve 2014 Overview
Test Drive

Proton Preve 2014 Overview

Malaysian manufacturer Proton would like us to pronounce the name of their new compact sedan - Preve - in rhyme with the word cafe in order to "give a European flavor to the new car." Whether it happens or not, it is likely to grab attention mainly for its value proposition.

PRICE AND FEATURES

The Proton Preve offers excellent value for money as it is priced at $15,990 for a five-speed manual and $17,990 for a six-speed continuously variable transmission. These prices are $3000 below the starting prices announced earlier this year. Proton tells us prices will remain until the end of year 2013. Until then, you can get a Proton Preve for the price of a Toyota Yaris or Mazda, while it's pretty much a lineball with a larger Corolla or Mazda.

Prestigious features of this affordable car include LED headlights and daytime running lights. The seats are covered in plush fabric and all have height-adjustable head restraints, with front active head restraints for added security. The upper part of the dashboard is made of soft-touch non-reflective material. The tilt-adjustable multifunction steering wheel houses audio, Bluetooth and mobile phone controls.

INFORMATION

The integrated instrument panel has both analog and digital gauges. The on-board computer displays the distance traveled between two points in three trips and the travel time. There is information about the approximate distance to empty, instantaneous fuel consumption, total fuel used and the distance traveled since the last reset. In keeping with the sporty nature of the new car, the Preve's dashboard is illuminated in red.

An audio system with AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, USB and auxiliary ports is located on the center console, at the base of which are the iPod and Bluetooth ports, as well as a 12-volt outlet hidden under a sliding cover.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONS

Proton's own Campro engine is a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with up to 80 kW at 5750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4000 rpm. Two new transmissions: a five-speed manual or automatic CVT with six driver-selectable ratios send power to the Preve's front wheels.

SECURITY

Proton Preve received five stars in crash tests. The comprehensive safety package includes six airbags, including full-length curtains. Collision avoidance features include electronic stability control, traction control, ABS brakes, active front head restraints, reversing and speed-sensing sensors, locking and unlocking doors.

DRIVING

The Preve's ride and handling is better than average for its class, which is exactly what you'd expect from a car with some input from British racing car maker Lotus, a brand once owned by Proton. But the Preve is focused on safety and comfort and far from being a sporty model.

The engine is on the dead side, which isn't surprising given its modest 80 kilowatt maximum power, and it needs to be kept in good working order by using the transmission properly to get acceptable performance. Weak cabin insulation lets in harsh engine noise, a necessary high-rpm evil to get the most out of an engine that doesn't have much power. Shifting is a bit rubbery, but when he's allowed to shift at his own pace, it's not too bad.

The manual version, which we tested throughout the week, averaged five to seven liters per hundred kilometers on the highway and in light country driving. Here the consumption rose to nine or eleven liters in the city due to the fact that the engine was working hard. It's a good-sized car, and the Preve has enough leg, head, and shoulder room for four adult passengers. It can carry up to five people, as long as those in the back aren't too wide. Mom, dad and three teenagers fit easily.

The trunk is already a good size, and the rear seat has a 60-40 fold feature, allowing you to haul longer items. Hooks are located throughout the Preve and are perfect for clothes, bags and packages. The sharply defined body with a wide stance and 10-inch 16-spoke alloy wheels looks good, although it doesn't really stand out from the crazy crowd in this extremely competitive market segment in Australia.

VERDICT

You get a lot of cars at a very modest price from Proton's Preve as it competes with next size cars including heavyweights like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. It doesn't have the styling, engine performance, or handling dynamics of these cars, but keep in mind the super-low price. Also keep in mind that the favorable price is only valid until the end of 2013.

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