Last Saturday i have tested the new Preve. here is my summary on the improvement of the new "world/global proton" :
1) Exterior looks :
Well, I have no argument with it, it does look better than previous proton. Whatever those cynical ppl said about it, it is an improvement in the proton design team. Well, at least a better one than previous. I am not comparing it with other brands, only comparing it with the previous proton models.
2) Quality build :
Hmm. The quality is much better, against all previous protons. The gap between the panels are much tighter. The sound of the door closing is much better to hear than the Persona or the Saga (no offence).
3) Interior looks :
The soft plastic on the door panels and dashboard is much welcome - a much improvement than the hard cheap plastic from the other models. Well, I especially like the new tachometer and speedometer. It looks a bit European and upmarket. The only critics I have is that they don't have leather for the seats, they came only in fibre. But no problem, the seats are fine. They provide comforrt and also quite good lateral support for the driver.
4) Engine
It comes in a 1.6 Campro Fuel Efficient (CFE) that has a little tiny turbo.
CFE ENGINE - note that tiny turbo somewhere there :p .
This engine produces around 138BHP and 205 healty N.M of torque. The torque comes as early as 2000RPM++. So, the outcome should be good.
Well, to be honest, the engine sounds a bit struggling to me (who has an ecperience with turbo car). This is maybe due to the CVT gearbox. It is a brilliant gearbox but it seems to be...erm...like doing it's own work. This make the engine feels - well, a bit numb and dull. Boring. Sluggish. It is not a performance car though. So for a normal commute to office point A to point B, it is just OKAY, the torque comes in very early so it does not need for the engine to rev so much. For a performance guy like whoever you, who wants this car, please have an extra RM2k and install an aftermarket piggyback. Why? Because the way the boost comes in is a bit clumsy and unsatisfactory. Or maybe the boost is too small - 0.5 bar maybe or the CVT is the main culprit? Talk about the CVT it is the the biggest criticisme and disspointment for me. My Fiesta has a much better response with DCT. Come on Proton, nowdays we are going for Dual Clutch!!! They wanted it to be ultra smooth, but it hampers the performance.
5) Noise and Vibration?
ThE NVH is quite good. I hardly hear what happen outside and also the tyre roar is much much lower now in the Preve. Good for comfort. But, the turbo whistling is too much and it does sounds like struggling (i cannot work out whether it is due to the CVT or the way the boost comes in or maybe the way this turbo sucks the air?). The turbo sound is quite annoying for a comfort car. They should do someting on that. Maybe an extra sound dampening on the front?
6) Handling
THe handling is quite good. THe suspension is set up for comfort, so it makes a very pleasant ride even on harsh roads. It is not soft or too firm. It is just nice.
So how much ratings do i have to give. Well this is quite hard. I want to give more to the new Preve, and I expect more from them. But I have to accept the reality, that Proton is still proton. I am not saying that they are not improving. They are, and that's good. It's just that comparing to the other brands. they are feeling a bit, just a bit, fallen behind. But, kudos to Proton for this improivement. But, due to the price is RM50K+ for the non turbo, and 72K+ for the turbo, it is a bargain. Hopefully, with the new owner, HICOM, we hope that they will improve further and may this Preve be the first step for the Proton we hoped for all this years. :).
Ratings - 5/10
+(this proton is a bargain and much improved proton).
-(the CVT and turbo noise is annoying)
Az
