Proton Preve

Proton Prevé Overview

The Proton Prevé is a compact 4-door C-segment sedan first introduced in 2012. It was designed from the ground up as a global car based on Proton’s P2 platform with larger emphasis put on the international markets like Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Chile and Egypt.

Since its introduction, the Proton Prevé has gone through a couple of facelifts and iterations. The 3 variants offered in Malaysia are the Proton Prevé Executive MT, Proton Prevé Executive CVT and the Proton Prevé Premium CFE CVT. Priced starting from RM57,832 for the base variant and RM71,316 for the 1.6L turbo premium variant, the Proton Prevé is competitively priced. The popular C-segment sedan also joins the Royal Malaysian Police patrol fleet in 2013 alongside the Mitsubishi Lancer and more recently the 1.8L Honda Civic.

Malaysian are spoilt for choice in the competitive C-segment sedan market. The competitions include the likes of the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3 and the discontinued Volkswagen Jetta and Ford Focus, all of which are priced significantly higher even compared to the highest spec turbocharged Proton Prevé.

Proton Prevé Design

Proton collaborated with Italy-based Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A. to design the Proton Prevè with a global car in mind to appeal to a broader market segment. Proton signature ‘Proton Wings’ design’ was first seen on Proton Prevé’s façade with chrome accents extending outwards from the Proton emblem along the grill, subtly illustrating the wings of an ascending bird. The overall result is a clean and purposeful looking front end.

Strong and clean body lines is the theme that is carried across the design of the car. The aggressively shaped wheel arches, paired with conservatively sized 16-inch alloy rims, give the car that masculine stance. Although the slopping roofline gives the Proton that desirable silhouette of a fastback, the rear design of the sedan can look a bit like an afterthought to the Proton Suprima S hatchback. Squint hard enough and you get a hint of a more angular Tesla Model 3.

Proton Prevé Dimension

The Proton Prevé is relatively small in size compared to its competition yet it’s the heaviest amongst its closest competition. Its marginally taller and significantly shorter than most of its rivals.

Proton Prevé Interior

The interior is designed with maximum comfort in mind for both driver and passengers.  Generous front and rear legroom and ample storage space makes the sleek looking Proton Prevé convenient and practical as well. The water repellent fabric seat is ergonomically shaped and comfortable for a long drive. The 508-litre boot space is hugely practical too.

The analog instrument cluster gauge with smart info display is starting to show its age with competition edging towards digitalization. Black colour plastics and soft touch material dominates the interior theme with a touch of brushed-aluminium-like trim.

Proton Prevé Feature

The Proton Prevé Premium variant comes equipped with convenience feature like keyless push Start, Auto Wipers, Touchscreen GPS Navigation system, Auto Projector Headlamp with LED Position Light, Auto Cruise and Paddle Shifter.

In terms of safety, beneath the body lies the Reinforced Safety Structure or RESS, which enables Proton to achieve better torsional rigidity while retaining a relatively light weight. Six airbags, Active Headrests and Collapsible Steering Wheel offers maximum protection to its occupants in the event of an accident. Other safety features like ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX with top tether are also standard across all variants. The overall result is an impressive 5 star in both the ASEAN and the Australia NCAP crash safety rating.

Proton Prevé Driving Performance

Engine

The Executive variant is powered by a 1.6 L CamPro IAFM+ DOHC naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine pushing out 108 PS at 5750 RPM and 150 NM of torque at 4000 RPM, giving a top speed of 180km/h and 170km/h for the MT variant and the CVT variant respectively. Century sprint is completed around 12 seconds. The Premium variant on the other hand is powered by a 1.6L CamPro CFE DOHC turbocharged engine, producing a respectable 140PS at 5000 RPM and 205 NM of torque from 2000 RPM. Top speed is 190km/h and the century sprint is completed in 9.6 seconds, close to 3 seconds faster than the executive variant. Compared to the new Honda Civic 1.5 turbo, the performance figure is still some margin away.

Transmission

Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission for the executive MT variant and a 7-speed Protronic CVT for the Executive CVT and Premium CVT variant. The CVT is said to provide seamless power delivery and superior fuel economy. The premium variant also comes with paddle shifters.

Proton Prevé Ride Comfort

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Prevé is the fact that the ride and handling is tuned to none other than Lotus’s famed handling specification. The Lotus DNA boasts superior handling characteristics and inspire confidence during a more spirited drive. The front Macpherson strut paired with a rear multilink with stabilizer bar suspension system strikes a great balance between comfort and sportiness.

Proton Prevé Fuel Consumption

The 1.6 L MT variant is rated at 6.2L/100KM while the 1.6 L CVT variant fairs better at 5.8L/100KM. The 1.6L Turbo on the other hand is rated at 6.6L/100KM.

Proton Prevé Conclusion

Like the Proton Inspira or the Proton Waja that comes before it, Proton Prevé promises a capable locally made C-segment sedan that is able to compete on the international front with its Japanese and Europeans competitions. While Proton manages to deliver on the most parts, particularly in terms of ride and handling and on its impressive safety feature, unfortunately it does have its shortcomings. The Proton Prevé is still plague with Proton’s usual issues of interior fit and finish and an underperforming engine paired with an overpromised CVT performance could prove to be its biggest letdown. If you would like a full Proton Prevé experience, forget about the Executive variant and pay that extra cash for the Premium turbocharged variant.