Back to car reviews
Proton Preve GX (2014)
by Barry Green,reviewed February 2014
Proton’s new Prevé four-door sedan is the first of its make to come with five years’ free servicing.
It also boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating and a five-year warranty.
First, the good news.
The extensive safety inventory includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, ABS, active front head rests, reversing sensors and an automatic, speed-sensitive, door locking/unlocking system.
The ride is compliant, thanks to suspension tuned by sports car supremo Lotus.
Standard equipment extends to 16-inch alloys, bluetooth and iPod connectivity, 60-40 split-fold rear seat, central locking and steering wheel audio and phone controls.
Now, the not so good news ...
Prevé lacks the wherewithal to exploit the handling benefits of its aforesaid, sporty suspension. The steering is devoid of feedback, the gearshift on our five-speed manual (a CVT is a $2000 option) was abrasive and imprecise (particularly shifting from second to third) and the 1.6-litre engine struggled to climb even a reasonably sized hill.
There is seating for five and acceptable interior (and cargo) space, but the seats are hard and flat. As the first Proton product we have tested in some five or more years, Prevé shows welcome improvements in some key areas, but it still falls well short of best in the small car class.
For
Safety, warranty, capped price servicing
Against
Lacks dynamics, engine response, comfort
Key features
16” alloys, climate-control airconditioning, reversing sensors, bluetooth/iPod connectivity, CD/MP3 player with auxiliary and USB ports, steering wheel audio/bluetooth controls, remote keyless entry, alarm
Safety
Dual front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, EBD, active front headrests, front seatbelt pretenesioners
Car Details
Vehicle make |
Proton |
Vehicle model |
Preve GX |
Vehicle type |
Small Under $35,000 |
Year |
2014 |
Price when new |
$15,990 MLP |
Current price range |
$ - $
|
ANCAP crash rating |
|
Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
Approved Repairers |
Our expert team of approved repairers can perform general and specialist repairs, including auto-electrical, air-conditioning, radiator repairs and automatic transmissions. |
Engine |
1.6-litre, 16-valve DOHC, petrol 4-cyl |
Max power |
80kW @ 5750rpm |
Max torque |
150Nm @ 4000rpm |
Acceleration to 100 km/h |
12.0 seconds (claimed) |
Economy ADR |
7.2 litres/100km |
Emissions rating |
|
Back to car reviews
This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.