Proton Preve GX (2014)

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.