Excellent new Gen.2

[Ion Pulse]

Following my post about the new Proton Gen.2 being used as a Rover 45 replacement, which now looks likely to be used as a car to slot between the Rover 25 and 45(to be called the R3). The Gen.2 has been recently tested in Auto Express magazine the UK and it looks very promosing. The Gen.2 is the first totally in-house creation by Proton, with domestic sucess in Malaysia critical. The say it looks modern and well-proportioned, although it does'nt break new ground in car design. The Gen.2 also lives up to its manufacturers promise of 'class leading handling', as Lotus-tuned chassis will be a selling point. They say that the Gen.2 is very dynamically impressive. Light quick steering gives a nimble feel at low-speeds, and lane changes without fuss. Although it does get nervous at high speeds. The Gen.2 is also very stable and composed at high speeds and has an impressivly smooth ride. The free-revving CamPro 1.6 engine has an excellent engine tone and is responsive from low revs. Although the interior may look good, it is poorly constructed and lacks attention to detail. Auto Express has given the new Proton Gen.2 a firm thumbs up, so this would be an excellent platform from which MG Rover can build a new Ford Focus challenger from.

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The surprisingly excellent Gen.2

[Jimster]

I'm prety excited about the car. If they can get the Interior quality right this time (Unlike the terrible synthetic-feeling Impian) and give it a good engine, it'll be set.


The handling WILL be good (Impians handling was amazing for what it was) and the styling certainly seems top notch......

The badge isn't tarnished like the Lada or Skoda badge either.

[Ion Pulse]

Don't hold your expections to high, for all the Gen.2s new cabin is smart to look at it is made from very brittle plastics which are poor fitting and have rough and ragged edges. Proton will have to iron out these problems before it can wear a Rover badge.