Proton Preve CFE 1.6 (A) Review
07 Jun 2013|32,853 views
Launched in 2012, the Preve is a successor to the Proton Persona sedan and the Gen-2 hatchback. Interestingly, its name was only given a few days prior to its launch (it was known as the P3-21A then).
According to Proton, the word Preve is pronounced 'prae-veh', which means 'to prove'. The Preve is a first for Proton on a few fronts. It is Proton's first global car and is also the first sedan that sits on Proton's next generation P2 platform as well as being fitted with a turbocharged engine.
For Proton, things are about to change with the all new Preve
Just like its predecessor, the Proton Preve will see a hatchback variant (P3-22A) - which hasn't been named yet - complementing it. Spy shots have surfaced, but till its launch, the Preve is set to kick-start Proton's global reach.
Exterior
On the styling of the Preve, Proton has collaborated with Italy-based design company, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A, which has designed cars like the Maserati Quattroporte among many others.
The Preve looks particularly good from the front, boasting an aggressive looking design that hints at the potential of the car.
According to Proton, the word Preve is pronounced 'prae-veh', which means 'to prove'. The Preve is a first for Proton on a few fronts. It is Proton's first global car and is also the first sedan that sits on Proton's next generation P2 platform as well as being fitted with a turbocharged engine.
Just like its predecessor, the Proton Preve will see a hatchback variant (P3-22A) - which hasn't been named yet - complementing it. Spy shots have surfaced, but till its launch, the Preve is set to kick-start Proton's global reach.
Exterior
On the styling of the Preve, Proton has collaborated with Italy-based design company, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A, which has designed cars like the Maserati Quattroporte among many others.
The Preve looks particularly good from the front, boasting an aggressive looking design that hints at the potential of the car.
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The front grille's chrome strip linking the sleek headlamps is a nice touch, and together with the emblem and grille, they give a distinct look of an ascending bird.
A pleasant crease line that runs the length of the high waistline further accentuates the Preve's good looks and sporty character.
Coming to the rear end, we thought it bore a slight resemblance to a model from a certain Scandinavian marque if you look long and hard enough. But that said, we reckon the old-fashioned rump of the Preve could have been a little less boxy looking.
In short, the overall design of the Preve offers enough for the young or old and is by no means anything to be ashamed of.
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Interior
Proton's designers have put in a whole lot of effort with the fit and finish and in abundance are soft-touch plastics at the usually-touched areas, with most surfaces and controls given a nice, smooth texture.
White illumination coupled with red gauge needles evoke a sporty feel
Nevertheless, there are some areas that can be improved on such as the buttons and knobs which don't feel solid enough or provide nice tactile feedback. They look dated, making you feel as though you are in the cabin of an older Proton.
In terms of ergonomics, there are some limitations in terms of achieving the optimal driving position as the steering wheel adjusts for height only. Despite that, the leather wrapped steering wheel does provide a nice meaty feel.
Proton's designers have put in a whole lot of effort with the fit and finish and in abundance are soft-touch plastics at the usually-touched areas, with most surfaces and controls given a nice, smooth texture.
Nevertheless, there are some areas that can be improved on such as the buttons and knobs which don't feel solid enough or provide nice tactile feedback. They look dated, making you feel as though you are in the cabin of an older Proton.
In terms of ergonomics, there are some limitations in terms of achieving the optimal driving position as the steering wheel adjusts for height only. Despite that, the leather wrapped steering wheel does provide a nice meaty feel.
A padded console between the front seats provides excellent storage space while offering support for both the driver and front passenger.
Small features such as this hook for the little groceries provides convenience
There is also a good amount of storage space at the sides and all these point to the fact that the Preve is designed for being exceptionally practical too.
It may be a compact sedan with a sloping roofline, but there's surprisingly good space in the Preve for occupants, plus a huge 508 litres boot which is one of the largest cargo capacities in its class.
There is also a good amount of storage space at the sides and all these point to the fact that the Preve is designed for being exceptionally practical too.
It may be a compact sedan with a sloping roofline, but there's surprisingly good space in the Preve for occupants, plus a huge 508 litres boot which is one of the largest cargo capacities in its class.
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The Drive
As far as powertrains are concerned, Proton has raised the bar well enough this time around with the 1.6-litre CamPro CFE turbocharged engine that powers the Preve and also the Exora Bold CFE MPV.
A step up for Proton - Push Start comes as standard on the Preve CFE
This powerplant provides for a good 138bhp and 205Nm of torque which packs enough punch albeit a little lacking in refinement.
Over at the gear swop department, a seven-speed ProTronic CVT transmission is in charge. It is smoothly mated to the engine which ensures pretty slick gear changes, although there were times when we could hear sounds of thumping coming from it.
The hydraulic power steering setup in the Preve gives a good dollop of weight and is pretty sharp in reaction. However, there is still a lack in feedback to the driver.
As far as powertrains are concerned, Proton has raised the bar well enough this time around with the 1.6-litre CamPro CFE turbocharged engine that powers the Preve and also the Exora Bold CFE MPV.
This powerplant provides for a good 138bhp and 205Nm of torque which packs enough punch albeit a little lacking in refinement.
Over at the gear swop department, a seven-speed ProTronic CVT transmission is in charge. It is smoothly mated to the engine which ensures pretty slick gear changes, although there were times when we could hear sounds of thumping coming from it.
The hydraulic power steering setup in the Preve gives a good dollop of weight and is pretty sharp in reaction. However, there is still a lack in feedback to the driver.
Well, it seems as though the handling experts over at Lotus have sprinkled a dash of magic dust on the Preve's chassis. It's no sportscar, but its grips the corners impressively well and suffers from little body roll.
The ride in the Preve is also a pliant one with the suspension coping well with undulating city streets.
Engage gears with the paddle shifters if you prefer a more enthusiastic drive
Conclusion
While the Preve offers a good mix of performance and practicality, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality. Nonetheless, the Preve is ready to prove to the world that Proton is stepping up its game.
At a price of $102,999 (as at 7th June 2013), it is cheaper than the recently launched Vios and the Honda City. But on that note, it isn't necessarily a better buy.
The ride in the Preve is also a pliant one with the suspension coping well with undulating city streets.
Conclusion
While the Preve offers a good mix of performance and practicality, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality. Nonetheless, the Preve is ready to prove to the world that Proton is stepping up its game.
At a price of $102,999 (as at 7th June 2013), it is cheaper than the recently launched Vios and the Honda City. But on that note, it isn't necessarily a better buy.
Launched in 2012, the Preve is a successor to the Proton Persona sedan and the Gen-2 hatchback. Interestingly, its name was only given a few days prior to its launch (it was known as the P3-21A then).
According to Proton, the word Preve is pronounced 'prae-veh', which means 'to prove'. The Preve is a first for Proton on a few fronts. It is Proton's first global car and is also the first sedan that sits on Proton's next generation P2 platform as well as being fitted with a turbocharged engine.
Just like its predecessor, the Proton Preve will see a hatchback variant (P3-22A) - which hasn't been named yet - complementing it. Spy shots have surfaced, but till its launch, the Preve is set to kick-start Proton's global reach.
Exterior
On the styling of the Preve, Proton has collaborated with Italy-based design company, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A, which has designed cars like the Maserati Quattroporte among many others.
The Preve looks particularly good from the front, boasting an aggressive looking design that hints at the potential of the car.
According to Proton, the word Preve is pronounced 'prae-veh', which means 'to prove'. The Preve is a first for Proton on a few fronts. It is Proton's first global car and is also the first sedan that sits on Proton's next generation P2 platform as well as being fitted with a turbocharged engine.
Just like its predecessor, the Proton Preve will see a hatchback variant (P3-22A) - which hasn't been named yet - complementing it. Spy shots have surfaced, but till its launch, the Preve is set to kick-start Proton's global reach.
Exterior
On the styling of the Preve, Proton has collaborated with Italy-based design company, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A, which has designed cars like the Maserati Quattroporte among many others.
The Preve looks particularly good from the front, boasting an aggressive looking design that hints at the potential of the car.
The front grille's chrome strip linking the sleek headlamps is a nice touch, and together with the emblem and grille, they give a distinct look of an ascending bird.
A pleasant crease line that runs the length of the high waistline further accentuates the Preve's good looks and sporty character.
Coming to the rear end, we thought it bore a slight resemblance to a model from a certain Scandinavian marque if you look long and hard enough. But that said, we reckon the old-fashioned rump of the Preve could have been a little less boxy looking.
In short, the overall design of the Preve offers enough for the young or old and is by no means anything to be ashamed of.
Interior
Proton's designers have put in a whole lot of effort with the fit and finish and in abundance are soft-touch plastics at the usually-touched areas, with most surfaces and controls given a nice, smooth texture.
Nevertheless, there are some areas that can be improved on such as the buttons and knobs which don't feel solid enough or provide nice tactile feedback. They look dated, making you feel as though you are in the cabin of an older Proton.
In terms of ergonomics, there are some limitations in terms of achieving the optimal driving position as the steering wheel adjusts for height only. Despite that, the leather wrapped steering wheel does provide a nice meaty feel.
Proton's designers have put in a whole lot of effort with the fit and finish and in abundance are soft-touch plastics at the usually-touched areas, with most surfaces and controls given a nice, smooth texture.
Nevertheless, there are some areas that can be improved on such as the buttons and knobs which don't feel solid enough or provide nice tactile feedback. They look dated, making you feel as though you are in the cabin of an older Proton.
In terms of ergonomics, there are some limitations in terms of achieving the optimal driving position as the steering wheel adjusts for height only. Despite that, the leather wrapped steering wheel does provide a nice meaty feel.
A padded console between the front seats provides excellent storage space while offering support for both the driver and front passenger.
There is also a good amount of storage space at the sides and all these point to the fact that the Preve is designed for being exceptionally practical too.
It may be a compact sedan with a sloping roofline, but there's surprisingly good space in the Preve for occupants, plus a huge 508 litres boot which is one of the largest cargo capacities in its class.
There is also a good amount of storage space at the sides and all these point to the fact that the Preve is designed for being exceptionally practical too.
It may be a compact sedan with a sloping roofline, but there's surprisingly good space in the Preve for occupants, plus a huge 508 litres boot which is one of the largest cargo capacities in its class.
The Drive
As far as powertrains are concerned, Proton has raised the bar well enough this time around with the 1.6-litre CamPro CFE turbocharged engine that powers the Preve and also the Exora Bold CFE MPV.
This powerplant provides for a good 138bhp and 205Nm of torque which packs enough punch albeit a little lacking in refinement.
Over at the gear swop department, a seven-speed ProTronic CVT transmission is in charge. It is smoothly mated to the engine which ensures pretty slick gear changes, although there were times when we could hear sounds of thumping coming from it.
The hydraulic power steering setup in the Preve gives a good dollop of weight and is pretty sharp in reaction. However, there is still a lack in feedback to the driver.
As far as powertrains are concerned, Proton has raised the bar well enough this time around with the 1.6-litre CamPro CFE turbocharged engine that powers the Preve and also the Exora Bold CFE MPV.
This powerplant provides for a good 138bhp and 205Nm of torque which packs enough punch albeit a little lacking in refinement.
Over at the gear swop department, a seven-speed ProTronic CVT transmission is in charge. It is smoothly mated to the engine which ensures pretty slick gear changes, although there were times when we could hear sounds of thumping coming from it.
The hydraulic power steering setup in the Preve gives a good dollop of weight and is pretty sharp in reaction. However, there is still a lack in feedback to the driver.
Well, it seems as though the handling experts over at Lotus have sprinkled a dash of magic dust on the Preve's chassis. It's no sportscar, but its grips the corners impressively well and suffers from little body roll.
The ride in the Preve is also a pliant one with the suspension coping well with undulating city streets.
Conclusion
While the Preve offers a good mix of performance and practicality, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality. Nonetheless, the Preve is ready to prove to the world that Proton is stepping up its game.
At a price of $102,999 (as at 7th June 2013), it is cheaper than the recently launched Vios and the Honda City. But on that note, it isn't necessarily a better buy.
The ride in the Preve is also a pliant one with the suspension coping well with undulating city streets.
Conclusion
While the Preve offers a good mix of performance and practicality, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality. Nonetheless, the Preve is ready to prove to the world that Proton is stepping up its game.
At a price of $102,999 (as at 7th June 2013), it is cheaper than the recently launched Vios and the Honda City. But on that note, it isn't necessarily a better buy.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Proton Preve CFE 1.6 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.2km/L
Horsepower
103kW (138 bhp)
Torque
205 Nm
Acceleration
9.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Proton Preve
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