Proton has always struggled since it first sold cars in the UK back in the mid-80s to rise above the budget make sector and make any headway among drivers who want quality cars.
But you have to remember when you rubbish Proton that you are talking about the company which owns Lotus, that revered British sports car maker that many of the world’s manufacturers have turned to when they want new models developed.
Back in 2001, Proton brought out the Impian, aimed at the D sector to take on competition such as the Vauxhall Vectra, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, and Audi A4.
It might seem a bit audacious of Proton to have mentioned such models in the same breath as it uttered the name of its Impian, but this company is nothing if not ambitious. And, if you are after a bargain, it’s worth remembering that you wouldn’t have got any of the others straight from the showroom for the sort of money that would bring you an Impian fresh out of its box.
In the used market, the lack of image means the Impian is even better value if you are not a badge snob. The Impian has just been refreshed and now ranks among the better offerings from the Malaysian maker that include the Savvy supermini and New Satria.
While the Impian is never going to be a fire breather with its 1.6 litre engine - it’s the only motor you can have - it is enjoyable. And, what’s more, the latest example I have been driving shows you can expect around 40 mpg from the car, the best I have ever managed from any Proton.
I remember, way back, I had an Impian at around the same time I had a Nissan Almera saloon on test, a direct competitor for the Impian in every way, even down to a price as there was only a few pounds between them.
My son, an enthusiastic 25 year old at the time, reckoned the Impian was by far the better drive. He had the advantage of not being prejudiced against Proton through driving its previous models and it would perhaps pay those who have shied away from Proton in the past to take a fresh look.
If the Impian could compete fair and square with competent cars from Nissan then it has to be pretty good. But whether or not it’s a true D segment car is open to question. If you look at it from the outside the Impian appears much smaller than cars like the Mondeo. But when you view it from the inside it has more space than you’d expect, certainly enough to carry four adults in comfort.
Even with the front seats set for tall occupants, the Impian has enough room behind for equally tall passengers and, due to the lack of a sunroof, the most unnecessary accessory on the planet, it has plenty of headroom, too.
The 1.6 litre engine may not appeal to everyone, especially as the 1.8 litre variants of its competitors are always more popular. However, the Impian is pretty nippy.
The original Impian was marred by a hard ride - far firmer than you would expect. But the car I drove last month shows the latest model is far better and while enthusiasts might not rate it the average family car driver would be more than happy.
Running an Impian should not be expensive. Any competent mechanic could service it and the 9,000 mile intervals are not onerous. Insurance may be a bit high at Group 9 but this will be offset by low purchase and other costs.
Finding yourself an Impian to buy will be the biggest challenge. They take such a hit in depreciation in the first year that anyone who researches the topic would not buy one new. A GLS that listed at around £11,000 at the start of this year would retail now for just £5,575 and its trade value is a mere £4,225. But if you find one, a 56 plate roomy saloon for less than the price of a new Chevrolet Matiz is a steal.
Maurice Hardy
IMPIAN MARKED PROTON’S PROGRESS
