Inspiring the Proton Inspira
The all new Proton Inspira is a car that has the same lines and curves as the Mitsubishi Lancer, so is it a Lancer? By definition, I would call the Inspira a fine example of an evil twin. And as how Proton puts it simply, ‘Smart Guys Get It’.
Driving the car around the Klang Valley, it does turn heads, especially when the Proton emblem is in plain direct sight. Distinctively, it is a Mitsubishi but only better in terms of ride, handling, and for obvious reasons; price! When the first Proton Wira was launched in 1993, everyone wished that it was a Lancer Evolution lookalike, so that we could have the identical lights in the rear, transplant the Evolution engine inside, make it an Evolution lookalike, or why did they even bother to redesign it then, we figured. Now that Proton has done the exact version of the Lancer we are all confused on Proton’s strategy. In great business sense, Proton’s decision to take a complete vehicle transfer and enhancing it could be the best decision Proton could have ever made in current times. Not only is the car an almost identical version of the Lancer, but now there is a possibility of Proton supplying parts back to Mitsubishi or exporting identical car components back to Japan or other parts of the world that need or may have the Lancer or Inspira available.
As how Proton puts it, it is not a re-badge exercise as localization variables have been done to make this car more suited to the Malaysian roads and users. The car runs a different front end bumper, and suspension has been tweaked to suit local conditions. Not only did this car share the same platform as the Lancers, but the same Japanese engineers are also in constant contact with Proton to ensure that the Inspira meets their stringent standards and processes. The engineers are in the production line in the Proton plant everyday to audit the builds.
All big car giants, have vehicle commonizations, or shared platforms. So why can’t Proton? Maybe it is due to our growing up years of sharing our national pride along with our national car. Proton is relentless, and will not be thwarted by critics on their bigger picture plans. Driving the car, it is definitely a plus over bumps. Being a Malaysian on our roads, where our country seems to be measured in terms of development by the sheer number of road bumps, this car flies over them easily. Well when they said that this car has better handling and suspension travel, I was very eager to do my ‘bump tests’! Without slowing down too much, I kept a constant speed and flew over the bumps near one of the larger shopping mall in PJ, next to Sunway Damansara, and the Inspira amazed me with its suspension road worthiness. The suspension bump stops were not hit, and the suspension simply absorbed all the bumps really well, without frontal lifts and no rear end bottoming. Awesome!
The Inspira model comes in 2 variants, 1.8L MIVEC CVT or Manual, or the 2.0L MIVEC CVT. It is not a CAMPRO engine, but uses Mitsubishi’s ever famous MIVEC technology. Hence it runs the same engines as the Mitsubishis. However to mark our pride on the Inspira, the engine cover has the Proton emblem sitting in the middle. Both variants run identical bodies, with hardly any distinctive marks to differentiate the two models other than the premium version with a duck tail at the rear boot. The 1.8L model comes with fabric interiors, with the 2.0L having leather seats. In terms of safety features, all models have the same dual air-bags in the front, 4 wheel ABS with EBD, Pre-tensioner seat belts at the front, and ISOFIX. The car’s interior is not busy with the dials all laid out ergonomically, having follow Mitsubishi’s engineering. The steering wheel is similar but with the Proton emblem in the middle of the horn. Paddle shifters are available only in the 2.0L variant with the cruise control unit.
Some key features for the Proton Inspira for the comfort of the driver is the alarm system with keyless remote entry. The 2.0L comes with Auto-Rain Sensors, Auto-Light Sensors, GPS System, Body Kit and Fog Lamps. All models have the welcome home light system, with the coming home light system. Basically it is the courtesy light illuminating when shutting off the engine or disarming the alarm.
Driving the 1.8L Inspira, the CVT gearbox takes awhile getting used to. Accelerating from standstill, a whirling sound takes over, with the car moving off. Powering the car round bends, it gives the driver a very neutral feel with no surprises or unexpected shifts in body roll. The car handles bumps and small undulations pretty neatly with hardly any feel in the cabin area. This could be attributed to the larger profile tires fitted on compared to the Lancer. It runs 205/60/16 tires, with alloy wheels as standard. The tires are not to my liking from aesthetics as it makes the car looks like it is running on balloons. However from the ride and drive, one will not feel the slightly taller ride.
Power is enough for anyone wanting a nice large saloon car to move around. Car is without fuss, easily maneuverable, and drives easy. Top speeds in the 1.8L were around the 190kmph mark, with the 0-100kmph hitting around the 11secs range. During hard cornering, the car holds the ground pretty well, without much body roll, and accelerating more round the bends the car does not drift away from your hands. Giving the driver pretty good sense of confidence and it is a very neutral car, that will not step out should one lift off.
As your everyday daily driver, the Inspira will give you a great bang for your buck. With a price tag from RM78,549.00 1.8L Manual Solid, RM84,549.00 1.8L CVT Solid and RM91549.00 2.0L Premium CVT Solid, the car a real good deal for a Class C segment car at a Class B segment pricing. Proton positioned themselves uniquely this time by going big on car, and big on a low price. Japanese technology with Malaysian fusion makes this car a good buy for any Class B segment upgraders. If you still don’t get it, drop by any Proton showroom and look for the tagline on the name plate holders of the Proton Inspira.
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