PROTON has reacted to the credit crunch with a series of price-cuts that are making models like the GEN-2 hatch excellent value for money.
The official price-tag for the 1.6 GSX may show £10,995, but with thousands of pounds being knocked off special limited edition versions it is clear there's a deal to be done when you visit the showroom.
Add this to the fact the GEN-2 benefits from the expertise of Lotus - which Proton acquired in 2003 - and the prospect of snagging a bargain with input from a legendary sports car maker creates a warm glow.
Lotus has helped its Malaysian parent produce a family car that is fun to drive while looking good - both inside and out.
The exterior boasts smooth curves, front and rear skirting, plus pronounced wheel arches that catch the eye. The sporty characteristics extend to the rear with lights positioned on the high and contoured tail of the car.
The GSX model also sports a tailgate spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The Lotus influence is also obvious in the interior where circular styling of the controls, cowled dash and sporty dials are the order of the day. There's also red trim on the seats, doors and steering wheel as well as a re-designed handbrake and glove box for added convenience.
The body-hugging sports seats with integrated headrest up front are probably the GEN-2's best feature while other goodies include electric front and rear windows, climate control, front fog lamps, and an integrated Blaupunkt radio/CD player with RDS and a four-way speaker system plus steering wheel audio controls.
The 1.6-litre Lotus-developed CamPro petrol engine zips the car along while the chassis and suspension ensure the ride and handling combine a decent drive without compromising comfort.
Reverse parking sensors and power assisted steering also help to deliver a relaxing drive. An engine immobiliser, alarm with ignition lock and remote central locking all add to peace of mind motoring.
However there were some problems that took a bit of the gloss off my week with the car.
It started with the fuel gauge that seemed to have a mind of its own.
I collected the car with a quarter of a tank registering - but by morning the needle wouldn't budge off empty. Not wishing to take any chances I pulled into a petrol station but could squeeze just 12 litres of fuel into the GEN-2 - but when I fired up the beast the gauge registered the tank was just a quarter full.
Then a steady drizzle highlighted another irritation - the wipers.
Whether put on intermittent or normal speed, they made a loud irritating squeak on the windscreen, while the rear wiper cleaned only half of the area it needed to.
Finally, shutting the tailgate produced a tinny clang that didn't exactly shout quality and the plastics used in the interior are harder than Vinnie Jones.
FAST FACTS
Proton GEN-2 1.6 GSX 5dr
Price: £10,995
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,597cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 12.6 secs
Combined mpg: 39.2
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 172g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust