WHILST a Proton Impian is one of the last cars I would ever consider buying it is possible to see the appeal to some.
It is average in every aspect except one. Where it is above average is in terms of the amount of metal you get for the money.
Of similar size to a Ford Focus saloon, the Impian costs about £4,000 less.
This is partly because labour rates in Malaysia are lower than in Europe and partly because the Proton is not as good a product as the Ford.
Whilst the entry-level 1.6-litre Focus saloon has side and curtain air bags, the Impian does not have the latter. Nor does it have the Ford's rear electric windows although it does boast traction control.
The Proton's main claim to fame is that it has suspension tweaked by Lotus, with whom the firm shares a financial partnership.
The company is also in league with Japanese car company Mitsubishi, from whom it has borrowed the 1.6-litre petrol engine.
This is an average affair with reasonable performance and economy but nothing exceptional.
Despite the Lotus connection the car is not sporty by any stretch of the imagination yet it falls into insurance group nine in comparison to the group seven rating of the more powerful Ford.
It loses its value quicker than the Ford but costs less to run per mile, mainly due to lower servicing costs.
On balance then it is an adequate if uninspiring compact car at a lower price than most of its rivals, although the Skoda Fabia and Octavia give it a good run for the money.
It gets a three star safety rating in comparison to five stars for the Ford and Skoda and on the road it feels like a generation behind more recent arrivals.
For those in search of a no-nonsense saloon with a pleasant and roomy interior at an affordable price the Impian is a safe bet when discounted down to a more reasonable £9,500 or so.
Reliability is not an issue so if there happens to be a Proton dealer on the doorstep then there is no reason not to take the plunge.
The best bet is to get a so-called dealer demonstrator at a reduced price or at least to haggle furiously because there are plenty of rivals that are just as good for similar money.
FAST FACTS
Proton Impian 1.6 GLS 4dr
Price: £10,995
Mechanical: 102bhp, 1,548cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 12.2 secs
Combined mpg: 42.2
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 161g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust