Proton Impian (2001 - 2007) 1.6 GLS (110bhp) 4d Auto (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

"I don't care what image my car has as long as it is reliable/my friends have new BMW's and Mercs and I'm always helping them out when they break down somewhere inconveniently, so non of that over complex Kraut stuff for me thanks/I am too mean to buy a "nicer" car/I am over 75 and was conned by the nice dealer".

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Mrs Dad hated it with a vengance when new. After a couple of years this has mellowed to mild dislike/grudging acceptance of it's good points. I think it's OK for what it is, my kids always prefer to travel in it rather than our cars (granted they are a Picasso and a tatty old Merc). Other family think it is a bit of a joke.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I think Mr Dad would except for the pricey road tax. Mr Dad had a Proton before this one, and despite Mrs Dad praying nightly for it's demise, it was totally reliable for the 11 years or so they had it from new, until some nonce drove into it and wrote it off while Mrs Dad was driving it. I'm sure it was an accident...

What are you likely to buy next?

Mr Dad would have another Proton, as long as it doesn't have the same road tax as a Bugatti Veyron, like this one has. If it went like the Bugatti he wouldn't mind so much.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

June 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think he paid list - maybe a bit of discount but he's not a haggler.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Dad's car. He had an MPI before that he loved alomost as much as the dog.

What was the dealer like?

Pleasant, has given excellent after sales.

What's it like to drive?

With the auto box it's great in town / heavy traffic. Visibility is generally quite good. Acceleration above 40 is dire, which makes joining fast motorway traffic a bit too exciting sometimes, and motorway overtaking is hard work. Once up to speed it is OK though. Ride and handling are both very good, matching any modern competitor. Grip with the factory tyres is ok - good. Brakes are fine at low speed, need a bit more effort than you'd expect at speed, but still do the job. Headlights are very good, wipers sufficient.

What's it like to park?

OK, turning circle though not great, is not as bad as some other small/medium cars (i.e it is loads better than the oil tanker turning circle of the Citroen Xara Picasso hatch).

Have you had any problems with the car?

Dealer noticed alloys were corroding two years after sale - got them all replaced under manufacturer warantee.

What's most practical about your car?

For oldies it is great - he loves the air con, auto box makes city driving a doddle. The leather seats are very comfy, even on long journeys, where the excellent ride and handling help too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Likes the remote boot and fuel flap control. Has never once used the 6 disk CD changer!