Proton Preve - Top alternatives you must check out

It was only in mid-2018 when Proton gave its C-segment sedan, the Preve a major facelift. The new Preve looked fresh packed with all the modern features and looks. And like this, the flourishing compact sedan market got another gem to show-off. Apart from its upscale features combined with the killer looks, what attracts the buyer towards the Preve is its affordable price tag. Though the Preve is an entry-level compact sedan but has the strength and capability to give fierce competition to the cars a segment above like Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cruze.

The purpose of this article, as you very well know from the title is to suggest alternative options to the Proton sedan that a prospective buyer must check out. But before going forward with that, we’d like to shed some light on the Preve specs and more. So, let’s get started -

• The new Proton Preve was officially launched at the 2018 Malaysia Auto Show
• The sedan is available in two trim options - Premium (RM 68,430) and Executive (rm 61,090)
• Both the variants are powered by a 1561 cc turbo mill that produces a maximum power of 140 PS at 5,000 rpm and the peak torque stands at 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm. A seven-speed ProTonic transmission unit sends power to the wheels
• The Preve can complete the 0 the 100 kmph run in 9.6 seconds and can attain the top speed of 190 kmph

• Its feature list includes projector LED headlamps, LED DRLs, auto fold ORVM, auto climate control, push start-stop button, follow-me-home lights, built-in navigation, audio system with USB, Bluetooth, and iPod connectivity, rain sensing wipers, auto cruise, and paddle shifters
• Part of its safety kit are features like dual SRS airbags with seat belt pre-tensioner, side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, ISOFIX, anti-trap power windows, and Traction Control

Now let’s move on to Proton Preve’s alternatives -

Nissan Almera

The Almera is one of Nissan’s top offering in the Malaysian market. The car has achieved big in the market and is the preferred family companion for many. It offers the perfect combination of elegance, comfort, storage, and convenience. In addition, the engine and performance figures are worthy as they bring great numbers on the table. The Almera is offered in three trim levels - 1.5L E M/T, 1.5L E A/T, and 1.5L VL A/T. All the mentioned Almera variants house a 1498 cc four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine. This mill with CVTC and Drive-by-technology churns out 102 PS at 6,000 rpm and 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm. On the transmission front, one could either opt for a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic unit. The car is available in five shades - Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Bronze Gold, Graphite Blue, and Brilliant White.

Moving on, the car packs features like LED daytime running lights, wing mirror with signal lamps, electronically adjustable side mirrors, class-leading legroom, huge trunk, automatic climate control, and automatic climate control. Also, the car offers outstanding fuel efficiency of 14.9 kmph.

Proton Persona

Next up on the list is a car from the local automaker Proton, the Persona. It was only recently when Proton launched the all-new Persona sedan in Malaysia, and we must say the new model looks fantastic. Also, according to the automaker, a total of 303 tweaks were made on the new model. The car is available in four trim options all of which are powered by a new 1.6-litre VVT naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine. The performance figure reads 109 PS of maximum power at 5,750 rpm along with a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. What’s also shared between the variants is the 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.

Apart from the amazing exterior revisions that include a new grille with Infinite Wave pattern, horizontally placed LED DRLs, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, and 15-inch alloy wheels, the car gets a lot of cabin updates. The new Persona gets semi-leather-semi-fabric upholstery, frameless rearview mirror, a new touchscreen infotainment system that developed in conjunction with ECARX. What’s best is that the new Persona despite being all packed with modern elements costs less than the Preve. The 2019 Proton Persona price range reads RM 42,600-RM 54,600.

Proton Preve cross-segment alternatives -

Proton Iriz 2019

Launched alongside the all-new Persona, the Iriz though a hatchback is an excellent alternative to consider over the Preve. It’s more modern looking, showcases a better set of features, and even its safety kit is strong. The Iriz is available in four trims - 1.3 Standard MT, 1.3 Standard CVT, 1.3 Executive CVT, 1.6 Premium CVT. For detailed info on the all-new Iriz, click here.

Proton Exora

If you can wait a little longer, an all-new Exora is on its way to Malaysia. Also, the car is expected to benefit a lot from the Proton-Geely partnership. As we have got some wonderful outputs from this collaboration like the X70, 2019 Iriz, and Persona. Further, with the Exora, you get to enjoy the benefits of a bigger car with more seating and boot capacity.

Kia Picanto

Since we are going cross-segment, we thought of suggesting another cool, fun car that’s actually under budget! Though, the Picanto is a hatch believe us it has a lot of space to offer. Also, by the looks of it, it’s dynamic than the Preve. So, make sure you check it out as well. Also, recently, Kia launched the Picanto GT line variant that’s priced at around RM 57,888.

That’s all for now, do let us know your thoughts/picks in the comment section.