Proton has launched the Proton Preve (pronounced 'Prevay' or something like that), its latest small sedan in Malaysia. The model previewed was the top of the range Preve CFE that is equipped with a 140hp/205Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre 4 cylinder engine coupled to 7speed CVT transmission (with paddle shifts) driving its front wheels.

This is supposedly Proton's 'Global Car', they have thrown a whole lot of development (and goodies - stop start, rain sensor wipers, auto lights, LEDs, turbocharging, touch screen GPS/multimedia etc. etc) and after test driving one I must say that this could be the first non-Mitsubishi designed Proton that I actually like driving and one that has no major flaws compared to what was offered previously.

There are minor flaws like still having no external boot release button (aside from the one inside the car and on the remote) and some cheap plastics, but most cars at this price range do anyway.

With the earlier Proton that were designed in-house, one would suffer from quality issues, ergonomic flaws and bad material choice, resulting in a horrid driving experience even though the cars actually handled and rode exceptionally well. I suppose it is the 'Handling By Lotus' that has made this possible.

But they had not resolved the ridiculous ergonomics and build quality. Hence the hobbit-like driving position in the Proton Satria Neo, the ridiculously low set steering wheel in the Proton Waja and Proton Gen2 and the appaling plastics in the Satria Neo again.

The Proton Preve has changed that. Slightly. The main controls are good to the touch and materials used on the top half of the dashboard is pretty good. The dark 'wood' trim makes the car look slightly upscale and the air-con vents are nice. The bottom half of the dashboard however isn't that convincing and utilises cheaper plastics, especially the loosely fitting coin box to the right of the steering column.

I suppose they've done what most manufacturers do these days