Owner Review: No rival on same level - My 2012 Proton Inspira 2.0E CVT

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Basic information about my car:

2012 Proton Inspira 2.0E CVT

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I was driving my family's car, a Perodua. At some point I need to return it to my family, and buy my first car mainly for the purpose of commute to work and hanging around town with friends and family. Not very often I drove it on the highway, but once a while I did some long distance travel like Penang - KL.

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM 80,000
• Models that I have considered include: Honda City (5th Gen), Toyota Vios (2nd Gen)

I tested all 3 cars a few times before I made my decision. In comparison with 2 cars above, Proton Inspira is / has:

1) the most spacious cabin
2) quiet cabin
3) handle better, I can throw a corner with much more confidence.
4) with the most features, like auto headlight, auto wiper, paddle shifter, cruise control
5) more presentable (at least to me)

User Experience

• I have already done 96,000 km.
• My average fuel consumption is 11.75km/L(city + highway FC).

I bought it in Jul 2013 at DRB Hicom Auto Fair, with a huge bargain.
Overall, it is a fun car to drive, yet comfortable. Fuel consumption is at the high side. Maintenance cost isn't too high, even if it is using Mitsubishi parts.
I sold it in Apr 2021.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1) Its chassis's tuning has the right balance between comfort and good handling.
2) It's spacious, my passengers love it.
3) It has a fabric seat, better heat dissipation compared to leather.
4) I found the front seat design to be extra comfortable. It's like a semi-bucket seat. Good support at the side and also with lumbar support (non adjustable).
5) Powerful enough to do all the uphill road.
6) Comfortable drive on the highway. The CVT can keep the RPM low at high speed.

Cons

1) The center armrest is too low. Just not able to rest my arm there.
2) It lacks the touch of modern design. Doesn't have daytime running lights, nor foldable side mirror, nor turning indicator on side mirror.
3) Feels heavy, and tends to have a lazy start at the green light. Most probably because of the CVT.
4) High fuel consumption for city drive (8.5km/L)

Total Score: 5

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 5

Ride comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & cost: 5

Summary:

I hadn't shortlisted this car when I was surveying and testing before I bought my first car. I'd never thought about buying a Proton back then. However, one "by the way" test drive at the auto fair changed my decision right away.

It feels so different from cars at its price range. More sophisticated, more grown up. Hence, I placed my booking on the spot.

I love this car. I modified it just a little bit to make it look nicer, added a front bumper skirt, and changed to a modern looking rims.

One thing I wonder all the while, how will it feel like (driving) if it comes with an automatic gearbox? More aggressive, I guess.

Lastly：

1) I did CVT maintenance (oil change and filter replacement) every 30,000km, earlier than Proton's suggestion (50,000km). Reason being, the CVT will start to sound whining and whistlering at about 30,000km. When that happens, throttle response will drop slightly. Driving smoothness will be affected as well.

2) CVT overheated on highway once (warning light). Stopped at the highway rest point and continued after 15 minutes.

3) According to Proton's mechanic, my mileage is up to 96,000km. I have yet to change shock absorbers, brake pads. Long lasting original parts.

4) Changing the rims from 16" to 17" significantly improves the high speed driving stability. When it's 16", the steering starts to vibrate at 110km/h.

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