Proton Inspira

The Proton Inspira is a four-door compact saloon produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton which launched on 10 November 2010. It is sold exclusively in Malaysia as a rebadged ninth generation and current Mitsubishi Lancer as the result of a collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and Proton. It shares the same DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi Motors GS platform with the Mitsubishi Lancer . The Inspira succeeded the Proton Waja, and complements the indigenously-designed Proton Preve in the Malaysian market.

In addition to its bigger engine, your money gets you a mild body kit all round, slightly better trim materials inside, leather seats, auto climate control, cruise control, auto headlights, auto wipers, and paddle shifters. There is also a portable GPS unit bundled into the package, but since it was not in our test car, we are unable to give you a proper assessment of its usefulness, although we can assure you that decent GPS devices from the aftermarket can be yours for a few hundred bucks these days.

Unlike the Lancer, however, Proton also caters for buyers with smaller engine needs by offering two 1.8-litre variants, both of which we tested last year. Topping the range is the 2.0-litre Premium model, which we are reviewing here, and one of these can be yours for RM92,015 with insurance and metallic paint in Peninsula Malaysia.

Proton Inspira

4B10 Specifications
Engine type Inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16v, MIVEC
Displacement 1.8 L (1798 cc)
Bore 86 mm
Stroke 77.4 mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Fuel system ECI multiple
Peak power 105 kW (143 PS) at 6000 rpm
Peak torque 177 Nm (130 ftlbf) at 4250 rpm

4B11 Specifications
Engine type Inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16v, MIVEC
Displacement 2.0 L (1998 cc)
Bore 86 mm
Stroke 86 mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Fuel system ECI multiple
Peak power 108-114 kW (147-155 PS) at 6000 rpm
Peak torque 198 Nm (146 ftlbf) at 4250 rpm