Proton offers alternative to Preve CFE - Inspira 2.0 Executive

Proton has quietly slips the cheaper alternative of the slow selling Inspira range. Slotted between the Inspira 1.8 Executive MT and 2.0 Premium CVT, the Inspira 2.0 in Executive trim level offers a mid range option not only between those two aforementioned, but also the highest-priced Proton Preve CFE.

Selling at RM86,450, the Inspira 2.0E does loose some of the standard fixture of the Premium version. It is no big deal really as the top range 2.0 Premium is not exactly Lancer GT in its look. What gone missing is the bodykit (skirting and duck tail spoiler), leather seats, chrome trim surrounding the front grille and well, not much else. The chrome trunk lid garnish remains, as more importantly the paddle shifter. This Inspira also gets the updated aircond rotary dials with more chrome features (which undoubtedly will be there too for the rest of the range). 

To recap, Proton Inspira is a rebadged 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer, in its lowly EX/GLS trim level instead of sportier GT version. The 2.0L version is powered by the 16V MIVEC kicking out 110kW@6,000rpm and 197Nm@4,250rpm. The drive is channelled via the CVT gearbox with 6 preset ratios that some journalist deemed is more polished than the Punch-sourced item in Proton grown model. The car is almost identical to Preve in size, which stands at 4,570x1,760x1,490mm in length, width and height. Wheelbase is shorter than Preve at 2,635mm. The 2.0 Executive also comes with space saver spare tyre, which unlike the full-sized spares in the earlier version, this one really deepen the boot floor. Inspira 2.0 Executive also comes with Exora Bold alloy wheel which looks cleaner than the original Inspira item.

So if don't really believe in the global-ness of the Proton Preve, or you can live with the 2007 model year sold in 2012, Inspira 2.0 Executive might be for you. Grab it now while the interest is attractive. I was told that 2.65% is obtainable for 9 years loan for 90% margin.