FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
Proton Inspira has been spied with masked tapes and it has been often refer as the re-badged Mitsubishi Lancer, or the Proton Waja replacement model. It was launch on Wednesday and we went to do some detail review and inspection of the new product by Proton.
It is a known fact that this is a car based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, from a unconfirmed source we were told there’s only 26% of the car part has been localize, all others are from Mitsubishi Japan. Although we knew what we would expect but however on first glance, is still feels a new car to us. Proton has made quite a few changes and cleverly “Protonize” the Lancer to Inspira.
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Not too sure if you agree with me, the Proton Inspira gives me the idea of a Tiger, where as the Mitsubishi Lancer gives me the impression of a hammerhead shark. Proton has given the Inspira it’s own redesign of bumper, headlights are the same with believe and sadly no projector headlights found. The Inspira 2.0 Premium gets body kit which is also design by Proton. Proton has also fitted in their signature front grille and styling on the fog lights area.
From the rear, the Proton Inspira 2.0P gets full body kit, as well as the rear boot lip spoiler. The car is rebadged with Proton’s Logo as well the Inspira badge. The rear bumper has also redesign by Proton to give it a rear diffuser like touch, to enhance its sportiness.
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Proton has also retain the metal stripe on the boot from the Mitsubishi Lancer Ex model. The facelifted Lancer clear rear light with black base is chosen to be used in the Inspira.
The video we recorded walks you thru the Exterior of the Proton Inspira, be sure to check out in HD mode too.
Proton has given the Inspira newly designed rims. It is 16-inch with the profile 205/60 R16 92H. We seriously think Proton could have done better on the rims. We got no other complains other than the rims design as for the exterior. In fact we think is better look than the Mitsubishi Lancer Ex that we review earlier. The Proton Inspira is equipped with all 4 disc brakes and standard ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).
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Moving forward to the Technical Specification of the Proton Inspira, the 1.8 Executive model will be fitted with Mitsubishi 4B10 1.8 MIVEC 4 Cylinder DOHC 16V Engine mated with Manual or CVT Transmission. This 1.8 engine is similar to Mitsubishi Lancer Fortis 1.8 in Taiwan. The 2.0 Premium model is fitted with Mitsubishi 4B11 2.0 MIVEC 4 Cylinder DOHC 16V Engine mated with CVT Transmission. The 2.0 engine is similar engine with the current Mitsubishi Lancer GT, GLS or EX. The 2.0 engine is bore and stroke both measure 86.0 mm while the 1.8 is having 86mm bore and 77.4mm stroke. The 2.0 engine is running on 10:1 compression ratio while the 1.8 is running on 10.5:1 compression ratio.
Based on the specifications list, the Inspira’s engine is having slightly lesser output compare to the Mitsubishi Lancer by 3HP (Inspira 1.8 – 138HP; Lancer Fortis 1.8 – 141HP) to 6HP (Inspira 2.0 – 147HP; Lancer GT 2.0 – 153HP). We suspect the engine tuning is tuned more conservative based on our local fuel quality and better reliability. Apart from engine slightly detuned, it is physically identical to the Lancer’s engine.
The INVECS-III CVT Transmission comes with 6 virtual gears in Sport Mode on both 1.8 and 2.0 version. The 2.0 version added with Paddle Shift on the steering wheel. Regrettably, the 1.8 Manual is still fitted with 5 Speed Manual Transmission.
In terms of Performance, the Manual transmission is still greater than CVT transmission. The 1.8 Manual did 0-100km/h in 10 secs (as claimed) with a top speed of 202km/h, 1.8 CVT did 0-100km/h in 11.4 secs (as claimed) with a top speed of 191 km/h and 2.0 CVT did 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs (as claimed) with a top speed of 198 km/h.
Moreover, some of you may have known that the disadvantages of CVT transmission at high-speed (above 200km/h) due to high friction and heats. However, Proton has addressed the issue by redesigning the front for better airflow to cool down the CVT gearbox.
The power steering system is similar to the Lancer which comes with Rack-and-pinion with Hydraulic power assist The Front Strut Bar is missing in the Inspira compared to the Lancer GT. The rest, the suspension design is greatly similar with Lancer apart from Inspira is fitted with different revision of shock absorbers that selected by Proton.
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Interior wise for the Proton Inspira, it is close to exact identical to the Mitsubishi Lancer. The noticeable difference will be the steering wheel with Proton logo, non-integrated 2-Din Headunit from Clarion with Arkamys System which designed to enhance listening experience, different upholstery materials, meter console and dashboard panel theme.
For the Mitsubishi Lancer GT, it comes standard with Nappa leather while the Inspira 1.8 comes with Fabric Seats and ordinary leather seats for Inspira 2.0. The dashboard panel, the 1.8 come in grey colour and 2.0 come in elegant green woody colour. The RPM on the left and Speedometer on the right of the meter console for the Inspira while the Lancer placed it in-opposite direction (Speedometer on the left and RPM on the right).
The Inspira 2.0 Premium will exclusively come with rain sensor, auto light sensor, auto-cruise control, auto-climate control, paddle shifter and external GPS Navigator apart from fully body-kitted.
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The spare tyre in full size without alloy wheel. The trunk space is generous spacious to fits 4 luggage just like the Lancer. However, it will be good if it is slightly deeper down.
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In conclusion, I think the Proton Inspira is a great value for money, features rich, practical and probably more reliable than other Proton cars. For now with this price, will you choose Honda City or Toyota Vios or Naza Kia Forte or Proton Inspira?
| Model | Price – On The Road |
| 1.8 MT Executive Solid Colour | RM 78,549.00 |
| 1.8 MT Executive Metalic Colour | RM 78,999.00 |
| 1.8 AT(CVT) Executive Soild Colour | RM 84,549.00 |
| 1.8 AT(CVT) Executive Metalic Colour | RM 84,999.00 |
| 2.0 AT(CVT) Premium Solid Colour | RM 91,549.00 |
| 2.0 AT(CVT) Premium Metalic Colour | RM 91,999.00 |
Photo Gallery: Proton Inspira at Showroom
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