Skip advert
Advertisement

Proton Impian Saloon review (2001-2007)

Proton Impian
Overall Auto Express rating

1.0

How we review cars
Find your Proton Impian
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Having had plenty practice taking old Mitsubishi models and turning them into Protons the Malaysian firm has decided it is time to produce its own car. The Impian, meaning 'dream come true', may not be everybody's idea of a dream car but if you're after a cheap family car then it's certainly worth considering. Size-wise it's between a Ford Focus and Mondeo, with prices in the Focus category starting at £12,000, rising to £13,000. Where the Impian impresses is in its standard equipment, with twin front and side airbags, ABS, traction control, alarm, remote central locking, alloys, air conditioning, and powered windows and mirrors all included on its lengthy specification sheet.

With all that kit there's some trade off in interior quality, the trim feeling cheap, and the ergonomics poorly thought out. Fortunately on the road it proves to be an enjoyable drive, Lotus working on the ride and handling, the only let down being the engine. A 1.8 will join that 1.6-litre petrol later this year which should turn the Impian into a seriously tempting proposition to budget conscious buyers.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

In-depth reviews

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £30,799
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025