Proton Jumbuck GLS

There are sensible commercial reasons for Proton to sell the Jumbuck here as there's a gap in the market. So there's no reason why the firm shouldn't try and pitch its pick-up at leisure users as well as businesses. But this car isn't exceptional enough in any area, and is likely to remain a rare sight on UK roads.

When a car is engineered by Lotus, you would usually expect the result to be a brilliant handling, powerful and thrilling machine to drive. It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that the vehicle you see in these pictures was not only fine-tuned by the UK company, but started off as a clean sheet of paper in its drawing office.

The bizarre Jumbuck is named after an Australian slang term for sheep, and is half Proton Wira and half pick-up truck. But before passing judgement, it's important to understand the newcomer's role in the market.

Plugging the gap left by the recently deceased Skoda Felicia pick-up, the Jumbuck is the only car-derived flat-bed you can buy today. So as a commercial vehicle, it makes sense by default. However, Proton is also plugging its latest offering as a leisure-oriented motor for the private buyer.

Such customers will be targeted by this, the GLS model, which comes with standard metallic paint, electric windows, CD and 14-inch alloys that look as though they've been stolen from a Range Rover and shrunk in the wash.

In the metal, the Jumbuck doesn't look as silly as it sounds. The newcomer isn't stylish, but it has a certain character. Inside, though, it's not far short of nasty. The cheap, plasticky dash is lifted straight from the Wira and the switchgear feels flimsy. Hard, shiny surfaces adorn the facia, while the polished PVC coverings on the sun visors are almost unforgivable.

The engine is a disappointment, too. It's quiet and fairly refined, but one thing a commercial vehicle needs more than anything is torque - something the Jumbuck is lacking. To get reasonable pulling power, the unit has to be worked hard, while the rubbery gearshift and springy clutch both have little feel. And of course, it uses petrol - most buyers in this sector will want a diesel for economy and the extra muscle. But it's not all bad news, as the Proton is surprisingly good to drive - thanks to Lotus. The Norfolk firm has created an individual ladder-frame rear subframe for the Jumbuck, and this is attached directly to the front bodyshell of the Wira. Ironically, even with good old leaf springs at the back, it gives a better ride and sharper handling than the car on which it's based - all credit to the British company's expertise.

Yet this won't be enough for the newcomer to make significant inroads into the UK's leisure motoring market. The Jumbuck is cheap and cheerful - but fails to hide its working roots.