1994 Proton Mpi SL review from UK and Ireland

This saloon has a design fault where a lead to the engine was too short and the wires snapped inside the insulation, making it difficult to find. The symptom was the engine cutting out when pulling away from stationary slowing, and the engine torque rotated the unit away from the bulkhead, parting the two ends of the wire. Since it was fixed, there has been no further trouble.

The clutch mechanism frequently makes a popping noise when depressing the pedal but I am assured (by the RAC) that this is common across all makes, not just Proton.

There is a huge (well, 4" diameter) plate glued with sealant to a drain(?) hole in the spare wheel well which frequently comes away - this could be the cause of the water ingress mentioned by the reviewer of the Aeroback. Otherwise, it is a well-presented, comfortable car.

Service costs are quite reasonable. The dealer scores I've given aren't really representative - the dealer I bought the car from was a cowboy and Proton removed the franchise from him - he then went bust, and the dealership subsequently appointed was also given the boot!