1992 Proton Mpi GL Saloon review from UK and Ireland

Delivered with minor paint damage (repaired under warranty).

Radio cassette failed within a year (also replaced under warranty).

Spare wheel mysteriously swapped for a wrecked one. Not discovered until a year old when unable to prove which (of two dealers) had done this.

Synchromesh unreliable on 2nd gear from new (dealer disagreed there was a fault). Strangely, fast changes were OK, but leisurely ones produced an awful crunch. Possibly a clutch fault as 3rd gear also became affected though less so.

No problems with engine or bodywork.

Interior trim looked cheap, but nothing broke.

Now very basic motoring, but in its day a reasonably good looking up-to-date car.

Performance strong for engine size (I saw 110 mph indicated with a bit more to come) though felt slightly unstable over 90 mph. Again, acceleration decent (enough to burn the puny rubber). Weak point is traction and front grip generally.

Rolled quite a bit on its soft springs though brakes felt fine. Engine noisy and boomy if worked hard otherwise reasonable. Engine had an annoying characteristic of constantly speeding up and slowing down at idle. This is apparently to do with the emissions-control systems.

Comfort is OK provided you don't need a lot of legroom (especially in back). Sloping sides also reduce shoulder room. Boot is big and well-shaped.

Mine averaged around 34-36 mpg in mainly city driving. Not brilliant, but in practice I have only got better mpg from diesels.

Selling the car was a problem as not many dealers were interested. In the end I lost £3200 even selling privately.