Proton has made no effort to hide the fact that the new Inspira is mostly based on the very popular current Mitsubishi Lancer. However with a Lotus tuned handling package, the Inspira is a true inspiration to drive around switchbacks and kampong roads as the ride is pliant, comfortable as well as providing for a secure steering feedback. Some 40% of local content also helps to bring its price to the people of Malaysia looking for a value for money family sedan with excitement thrown in for good measure.
So who are its competitors? Well after today’s launch, it confirms that many well established brands in the market will have to scramble to work better deals with their principals and the government to get their pricing lower.
This is all good news for Malaysians who are the region’s biggest consumer of passenger cars. The 1.8-liter Inspira competitors for the immediate effect will be the Toyota Vios, Honda City, Mazda2 sedan, Nissan Latio sedan, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte and Ford Fiesta sedan. All share very close pricing and specifications.
Then there will be a small group of buyers who were intending to move up the social ladder to a sedan costing more than RM110,000.
The Inspira’s 2-liter CVT pricing (RM91,999.00)will have them changing their mind over the Nissan Slyphy, Toyota Altis 1.6, Mazda3 1.6 and maybe even the Chevrolet Cruze. This product could easily move Protons sales position to a very commanding level which it enjoyed some 15 years ago.
WE know that many buyers will drive their new Inspira from the showroom to the aftermarket body kit shop or local Mitsubishi spare part dealer (for exterior bits) to convert their Inspira to a Lancer which would void their warranty and service package, but this is not a new phenomena when it comes to many car crazy Malaysians.
