2005–2008 Proton Gen•2 1.6 Specs & Performance

The Proton Gen•2 1.6 introduced a distinctive design direction for Proton, replacing conventional compact-car styling with a sharply sculpted five-door hatchback. Its sloping roofline, angular headlamps, and pronounced body contours created a sporty appearance, while the rear hatch offered everyday practicality for passengers and luggage. Developed with engineering input from Lotus, the Gen•2 placed particular emphasis on steering response and chassis balance, giving it a more engaging character than its modest engine output might suggest. Its combination of modern styling, a usable cabin, and composed road manners helped establish it as a distinctive entry in the compact hatchback segment.

For the 2005–2008 range, the Gen•2 1.6 used a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve inline-four petrol engine producing 108 hp at 6,000 rpm and 109 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, according to AutoSpecsHub. Power was delivered to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension supported balanced handling and everyday ride comfort.