(Full Disclosure: Proton wanted me to have an Inspira 1.8E (manual) in 2013 so badly that it offers a manual transmission on a low volume (for Proton) C-segment sedan based on a Japanese Sedan that was launched in 2007, a RM5,000 discount during the time when I booked the car. However, the dealer have a different idea of Inspira ownership in Sarawak after having to pay extra for shipping, that I couldn't get the car delivered for me from West Malaysia, therefore having to settle on a 2012 model, which I've gotten another RM5,000 discount. The color of the car which I initially wanted was Solid White changed to Tranquility Black. The sales agent was nice enough to tint the windows darker and provide a full tank of Petrol, even though I didn't request for it. Yes, it will be biased since it is my car and my money)
Some detractors would say that paying the full sticker price of RM80,000++ for a Proton is expensive. However, the good news is that the Inspira has always plenty of discounts. Others would say that getting a Proton, (even acknowledging the fact that it is a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer) is not serving the People's cause, which is to boycott the National Car Maker, Proton in an effort to force the government to abolish the absurd Duty and Taxes levied on Import Cars. Many others would just say it is a Proton, which is the lowest rung of the Malaysian Car Ownership Hierarchy, which usually goes like:
Cherry/GreatWall <Proton < Perodua < Mitsubishi/Suzuki/Isuzu < Hyundai/Kia < Nissan/Ford < Honda < Toyota < VW (I don't know why VW ranks higher) < Lexus/Volvo < BMW/Audi < Mercedes Benz < (Far out of reach for the 99%)
would not match someone that has high expectations of cars (car enthusiast), but they are those same people that think that a Toyota (apart from the GT86) is fitting for a car enthusiast. Why? They think that the car looks sporty is sporty, like the new Vios.
It is an interesting fact that most people like to buy appliances. When given the chance to buy a new refrigerator (especially when they've gotten a now house), the general public would window shop, get the most reviews online, and check all of the boxes for their specifications and requirements for a new refrigerator. The same applies to people and their purchases of cars. I myself also undergo roughly the same process, however I only have a few criterias in mind, i.e. it would require four doors (my Satria is a 3 door hatch) as well as something with more power (my Satria had 69 horsepower when it was new, making this an easy criteria to meet). I've looked through Twin Cabin Pick-ups - The Ford Ranger, MPVs - the Alza (don't ask why), a used Camry, XV30 (2001 to 2006 model), a Chevrolet Sonic, a Honda City (2007 to 2013 model), and finally the Proton Inspira.
Interesting Fact: I test drive all the above mentioned cars, but when I purchased the Proton Inspira, I didn't even went for a test drive, never sat in one either. Bold move Cotton, lets see if that pays off.
How else would you have gotten a Japanese based Sedan, paired with a manual transmission matted to a respectable 1.8L engine, for the price of less than or about equal to the above mentions cars that I've test drove? Obviously what matters in my decision is the venerable Manual Transmission. Other new cars in the market that has manual transmission in the price range includes, the Proton Preve and the Toyota Vios, Ranger/Hilux/Dmax. The manual spec'ed Preve is down on power since it doesn't include the Turbo (but Handling is amazing), the Vios is a Vios so that crosses the list, and the Pick-up option, not today. So, to conclude the only reason I've gotten the Inspira is that it is basically a Lancer that comes with a Manual. If it was a FD10 Civic with a Manual, I would have gotten that if it cost RM120k-130k, (yes, the Civic is the better car but not the price though, however if it were to come in a Manual, it would be different)
Now that the selection process is out of the way, lets see if the car would hold up to its spec sheets.
Exterior (6/10)
The original Lancer it was based on looks like a bottom feeder with its gaping mouth and angry eye lids. When it first came out, we called it The Shark. With the Proton rebadge, it looks like an angry man with its lips puckered, or like a gold fish with angry eye brows. However, it looks more sedate as compared to the original Lancer, and the major changes as compared are just the front and rear bumpers. The rims were changed from the original's 18" to a more economical (tyres especially) set of 16". It just looks like a normal sedan with angry eyebrows. Why a 6/10? Because I would rate the original Lancer to be 7/10, and a simple replacement of the front and rear bumpers would yield the Lancer look from the Inspira.
Interior (6/10)
If a sea of black plastic puts you off of a new car purchase, then you should increase your budget. The car is based in 2007, where Mitsubishi is not renowned for its interior feel. But, you do get reasonably well ergonomics, with the button placement in its logical location. However, for my particular car with its barebones options, the seats are fabric and not as nice as the leather options or other cars with fabric seats. Buttons on the radio-DIN is smallish and lack firm tactile feel, but it is usable, especially in Malaysia where we don't require gloves to drive in cold weather. Nothing much to complain on the dials as it is legible especially when you are driving fast and just to glance on the speed.
Acceleration (6/10)
As compared to my Satria, this thing accelerates fast, but so do plenty of other cars. 0-100km/h time is 10 seconds. You would need to keep the engine in the higher rev range to access to most of the torque, while the low-end torque is paltry. However, once you rev'ed it passed 4000 rpm, that is the sweet spot where most of the power are. Sure, other trucks like the Ranger/Hilux may accelerate faster from a standstill, with its turbocharged diesel engine, but to drive this Inspira, you need to keep it on the high 4000rpm. Fuel economy stated is 6.3L/100km, where in real life in city driving and spirited driving, I managed a 8.2L/km.
Breaking (7/10)
Compared to the lighter and smaller Satria, the Inspira stops faster. Since this is my car, I don't slam on the breaks too often, hence I would not know the breaking performance under long duration. But I can however, confirm that it has saved my ass a few times when I've failed to overtake in a single carriageway due to on-coming traffic.
Ride (9/10)
Ride is superb. Stiff enough in corners with slight body-roll, but not rock hard in Malaysia roads with plenty of bumps. Take my word for it, it is the best compromise between competent handling setup and comfort.
Handling (9/10)
Grip with the stock 16" wheels and Continental CC5 is well enough. Under hard cornering, with slight understeer, however with at limit driving, the car handles very neutrally. Steering feel and feedback is sufficient, and very precise and sharp. However, as compared to my Satria, the steering feel in the Inspira is only slightly less dampened, which I would presume is due to the weight difference (almost 350kg difference)
Gearbox (8/10)
Did I mention that the only reason I got this car is because it came in a Manual? That is probably the reason it gets an 8/10. The other option is a CVT, which don't suit well with the handling dynamics of this car. The shifting gears when the transmission fluid is cold is not silky smooth, but it is usable driving quickly, after the transmission oil heats up to its operating temperature. Notchy feeling with the gears, but what better feeling than to manually drop down a gear shift and with the engine roaring to overtake a lorry. Clutch is light and very usable for heavy traffic.
Toys (5/10)
For this base model, it gets remote keyless entry with the remote trunk release button, which is pretty nice (I'm easy to please). The Radio DIN plays the radio, CDs and its party trick, Bluetooth connectivity that actually works with my iPhone. Other than that, the higher end models with NO MANUAL gets auto-rain sensors which will activate the wipers and speed automatically, auto light sensor to switch on the headlights automatically, cruise control, leather seats and garnish. I guess it is not too much to hope for that these could be Optional Extras for the base model. But, getting this car is not about the toys, it is about the handling.
Audio (6/10)
NVH is on par with the price range. You would still get road noises in the cabin, but I would say it is better insulated than the Myvi, Saga and especially my Satria. If you want a quite cabin on the road, please increase your budget. The Radio DIN is good enough, with good connectivity and clear audio. For the higher priced options, you get navigation. Engine note however, is throaty and roars like a mechanical boar, at least it is not fake. I did encountered minor cabin noise from the squeaky interior panels. Minor annoyance as compared to the over car.
Value (9/10)
If your criteria is to purchase a car with good handling, adequate power and Manual transmission, it would be 10/10. It would have gotten a 10/10 if there were Optional Extras such as Leather Seats. Do remember that you are getting a very popular and much loved car from 2007 in 2014, which is still heaps better than the other cars with in the price range for a manual C-segment sedan in Malaysia. Performance parts are plenty for this car, with the possiblity to swap the larger 2.4L engine from the Ralliart Sportback, plenty of ECU mods and Sports suspension setup for the car (though I would not advice on that since the stock ride is plenty awesome!) The only people that would care more about Second-Hand Value should just get the applicance of a car that are the Toyota and Honda (of current generation).
Conclusion
The Best New C-Segment Sedan with Manual Transmission in Malaysia under RM90,000 for 2014 is undeniably the Proton Inspira. The bold and italics is the contraints for the best, since I think that the most practical car for the price is the Myvi (RM50,000), the best Manual Transmission Sedan that is new-ish is the Honda Civic Type-R (RM180,000). Those are the contraints, if you like a good handling, sportier sedan with plenty of performance upgrades readily available, there are no other car in Malaysia on sale, new. Or, if you are more interested in Fuel Economy, Resale Value, Branding, then get yourself a Toyota Vios or Honda City.
If you are the type that really cares about handling performance and driving dynamics, this would probably be the last Japanese (though locally assembled badge engineering) car you can get in manual transmission. Better get it quick, since I've heard that they are discontinuing it.
Score (71/100)
Engine: 1.8-liter inline four
Power: 138 HP at 6,000 RPM/ 130 lb-ft at 4,250 RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-100km/h: 10 seconds
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 1300kg
Seating: Two up front, three in back
MRSP: RM81,899 base, RM71,000 as tested (bo-yeah)
