Proton Gen 2

The Proton Gen 2 1.6 is a Malaysian-origin front-wheel-drive hatchback that entered the Pakistani market as a budget alternative to Japanese competitors. The 1.6-litre engine produces adequate power for city use and highway cruising, with a character that sits between peppy and relaxed depending on how hard you push it. The automatic gearbox, if equipped, is functional but not particularly smooth by modern standards, while the manual variant gives better control and slightly better fuel returns — expect somewhere in the 9-11 km/l range in Karachi or Lahore traffic.

This is where the Gen 2 requires honest consideration for Pakistani buyers. Proton never established a strong dealer or parts network in Pakistan, which means sourcing genuine or quality replacement parts can be genuinely difficult outside major cities. Local mechanics have limited familiarity with the platform compared to Toyota or Honda. Resale value is noticeably weaker than Japanese equivalents, and finding a buyer quickly can take time. For an older example, check the timing belt, suspension bushings, and air conditioning system carefully.

The Gen 2 suits a buyer who wants a roomy hatchback at a low entry price and is comfortable with the trade-off of limited parts support. It is not the right choice if resale or easy servicing is a priority.