I think I'm either quite thick or my unit isn't that much of a lemon. Even before installing VS, I don't notice much with my aircond. Sure, there will be some drain in engine power when compressor kicks in but that's expected. Nobody complains that Proton ariconds not being cold enough. So compressor should be appreciably powerful.

What does your unit feel like when aircond kicks in?

One thing I notice (or is this a placebo effect) is where previously I get lousy radio reception with Hitz or MixFM, there seems to be improvements. Car does ride very smoothly but I'm wondering if that's the effect from Ron97.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 21 2012, 03:14 PM

Maybe it works better for conventional A/T where they can actually feel the gear shift shock. Preve is a CVT with virtual gearing. If it works for A/T, then it should work for CVT. Maybe the feel isn't as apparent as expected to be? There could be performance gains but the CVT smoothes/smothers it out. Alternately, it could also mean Preve is better designed than the 12 year old Kelisa.

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Added on July 21, 2012, 4:43 pmYa lor. That's the trouble with some dealers. We pay real money or get saddled with real debt. That's the difference between Proton vs Toyota/Honda. When there's a problem, don't act like not your problem and walk away. You do get paid. So earn your salary/commission and be of real service to your customers.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 21 2012, 05:27 PM

A picture speaks a thousand words.

That doesn't look right. Will snap a pic of mine for you tomorrow.

Speaking of tyres, has anyone noticed that Preve has less rolling resistance? Take this for an example ..

As you approach a road hump, you lift your leg off the accelerator pedal and the car slows down enough before reaching the hump. With Preve, I have to increase the distance required for slowing down by some car lengths. Even after lifting the leg off the pedal, the car's momentum doesn't slow much and often approaches the hump with too much speed.

Think you're referring to the smell from the catalytic converter. It gets better as your mileage increases.

Been there. Done that. Left the group some time ago. IMO, FB may require some moderation.

Warning: Large pics.

There's a small gap. IMHO, that's pretty shoddy of Proton. Still it's not that ugly to the point where I would want them to be ripping it out. Should be able to live with that.

I think you mean to ask what car I drive on a regular basis, the past 12 months before purchasing Preve. The answer would be a 1.8 Wira DOHC (manual) and my spouse's Kancil 850EZ (auto).

A heavier vehicle would have higher momentum but this only means more force is required to stop them. In the same vein, a heavier vehicle would also require more power to maintain it's rolling motion. Fair to assume that a heavier vehicle may coast to a stop earlier than a lighter one.

I believe this could mainly be due to the tyres. The Indonesian made Champiros were specifically chosen over local tyres because of their high silica content. Silica tyres are known to have low rolling resistance and I assume Proton hoped to improve Preve's FC values from such.

Another theory would be that CVT plays a part in this. How exactly, I'm not sure. When we lift our leg off the accelerator pedal without depressing the brake, the CVT's manual clutch should remain engaged to the gearbox.

If you're going down a hill, the (virtual) 'low gear' is engaged , causing engine revs to go up. Hence we experience a form of engine braking.

On a flat road under slow speeds, it feels as though the reverse was applied. So long as engine revs are above 1K rpm, the CVT engaged a higher gear. This may result in lesser engine braking and better coasting ability.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 24 2012, 03:18 PM

Despite the manufacturer's claims, I don't think the BAX2 are performance tyres. So long as you don't try to explore the limits of physics, it's still a decent tyre for the price. Reviews for it aren't half bad > http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/GT-Radia...mpiro-BAX-2.htm

I suspect they might just have squirted some lubricant into your window seals.

Thank you. I find this a very good answer.

One car, many clubs. Probably too many.

They will ask additional RM25 for claying. Up to you to decide whether to accept or not. Overall, I was quite satisfied with the finish.

Tip: Wifi (streamyx) is available in their waiting room. So bring along your laptop.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 25 2012, 12:43 PM

Included for West Malaysia. Then again, your SA is in a better position to answer such queries.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 25 2012, 12:45 PM

I think it's good to have this review. Not so much for the owners but more for Proton/DRB's attention. Namely these ..


The message is clear. Mess this up once more and no one shall give you another 2nd chance again

It's a real pita to key in addresses. I got around this by creating customised asc files for myself.



For example, I used Notepad to create a file named Places.asc. Contents of the file is like this ..

You can grab the coordinates off Google map. To install, just copy/paste into your thumbdrive and stick it into the usb slot of your car.

Rather than manually key in the address, look for one of your customed POIs nearby to the location. Then use the HU's screen to naviagate to that area. Can select your destination street by tapping the screen with your finger. So long as your GPS brings you near enough to the place, it shan't be too much trouble locating your final destination.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 26 2012, 03:22 PM

Quite true. No matter which brand/make of GPS I use, if it's a totally foreign place which I'm heading, I try to familarise myself through Google map beforehand.

Yes, drop the files into folder named 'MyPois' and then copy 'MyPois' to the root of your pendrive. Once inserted into the car's usb port, the HU will ask if you wish to update.

For those who aren't sure how to get the coordinates off Google Maps, have a look at the contents of the spoiler

Another tip with regards to customised POIs. Can't remember where exactly but I downloaded the POIs one of the Preve owners created. (Thanks)





Didn't like the GPS beeping that frequently to warn me of sharp bends, RNR, speedtraps. The other day I was driving in Serdang, parallel to Seremban highway. The HU was beeping every minute even when I was driving very slowly. It distracts me from enjoying my drive.

On another day when I was coming down from Genting Highlands, it kept warning me of sharp bends. Kept thinking to myself .. "Grrr .. already sampai the bend at a rapid pace. What's the point you warn me now and I have to keep looking down at the HU when I should be keeping my eyes on the road?"

Since I live in KL and is fairly familiar with where some of these 'warning areas' are located, I edited the asc files to remove places which I'm familiar with. Wont help a newbie but at least it's quieter in my ride

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 26 2012, 04:31 PM

You mean the 'Not-so-Smart-Tag' kah? I'm a first time user. Was wondering how long before I need to change the battery. When I googled for the infomation, some claimed their batteries only lasted few hours only. Some others claimed theirs lasted 18-24 months. I wonder if some guys received 2nd hand batteries from T&G. Scared pecah cermin if stick to windscreen but do however feel silly having to hold the tag with hand when approaching the Smart Tag lane.

Think it doesn't make a difference. I just insert key, press brake and press 'Start'. Only kena overcrank 3 times thus far; always in cold weather conditions.

This post has been edited by BartS: Jul 31 2012, 11:58 AM