This Lancer is based on the Cedia platform while the previous Lancer (Wira/Satria/Putra/etc) were based on the Mirage platform. You can read on the information
here. The Waja isn't exactly based on this platform but do have many elements from it as that period on Proton wanted to go their own way to make their own car from the ground up. Later models such as Gen2 and Persona was based on the Waja, but I don't think there are many compatible parts between Lancer GLX and Persona.
I wouldn't say the Inspira/Satria GTI were the best ever from Proton.
Putra was pretty decent for it's time, plus it was similar to Inspira being more of a rebadge only.
Satria R3 was also a good effort.
Satria Neo Lotus Edition manages to bring the spirit of Satria GTI into today's market. However, in terms of sales it didn't manage to capture the hearts and minds of people like the Satria GTI.
If you ask me the best ever overall car from Proton will always be the Satria GTI, it had everything in terms of performance, affordable maintenance, tasteful bodykit, excellent handling, sold in good numbers, and was able to reach the hearts and minds of the masses. Back in the day a college kid driving a brand new Satria GTI was as good as driving a Honda Civic TypeR the girls would rush out to see it and try and get a ride, of course this behavior faded in time when the car became more mainstream but it still viewed as an affordable sports car from a local manufacturer which is actually good.
Later on all the other's like R3, Special Edition, Lotus edition, etc. were basically either conjobs or niche limited edition models that didn't really capture the spirit of the original Satria GTI.
To say Suprima/Preve/Exora is the best now is true and false at the same time.
They are the best Proton has in it's stable now.
But that's like saying eventhough you scored a C in an exam but you're no.1 because you're the only one in that classroom.
On paper Suprima/Preve/Exora can rival european cars, example....
Golf TSI vs Suprima
Turbo engine: Yes
More than 2 airbags: Yes
Traction control: Yes
DRL: Yes
Touch screen entertainment system: Yes
but when you look into the details you'll see why the Golf is so much more expensive.
Golf has ISOFIX seats.
The entertainment system and touch screen on the golf is more responsive and has more features.
Aircon is automatic with climate control.
etc.
it is a dependable and solid car to keep around as a spare car.
if it is well maintained without issues no point to sell it off.
only problem for me is that for an everyday driver car it lacks alot of safety features found in cars today.
i agree with you but do not forget iriz mt which is one of the best proton car in proton right now