Reviews - Proton

Overall Rating

Protons Jumbuck is a small truck with car like proportions. Easy to drive, it does have some refinements but under pressure of our test drive it didn't quite live up to Protons gloss and we enjoyed taking this unusual truck through its paces.

• Good manoeuvrability
• Lots of room in the back
• Economical running costs

• No frills spec
• Bouncy, noisy and shaky
• Small engine easily put under pressure

A smooth ride it isn't, when empty this pick-up bounces along like an excited puppy as well as shaking and rattling along. Add some weight in the load bay and it does improve slightly. The ride got better as we gathered speed but the engine was so noisy I really wondered where the Jumbucks comfort actually was. All models are 1.5 with 645kg payload. Inside it has a roomy feel and doesn't feel cramped, seats have plenty of flexibility driving column is adjustable and all this leads to a good comfy driving position with power steering as standard. The cab is basic and no frills with the GL version the most basic of them all. Air conditioning is an option. GLS versions you also get front mud guards, electric front windows and cloth upholstery instead of PVC. Otherwise, be thankful for the cigarette lighter and power socket, the heater and interior light, and sun visor and tinted windscreen. GL models don't even have a radio; GS and GSX have a radio/cassette player and only the GLS has a CD slot. GS, GLS and GSX add 14-inch alloy wheels and colour-coding. The GSX and GLS have extra driving lamps in the front bumper. The rear load bay is spacious and Proton says it can take up to 800litres, with a load length of 1.62m and 415mm high sides. Accessed by a tailgate which can easily be removed. It is a good drive once you get used to the manual gearbox. Manoeuvrability is good as the size feels more like an estate car so it was easy to park and turn in tight circles, a benefit for City driving. It feels reasonably stable and secure on the road as soon as I got used to the bouncing about. I did have trouble over speed bumps as the ground clearance is very low just 170mm so do not even contemplate this pick up if you need to leave standard road conditions or it will bottom out. Speed it didn't like 85mph so cruising on motorways is no pleasure and that was without a load. Proton claim fuel consumption is 39.8mpg but I would wary with a heavy load.

A small car-like pick-up truck suitable for road driving. It's very basic with no frills but does have plenty of the room in the back.