Proton Inspira, top google.my searched.

The codename P-390A offers few clues but a glance at Proton's Waja replacement.The Proton Inspira is designed almost 98% from the original Mitsubishi Lancer GT 2.0 with the same engine, paddle shift to the body.

Perhaps the major difference between the Lancer and the Proton is the front grille. While the Lancer's is sloped inwards at the bottom, it's the opposite for the Proton.

Elsewhere there are new bumpers in the front and rear and different body kit on the sides. The cooling for the transmission has also been improved with the addition of air guides.

The wheels come in an attractive dual tone and the tyres are specially developed for the model by Continental Sime Tyres.

The interior is essentially the Lancer's with differences in trim and gear. The seat material is new. The bluetooth-equipped audio system features a two DIN system from Clarion,

The 2.0-litre CVT gets some classier-looking simulated wood trim panels and climate control for the air conditioning which eliminates the fiddling in getting the temperature right.

The lighting clusters share the same external shapes as the Mitsubishi but differ in the internal finishing. The fog lights come from Ralliart, Mitsubishi's high performance and motorsports division.

All engines have aluminium blocks that are derived from Mitsubishi MIVEC engines with variable valve timing technology.

On the road, the differences are more telling with Proton having done considerable work in retuning the suspension.

We were told that Proton experimented with 60 different sets of dampers before arriving at the present set-up.

The original Lancer, with its firmer suspension, was said to feel a little edgy at high speeds. The Proton is softer and more compliant. The ride is good, with the Proton unruffled by road undulations and imperfections that would upset other cars in its class.

Noise, vibration and harshness is kept well in check and there's little doubt that this Proton is a capable and relaxed cruiser at high speeds.

While the tyres are notably comfortable and quiet, exuberant driving reveals a more pronounced understeer that was already in the Lancer, along with slightly increased body roll. Petrolheads might consider upgrading the rubbers for something with stiffer sidewalls.

On the whole, the car handles predictably and the feeling of being in control prevails -- something we have come to expect in the Proton DNA. There is enough mojo in the Inspira for an engaging drive.

At the time of its launch, local content will be above 30 per cent but this will increase to about 60 per cent by the end of next year.

The Inspira is aimed mostly at 25 to 40-year-olds.

While some might take issue over the fact that it is but a rebadged car, Proton reasons that there is little point investing huge amounts of money to develop their own model from the ground up. In fact the sales for this model are projected to be at around 1,600 units per month, unlike its high-volume sellers Proton Saga and Persona.

Rebadging, to quote its managing director, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, is something that is now being done by every other original equipment manufacturer.

'Rather than re-invent the wheel, we have undertaken a strategic collaboration with Mitsubishi and we have added value to the car,' he told the media after the test drive.

For the consumer, this has resulted in a car that cost

considerably less than the RM120,980 of the baseline Lancer.