Proton Preve: Malaysian sedan, engines and trims
The Proton Preve is a four-door sedan from Malaysian manufacturer Proton, produced between 2012 and 2018 and primarily sold in Asia and Australia. In this article, we look at its engines, trims, and what you need to know if you're considering buying one in Lithuania.
Preve in brief
The Preve (also written as Prevé) was introduced in April 2012 and produced until December 2018. Its style was created by the Italian design studio Italdesign Giugiaro, and it features distinctive Proton wings at the front.
The Preve was sold in Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Chile. Sales were planned in the United Kingdom but never materialised, making this model very rare in Europe and officially unsold in Lithuania.
What sets the Preve apart
The Preve became the first Proton car to receive the highest — five-star — ANCAP safety rating. This was a significant step for the manufacturer, aiming to improve the brand's reputation.
The model was produced in one generation with minor updates. It's appealing due to its price, spacious interior, and decent equipment, but buying one in Lithuania, where parts are scarce, is challenging.
Engines and transmissions
Two 1.6-litre petrol engines are offered: the naturally aspirated CamPro IAFM+ (around 107hp) and the turbocharged CamPro CFE (around 138hp). The turbo version is more dynamic and better suited to motorway driving.
The transmission is a 5-speed manual or CVT. Drive is to the front wheels.
What to check when buying a Preve
Since this model isn't officially sold in Lithuania, first establish the car's provenance and check if it can be registered according to current regulations. Request all documents and service history.
Check the CVT gearbox operation: hesitation or jerking could indicate a fault. In the turbo version, pay attention to the engine oil level and cooling system. Inspect the body for signs of repainting and repair.
Find out where you can source parts and which mechanics in Lithuania work on this brand — this can significantly impact long-term costs.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Executive MT
entire production runBase version with manual gearbox.
- 1.6-litre engine, 5-speed manual gearbox
- Often — alloy wheels
- Standard safety and comfort features
Executive CVT
entire production runThe same version with an automatic CVT gearbox.
- 1.6-litre engine with CVT gearbox
- Often — alloy wheels
- More convenient in urban driving
Premium CVT
entire production runBetter-equipped version.
- 1.6-litre engine with CVT gearbox
- Often — more comfort and safety features
- Often — better interior trim
Turbo versija
entire production runMore powerful version with 1.6 l turbo engine
- Around 138 HP turbo engine
- Often — CVT gearbox
- Sportier interior
Trim comparison
| Executive MT | Executive CVT | Premium CVT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For simplicity and lower running costs | For comfortable daily use | For those seeking more comfort |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | CVT | CVT |
| Engine | 1.6 l, around 107 HP | 1.6 l, around 107 HP | 1.6 l, around 107 HP |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | €€ |
Most buyers will find the Executive CVT suitable. The turbo version is worth considering if acceleration is important, but it is more complex.
Pros
- Five-star ANCAP safety rating
- Spacious interior
- Italdesign Giugiaro design
- Not an overly used car
Cons
- Not officially sold in Lithuania — parts and service searches are more challenging
- Information on long-term reliability is limited
- Weaker resale value
Frequently asked questions
Is the Proton Preve sold in Lithuania?
Officially, no. The Preve was not sold in Europe, as planned sales in the United Kingdom did not materialise.
Who designed the Preve?
The Italian design studio Italdesign Giugiaro.
Which engines are fitted to the Prevé?
Two 1.6-litre petrol units: a naturally aspirated (around 107hp) and a turbo (around 138hp).
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























