PROTON is a Malaysian car manufacturer best known in the UK for affordable, practical hatchbacks and family cars, including the Satria, Gen-2, Persona and Savvy. Its cars were often priced to offer good value against mainstream rivals, with straightforward interiors and useful equipment. Some models also benefited from Proton’s connection with British sports-car maker Lotus, which helped shape the brand’s reputation for enjoyable handling. PROTON stopped selling new cars in the UK in 2014, so today the brand is mainly found on the used-car market. That makes Proton models less common than alternatives from Ford, Vauxhall or Toyota, but they may appeal to buyers looking for an inexpensive, less familiar choice. If you’re considering a used PROTON, check its history and condition carefully, as parts and specialist servicing may be less readily available than for more common UK brands.