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Power comes from a long-stroke 1094 cc 4-cylinder EFI petrol engine (Mitsubishi 4A31 S4) which produces 53 kW/72 ps of power at 6000 rpm and 94 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. The cylinder head has a single camshaft and four valves per cylinder. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available and this has a pretty low 5.111 final drive ratio. The fuel tank capacity is a small 40 litres which, according to Proton’s spec sheet, should be good for about 870 kms at a constant 60 km/h (about 22 kms/litre).

This little MPV isn’t going to be a road-burner but it should cruise at the maximum national speed limit easily as its top speed is claimed to be 135 km/h. Claimed acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is 18.1 seconds.

Proton says that the raised suspension of the Juara – MacPherson struts in front and trailing arms at the rear – has been tuned with the expertise the engineers have gained from Lotus. While it is not exactly ‘Lotus-tuned’, it is claimed to have ride and handling characteristics that are akin to a car’s, claims Proton.

14-inch 5J alloy wheels appear to be standard according to the specifications, these having a size of 165/65R14. Behind the front ones are ventilated discs while those on the rear drums. With the possibility of varying loads being carried aboard, the Juara’s brake line has a load-sensing proportioning valve to balance braking forces. This will avoid rear wheel lock-up on wet surfaces when the vehicle is lightly loaded. Incidentally, the spare wheel is the skinny and light space-saver type that is meant only for temporary use.

The rack and pinion steering is power-assisted with the assistance coming from an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. EPS is nothing new as it is used on a number of cars, typically those which can do without the drag of the conventional power steering pump (like electric cars). It is thus ideal for the Juara and is a less complicated system as it doesn’t have a pump, hoses or belt. Assistance varies according to the speed, reducing at higher speeds so that the feel does not become too light; at low speeds, it is greater to make parking easier.

Access to the 2.13 cubic metre cabin is through two sliding doors, besides the front doors. The double sliding door configuration is extremely convenient although those with kids need to be more careful when they get out as motorists behind may not be aware of the doors being open, especially on the right side which may be opening into traffic.

There are three rows of seats to accommodate up to six people – the first two rows having individual full-sized seats while the third row has smaller units that fold very neatly into the sides when not needed. There’s a lot of flexibility with the folding second and third rows and to enhance movement within the cabin, the Juara has a ‘T-Walk’ layout which allows passengers to walk between the second row seats to the third row. Kids are going to love this mini-MPV!

In spite of its low price, the Juara is pretty comprehensively equipped. The front windows are electrically operated with the driver’s window having an anti-trap mechanism and a 30-second operating time after the ignition key is removed. The floor-mounted shifter is automatically locked when the lever is in P position and the key is taken out. For those who are forgetful and leave the halogen headlights on after they go into the house, flat batteries won’t ruin their day. Upon removal of the ignition key and opening of the front door, the headlights are automatically switched off.

There’s also a keyless central locking system with remote operation of the power windows from a distance. Far from being a novelty, it would be good for letting out heated air at lunchtime before you get into the vehicle. Power windows are only on the front doors and those on the sliding doors are winding types.

The overall ambience of the cabin is one of airiness with the large glass windows all round. The driving position is car-like and the driver gets a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. Over in the middle of the low-profile dashboard, a metallic trim panel is used to highlight the area. The standard audio system includes a CD player and a ‘bee-sting’ antenna is used for the radio.

Colours available for the Juara at this time are silver, yellow, indium and Black. Depending on the body colour, the bumpers are finished in either silver or the darker indium, along with the lower body panels, giving a more solid appearance.