SUBANG JAYA: Proton is recalling earlier batches of Inspiras to check for a flaw that could cause engine overheating.

It is recalling Inspiras produced between September 2010 and May 2011.

As is typical in recalls, affected car owners need not pay for the cost of repairs and replacements, if any.

Proton said it has also posted letters to affected Inspira owners, urging them to send in their cars for a free inspection.

The national car maker said in a statement that the drive belt pulley unit may wear off prematurely after a certain mileage or driving conditions. This could cause the pulley unit to break down, leading to excessive battery drain and engine overheating.

Drivers may also find the steering wheel harder to turn as a result of power loss in the power steering system.

Proton customers are advised to call its hotline 1800 888 398 or e-mail: customercare@proton.com to set up an appointment or for any enquiries.

Proton’s announcement came in the wake of a Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recall in January on the fully imported Lancer over the same issue.

The Inspira, based on the Lancer, was launched on Nov 10, 2010. It replaced the Waja and Proton had previously said that although the Inspira looked similar to the Lancer, it is sold at a cheaper price point and had been “enhanced further by Proton in terms of its performance and ride comfort.”

The Inspira was the result of an OEM collaboration between Proton and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Shortly after the Inspira launch, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia clarified that the Lancer lookalike was a one-off deal with Proton.

Its late CEO, Tetsuya Oda, had said that while the Inspira was modelled after the Lancer, it differed in a number of ways – with both having their own unique traits, allowing each respective car to differentiate itself in the marketplace.

According to the 2010 Year-End Zeitgeist report released by Google ,  the C-segment Inspira was the year’s most popular search over Google among Malaysians.

Read the Inspira review here.

 

 

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