2009 Proton Jumbuck GLSi – Long Term Test
Once a jolly Jumbuck came to work for CarAdvice…
- by Matt Brogan
The CarAdvice office has this week received its latest long-term loan vehicle, this time one of Australia’s cheapest cars, and indeed our cheapest ute, the Proton Jumbuck.
The top of the range Jumbuck GLSi will serve a dual purpose for the Melbourne crew over the next three months in not only providing us with a newsworthy transport, but in helping CarAdvice in our move to a new premises just south of the city.
Early indications are that the ute, as basic as it is, provides sound, grassroots practicality while at the same time being quite an involved – and dare I say it – fun car to drive.
The strut front / leaf rear suspension set-up is rather firm, but that’s not unexpected, and though it’s certainly not the most powerful commercial vehicle available – with a modest 64kW available – it does have enough motivation to keep things moving along provided the cogs are swapped efficiently.
Fuel economy from the 1.5-litre OHC (12-valve) four cylinder engine is so far on track to be 7.1 litres per 100km, exactly as indicated, though this will undoubtedly change once we start hauling our office furniture from place to place.
Inside it’s a rather basic and quite dated arrangement. Space isn’t quite what I’d call generous, but given the vehicle’s proportions that’s hardly surprising.
The cabin is a simple yet practical one, though I’m beginning to find the orange checked instrument panel with orange numbers a little hard to read in daylight.
Plastics fit and finish too is quite rough but nonetheless everything works rather well, even if I think I will have to adjust the headlight aim in the not too distant future.
The team is very keen to put the 560kg payload theory to task and we’ll make a solid effort to touch base with you each fortnight to keep you abreast of the little lugger’s performance.
The Proton Jumbuck is priced from $14,990 (RRP). Model as tested $16,990 (RRP).
