Proton Jumbuck – Long Term Conclusion
October 5, 2009 by Matt Brogan
After four months here at the CarAdvice office it’s time to say goodbye to our long term bargain basement ute, the Proton Jumbuck.
Following a raft of duties, and in excess of 7000kms of driving, the little lugger returned trouble free motoring with a couple of plastic rattles the only issues of any note.
The half-tonner put up a good fight in terms of handling and performance – all things considered – even managing to provide an acceptable ride once a little weight was spread over the leaf sprung rear.
Although to some Jumbuck is a case of “getting what you pay for”, in our opinion the amount of ute on offer is actually pretty good considering just how cheaply you can get one of these on the road – though we should point out Jumbuck did score a one-star ANCAP rating during recent tests.
Proton have a new Jumbuck in the pipeline with a delivery date rumoured to be sometime within the first-quarter of 2010. CarAdvice will be sure to keep you posted.
To follow our long term evaluation of the Proton Jumbuck from start to finish, click here.













I’m so happy you’re all alive after driving this ute xD!
They’re just getting rid of it after the 1-star safety rating :P
The crash rating scare you guys off? haha.
If you could get this ute in auto I would be on my 3rd by now. Such a bargain.
Hopefully this reworked one next year will have a better safety rating, throw in a 1.6 CRDi and 4×2 and I’d get one.
Shame Proton, Shame.
Putting the crumple zone between the steering wheel and seat, tends to kill off your very small customer base.
How anyone can make a car that unsafe in the 21st century and still be in business is beyond belief.
I wonder if the Satria had a similar crash rating ?
Maybe the new Jumbuck be based on the S16 / Saga platform ?
Euro NCAP rating for trucks are not too kind either, Navara didn’t even qualify for one star. That’s a Nissan for you. Is it time to bash Nissan now?
http://paultan.org/2008/02/29/.....ash-tests/