CAR importer Proton is driving down running costs while giving sales a boost with dual-fuel family cars which can run on petrol or LPG (liquid petroleum gas).

Three models from the Gen-2 range are fitted with the dual-fuel system and it is pre-installed, saving about £2,000, so it is worth putting on your shortlist if you want to save money.

Unlike similar dual-fuel models from some manufacturers, the Proton cars don’t carry a price premium, retailing at exactly the same cost as their petrol-only siblings, so you can cut costs immediately rather than wait to recover the difference in price after several thousand miles.

And with the cleaner emissions, the cars qualify for lower road tax.

During 20 years of trading in Britain, Proton has earned a name for valuefor- money and reliability in leading national surveys and the 1.6-litre Gen-2’s appeal in five-door family hatchback or in saloon forms shows just how far Proton has come.

Actually, since Proton bought the famous Lotus car company and made use of its expertise, the ride and drive quality of the Malaysian cars has improved enormously.

Gen-2 prices go from £9,995 to £10,795, with automatic transmission available on two of the three models.

The popularity of LPG cars has been patchy. Some leading manufacturers such as Ford concentrated on selling dual-fuel vehicles for a time but, for various reasons, the cars never caught on in a big way.

Now, with the financial climate being tougher and a more plentiful supply of LPG pumps – there are more than 1,400 refuelling sites around the country – dual-fuel driving is being looked at more closely by the motoring public.

Proton has labelled its dual-fuel models ecologic. There is nothing complicated about driving them as the cars start on petrol and switch automatically to LPG once it becomes most efficient to do so, usually after about 20 seconds. The highquality dual-fuel system – supplied by a Dutch company – makes use of the latest engine management technology and any very slight difference in performance between petrol and LPG will go unnoticed, although LPG combustion tends to be slightly quieter.

If there is no LPG pump nearby, the car can run on petrol.

There are no additional maintenance requirements other than a system check and filter change when the car goes in for its normal service. And the ecologic models all enjoy the same three-year/60,000 mile total vehicle warranty and three years’ free RAC cover. Of course, pump prices do vary but Proton estimates the saving at more than 40 per cent.

The LPG tank, housed in the spare wheel well, is considerably stronger than a conventional fuel tank and more resistant to impact damage.

On the road, the sporty Lotus influence is very evident, with the Gen-2 providing strong performance from its 16-valve 118mph engine which develops 110bhp.What impresses most, though, is the top-notch handling and ride control. The saloon is a good-looker and inside it is roomy with a classy and hard-wearing layout offering comfort for all the family.

Boot space is generous and there are 60/40 split rear seats to make it easy to carry bulky loads.

The cars have a wealth of high-specification standard features.

AT-A-GLANCE Proton Gen-2 ecologic 1.6-litre 5-speed manual Persona saloon.

Price: £10,795.

Top speed: 118mph.

0-62mph: 12 seconds.

Fuel: 42.8mpg (combined figure, petrol).

Emissions CO2 (g/km): 157 (petrol).

VED tax band: D Verdict: Excellent value, money-saving LPG, practical and comfortable family 5-seater with sporty handling and composed ride.