Proton Jumbuck Review

Proton Jumbuck GLS

Ease of Use

The Jumbuck is a very easy car to drive and manoeuvre. Visibility is good although reverse parking in some situations can be awkward as the quarter vision is a little restricting. The cabin is ergonomically laid out with functional switchgear which is intuitive to operate. Storage space consists of a floor console box with lid, utility tray behind the front seats, door bins, glove box (not lockable) and the all important concealed cupholders which cleverly pop out of the front console. On a practical domestic level the Jumbuck does lack a great deal of internal space to carry items such as the weekly shop.

Having said that the vehicle is primarily aimed at tradesmen and not families and in good weather you could load your shopping in the rear. The drop tailgate is very useful supporting up to 300kg and makes loading and unloading easy. The load area is large but it is open and not particularly secure if you want to store your tools in the rear. A more secure Truckman high canopy is available as a cost option, as is a tailgate liner if keeping the load area clean and protected is important. A rear step is standard throughout the range for ease of access.

Safety and Security

The following safety & security equipment is standard on the Proton Jumbuck GLS:

2 piece side impact protection bars, alarm with remote central locking, engine immobiliser, adjustable front seat head restraints, front seatbelts - 3 point with adjustable anchorage, laminated windscreen, 10 inch ventilated front disc brakes, 9 inch rear drum brakes, high mounted stop light, roll bar, protective grille at rear window, load sensing brake proportioning valve and locking wheel nuts.

No airbags, No ABS but it does have an alarm and remote central locking as standard. Come on Proton this isn't good enough the car may be cheap but what price do you put on safety.

Comfort and Refinement

The two seater Jumbuck's cabin is fine for two people with ample head and leg room. Although, Proton are aiming the Jumbuck at tradesmen a little more cabin space would be useful. Both the steering wheel and drivers seat are height adjustable to enable you to find the optimum driving position. The Jumbuck also features a drivers foot rest which is important for those longer journeys.

The Jumbuck's level of refinement is limited but does include: electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, central locking, Clarion RDS radio/ single slot CD player and passenger vanity mirror.

The seats are comfortable and relatively supportive, the electric windows were particularly fast operating and the heater was very efficient. The PVC steering wheel was awkward to grip and uncomfortable on longer journeys a softer plastic or leather wrapped steering wheel would be a better alternative.