Price-wise, the Inspira costs significantly less than the Lancer in Malaysia because it is assembled locally, whereas the Mitsubishi is imported as a CBU from Japan.

Not only are import duties much lower, but the investment Proton made to produce the model locally entitles it to financial incentives from the government that allows it to bring down prices.

The Inspira thus shares most of its components, including the powertrain which is imported in fully assembled form from Mitsubishi Motors Japan, with the Lancer.

Standard features included: Dual SRS airbags, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front pre-tensioner seatbelts, ABS with EBD, immobiliser and alarm system, central locking system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, solar and security tinted film, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trunk lid remote release, front fog lights, welcome light system, driver's side anti-trap/auto up-down power window, height adjustable driver's seat and a MP3/Bluetooth-enabled head unit with Arkamys 3D DSP.

[10] In June 2012, the Proton Inspira 2.0 Executive was launched, replacing the 1.8E CVT and was available with a choice of 4 colors: Elegant Brown, Tranquility Black, Genetic Silver and Solid White.

[11] In July 2012, the Proton Inspira 2.0 Premium was updated with 17" alloy wheels, as well as a different head unit which features touch screen interface.

Moving on from the 2.0P, it adds on 18" R3 alloy wheels, R3 sport springs, R3 “Blood Stripe Stickers" and R3 body kits consisting of a front splitter, side skirts, a rear apron and a boot spoiler.