The S16 sedan offers a lot: good size boot, driver's airbag – and the same 1.6 litre four cylinder engine that powers Proton Persona, Gen2 and Satria Neo. But, at $11,990 it is not `one with the lot'. Some buyers might like the increased security of another front airbag, as well as side curtain airbags and there's no Electronic Stability Program. This variant only comes with a five speed manual transmission. Other models to follow will be up-specced to buyers needs ... and will break through the $12,000 barrier and beyond depending on equipment levels.

On the positive side the S16 GX manual is adequately equipped in most areas and well fitted out in others. Proton have covered the basics as they have with their other offerings in Australia – simple, but honest cars: Power steering, air-conditioning, central locking, remote keyless entry, alarm/immobiliser, CD AM/FM audio system, power front windows, remote filler release, intermittent front wipers and height adjustable steering wheel.

We were able to take a short drive in the S16 – there was no media launch – courtesy of a local dealer and while it was about the shortest road test we've recently taken, it was enough to get the feel of the car in the urban environment – which is where the majority of S16s will work. Before taking off we lifted the boot lid to check the luggage size: 413 litres. Plenty of room for travelling, the weekly shopping or even golf clubs. Under the mat is a full-size 13 inch steel spare wheel.

The back seat is comfortable, although leg room and shoulder room is at a premium. But, it's set up for three adults. The doors have drink holders – in fact all up the S16 has cup holders for all five seats. The interior is cheap and cheerful and the build quality and fit is okay, but is not 10 out of 10. But, it's practical – albeit cheapish plastic - and the driver ergonomics are good. Not only does the steering wheel have height adjust, but also the driver's pew.

Those looking for remote audio controls on the steering wheel will need to look elsewhere or do without. The instrument binnacle houses a tachometer and speedometer in two large circular cylinders. Inside the tacho display there's a bar graph display for fuel and water temperature. The dash is well laid out with four air-conditioning vents – one on each side and two in the centre. The radio controls are small which is one of our pet hates. At least though this is not a blokey truck where they make no sense at all. The market for the S16 is probably a first car, young females and as a second car for young families. Just under the audio system are the A/C controls which are large and user-friendly.

Our test drive revealed a few things. In Malaysia the car is known as the Saga and the S16 is the latest incarnation of that long-standing vehicle. As such it's easy to tell this is not a first-up model and any bugs have been sorted. The five speed gearbox is a little notchy, but not so that it's annoying, and the 1.6 CAMPRO engine is willing through the gears and indeed revs out to 6500 rpm if you need that little extra. The handling on what few corners we took seemed fine: as it should, being Lotus tuned.

S16 will be available in five colours including solid white, solid red, mountain blue, tranquility black and genetic silver along with a range of accessories including body kits, spoilers, alloy wheels, boot liners and reverse sensors. The Proton S16 will be launched in GX manual form only however a GX auto variant will arrive in early 2010. The initial S16 GX will only be available for a limited time in its current spec at the price of $11,990 drive away.