The Proton Arena (native Malasian markets ) or Jumbuck (exports) is based on their Wira sedan, which in turn was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer. I’ll be honest, I’m not exactly sure what Lotus did in tuning the handling, but they did something, and I suspect this is one of the very few times Lotus tuned a rear suspension with leaf springs in it. This thing is cool. Respect to our Proton-owning readers! (I was looking around for cars called “Electron” to finish the joke, and I figured there’d be loads, but I could only find one; the Blade Electron, built in Australia about ten years ago. There was also a student built car called the Electron and the team was sponsored by Lotus, bringing us full circle.) WRX Drivetrain swap and some rear facing jump seats and you would have a Jumbrat. https://www.topspeed.com/trucks/truck-reviews/proton/2003-2005-proton-jumbuck-ar134433.html “Hey, DUMBFUCK, ya forgot to put fuel in it!” Another variation: “I did put gas in it, you jackfuck!” Jumbucks were popular here in Australia for night watchmen, they didn’t catch on with farmers quite like the Subaru Brumby (BRAT) did in the 80s. Now the car for the discerning night security company seems to be the new Jimny, which hopefully helps with job satisfaction. There’s just one problem… They’ve got the structural integrity of single ply toilet paper. https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/proton/jumbuck/5e8ceb Tie that shit down you Jumbuck!
