EVERYTHING comes to those who wait but in the case of Proton the time lapse is apparently going to be longer than expected.

It is now some time since the Malaysian-owned car maker offered up a new vehicle - the Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic LPG Dual Fuel model back in 2008.

However, with the 1.6 turbo engine apparently running behind schedule, the expected arrival of the Exora seven seater people carrier is not going to be until the spring of 2012.

While this means quite a wait for Proton's loyal customer base members to join the MPV club, they are currently celebrating Proton's very creditable number five ranking in the recent Direct Line Breakdown reliability survey.

In the meantime, Proton continues to provide value for money budget range vehicles, led by the head turning, very competent and extremely sporty Satria Neo three door hatch priced from £8,495 to £9,495 while the grippy, quite roomy and pretty decent handling GSX GEN-2 in hatchback and saloon form is on offer with free leather upholstery at pricing from £9,195 to £11,995

Completing the current line up will be the 1.2-litre quite lively five-door Savvy Hatchback which weighs in from £7,995.