MALAYSIAN car maker Proton claims to be offering the cheapest new full size saloon available in Britain following an effective price-cut in its Wira range of almost 13%.

The Limited Edition Wira 1.5 LXi costs £7,999 on-the-road as a saloon or five-door hatchback - £500 below the entry level 1.3 Li four-door and undercutting by £1,300 the 1.5 LXi on which it is based. Metallic or silver paint is standard, but sunroof and alloy wheels have been deleted from the LE, which is also offered with a 1.6-litre 'S' engine in four-door and five-door format from £9,999.