Proton Satria Neo Review
Published: 22nd July 2007
Proton Satria Neo
There is a badge on the back of the car that reads, ‘Handling by Lotus’. It is more of a proclamation than a throwaway ‘tag’. Lotus input can be felt in the balance, body-tuning and dynamics as well as the tight steering, cornering ability and agility, all worthy of a GTi.
The original Satria was launched in the UK in 1994 and was Proton’s first ever 3-door hatch. Four years later, Proton joined forces with Lotus to give us the Satria GTi, which housed a 1.8-litre petrol engine and was aimed at, to use Proton’s words, ‘hardcore car enthusiasts’. Production of the original model ceased in 2004 but now it’s back as the Satria Neo.
The new car sits on a new platform, constructed to the same dimensions as that of the old GTi. However, the track has been widened under a comparatively larger body. Although, interior leg and shoulder-room has improved adequately, it is by no means spacious and as a 3-door, getting in and out of the back seats calls for a fair amount of agility.
Storage within the cabin is limited. The glovebox is tiny and will hold little more than the owner’s handbook. There are also a few small cubby holes and compartments in the doors and centre console but they don’t offer a great deal in terms of capacity.
The surprisingly comfortable, scooped-squab, rear seats have the usual 60:40 split and fold flat against the front seats, increasing the boot space from 286- to 615- litres.
Front occupants have the benefit of hip-hugging, sports seats, covered in a knit fabric. The steering wheel is adjustable for rake only but to compensate, the driver’s seat is height-adjustable.
The fascia and instrument panel is similar to that in the GEN-2 - that is to say, simple, clean and functional. The blue glow from the dials, cowled by binocular-like hoods, is new and creates a calming effect, while the vertically-stacked heating controls add a modern, quirky appeal.
It doesn’t matter whether you choose the SX (1.3 only) or the GSX trim; the car will be fitted with a Blaupunkt radio/CD (including RDS), MP3 compatibility and secondary controls on the steering wheel. The GSX comes Bluetooth-ready as standard. Apart from some cosmetic difference, there is little to choose between the trims, as even the base model is well equipped.
