Sep 27 2009 Patrick James
Proton Satria Neo 1.6 Sport
PROTON's sporty Satria, has been around for some time but you cannot fail to be impressed with the performance and handling.
That handling is courtesy of the iconic Lotus brand owned by Proton and gives this sporty supermini something of an edge when up against some of its competitors.
The car can be moved around with abandon, rarely getting out of shape and for the most part, feeling like it corners on rails while the steering is direct and responsive.
The excellent handling does have a trade-off however, with a firm ride that can be uncomfortable over poor road surfaces.
The car has moved on in terms of quality from what at best could be described as basic to something a little nearer European standards.
It is up against some pretty hot competition in the hot supermini segment of the market and unfortunately it is not cheap, even the base model comes in at a fiver under 10 grand while the Sport model test is just under £11,000. So the car needs to offer a little more in other areas.
Fortunately it does. Despite being sporty, it is also very economical and relatively cheap to insure.
The Sport, with the double stripe from bonnet to boot unashamedly appeals to a younger market on a budget.
It has a neat, streamlined profile with double cats-eye shaped headlights and a tapering body. The test model was shod with eye-catching, spiral shaped alloy wheels, wide, muscular wheel arches and a snazzy, centrally-located exhaust tailpipe that gives the car a look designed for performance.
This is also reflected with the figure-hugging leather seats with the Satria insignia stitched into the fabric. These hold driver and front passenger firmly and are fully adjustable, but seating for the rear passengers is cramped.
On the inside the car has a harsh, plastic feel. But this does not feel cheap, it is clearly hardwearing, but luxury touches are at a premium.
The binnacle and dash, what there are of them, are minimalist, with three rotary dial controls for heating and climate control, and a neat Blaupunkt radio/CD player discreetly situated above.
The dials inside the binnacle are clear and concise and all the trim levels offer a decent range of standard equipment.
The 1.6-litre 111bhp engine offers plenty of pace in such a small car, but does have to be worked hard through the five-speed manual box. The big plus, surprisingly is the economy. Official figures suggest a combined cycle figure of 42.8mpg.
The 0-62mph sprint takes what appears to be a pedestrian 11.5 seconds, but it does feel quicker.
The car is well equipped with electric windows, door mirrors, climate control, rear parking sensors, alarm and immobiliser.
For safety there is anti lock braking and driver and passenger airbag.
FAST FACTS
Proton Satria Neo 1.6 Sport 3dr
Price: £10,995
Mechanical: 111bhp, 1,557cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BIK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
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