PROTON is warming up the hot hatch market with the Satria Neo.
This is the most westernised and least quirky design we have seen to date from this Malaysian manufacturer which makes the most of performance know-how from sister company Lotus engineering.
The Satria Neo is streets ahead of the old cheap and cheerful models we used to expect from Proton. Stepping up a gear in terms of image has created new challenges for this enterprising company because keeping up with the big boys in sporty hatches can be a tough learning curve and the customer can be very discerning.
Proton wanted to develop a car that boasted high-speed stability, great manoeuvrability and superior control.
So does the product tick all the boxes? In terms of high-speed stability,the answer is yes in normal road limitations. And the Satria Neo handles beautifully too with steering that is up there with the market leaders.
Where is does fall short is in low-range power. The 1.6 CamPro 16v petrol engine developed in collaboration with Lotus just does not have enough low-down oomph to really cut the mustard with the hot hatch fans. Its 0-62mph acceleration figure of 11.5 seconds does not exactly match the Lotus badge on the rear hatch.
But where the Satria Neo scores is in long range cruising. It is remarkably comfortable and the ride is is sophisticated even over rough surfaces. The Lotus input in this department is very noticable and in some ways makes this car more advanced than some more expensive competitors.
The European styling also helps this car tremendously and inside the Lotus influence shouts its presence with a leather interior on the Sport model which includes a two-tone steering wheel that looks as if it would not be out of place on something costing six figures.
What this car actually costs in its Sport version with leather interior and performance stripes is £10,995 ( £9,995 for the GSX ) which is not bad when you look at the opposition.
Proton is gaining a reputation for high standards of customer satisfaction and its dealer network is much improved. Its major stumbling block has been the company's image problem because it has never been able to completely shake of its perception as a bargain basement manufacturer. But things are getting better in terms of residual values and the Satria Neo is one of the models that is driving this company to new horizons.
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