Skip advert
Advertisement

Proton Satria Neo 1.6 GSX

With input from Lotus, Malaysian three-door aims to cause a stir

Although it hasn’t been on sale in the UK since 2004, the Satria is
probably the best-known model Proton has ever made – its image
was certainly helped by the 1.8-litre GTi variant. It’s fair to say, however, that the first-generation model hardly set pulses racing – and in terms of styling, the new Satria Neo is little different.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It was penned at the Lotus design centre in Hethel, Norfolk, but there’s not much to get excited about – the Satria’s hatchback shape looks generic alongside its rivals here. Even the ageing Ka has fresher lines.

At least the low stance, flared wheelarches and wide track create a sporty look, but apart from the projector-style lights, there’s nothing memorable about the Proton. True, the low roof gives it a sleek appearance, but unfortunately this also means headroom in the rear seats is severely limited. Legroom is equally tight, and considering it’s the longest car here, that’s a disappointment.

The low roof is an issue up front, too, where the top of the windscreen is almost in line with your head. The Satria feels cramped compared to its rivals, and the driver’s seat doesn’t adjust low enough. Combine this with offset pedals, and the result is an uncomfortable driving position.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Focus Vignale

2020 Ford

Focus Vignale

59,430 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,676
View Focus Vignale
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,597
View Puma
C4

2023 Citroen

C4

20,443 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,297
View C4
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

23,876 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,297
View T-Cross

Build quality seems fairly solid, but this can’t compensate for the lacklustre plastics on the dash or the flimsy, low-rent air vents. Blue-lit dials on the instrument cluster are an attempt to make things feel more upmarket, yet the heater controls are placed too low down. The cabin is an area in which Proton could really have made an impact, so it’s a shame it’s so dated and cheap.

Things improve slightly with the 1.6-litre CamPro engine, which was also developed in collaboration with Lotus. It’s taken from the Gen2 hatch, and so is the five-speed gearbox, but the Satria has a shorter final drive ratio designed to give better low and medium-speed acceleration. It never feels particularly quick, though, and has to be worked hard to get meaningful performance, while the engine sounds coarse when revved hard. The boomy exhaust helps to provide a sporty edge – something that Proton is clearly aiming for – but on the motorway the drone can become irritating.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Although it’s the most powerful car of this quartet, the Satria was a second slower than the Swift from 0-60mph, at 10.9 seconds. In-gear pace was leisurely, the Proton taking 16.7 seconds to complete the top gear 50-70mph test. A heavy kerbweight and poor gearbox are to blame.

It’s comfortable, however – the ride is fairly refined, while the raked windscreen and smooth shape mean wind noise is minimal. The Satria is also stable at higher speeds, although the suspension does get unsettled by uneven roads.

The Lotus badge on the tailgate promises much in terms of handling, but sadly the Proton doesn’t deliver. While body control is adequate enough, the vague steering and uncommunicative chassis mean it’s neither a rewarding nor enjoyable car to drive. The brakes are also short on feel, and the Satria took the longest distance to come to a halt from 60mph, at 42.1 metres.

Value has always been a selling point for Proton, yet the 1.6 GSX model we tested is the most expensive car here. The Satria is generously equipped, with an MP3 connection, Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking sensors, but it only gets two airbags compared to the six in the Swift. It also has the poorest residuals.

Details

Price: £9,595
Model tested: Proton Satria Neo 1.6 GSX PR
Chart position: 4
WHY: Based on a new platform with input from Lotus, the Satria Neo promises good handling.

Economy

Considering our Satria only had 1,000 miles on the clock, we were impressed with its economy. It returned 38.4mpg, which isn’t far behind the claimed figure of 42.8mpg.

Residuals

Proton is an unknown quantity for most used buyers, so resale values are poor. The Satria keeps 37.3 per cent of its list price, and after three years will be worth £3,579.

Servicing

With the first three services coming to £438, the Proton is the cheapest car to maintain. Yet the 9,000-mile intervals are shorter than for either the Ford or the Hyundai.

Tax

Despite having the largest engine, the Satria isn’t as dirty as the Swift. However, it’s in the same 18 per cent tax bracket. Owners in the lower band face a bill of £380.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025