2011 Proton Satria Neo Review
Price
from: RM57,763
to: RM60,763
Installment
from: RM554/mth
to: RM582/mth
2011 Proton Satria Neo at a glance
With sporty looks, fine handling, and boosted engine performance, the 2011 Proton Satria Neo makes a good case as an attractively-priced hot hatch. But the lack of room, comfort and quality may prove too much to bear.
2011 Proton Satria Neo quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Proton Satria Neo ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Quite easily the best-looking car in the Proton stable, the 2011 Proton Satria Neo has a low, squat stance and flared wheel-arches which give a sporty look. The CPS version adds a bodykit consisting of a larger roof-mounted rear spoiler, and different front and rear bumpers. The interior also gains dark shades and red accents on the leather upholstery and door trim for a more sporty feel.
Handling
Unsurprisingly, Lotus has played a part in the Proton Satria Neo's development. The end result is one of fine handling and driving fun thanks to the stiff suspension and low centre of gravity. Grip levels are good and body roll is well-resisted, while the steering feels responsive and sharp. But keen drivers should know that the superior handling comes at the price of ride comfort.
Comfort
The 2011 Proton Satria Neo's stiff suspension fails to adequately absorb impact from potholes and bumps, resulting in a firm and sometimes uncomfortable ride. Both engines are loud at higher speeds, and not in an entertaining manner. Road and wind noise further disrupts the cabin refinement. Drivers may have problems getting comfortable as seat-height adjustments are limited, while the steering adjusts only for height and not reach. The dash layout is clear and simple, but some switchgear could be more ergonomically placed.
Quality + Reliability
While the cabin quality has improved over the previous Proton Satria Neo's, seen in the better build quality and higher-grade plastics used, there is still much more room for improvement. Compared to cabins of Japanese cars, the 2011 Proton Satria Neo's interior looks unattractive and feels cheap. But the major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission, which are also used in other Proton models, should remain reliable over the longer term.
Performance
Two versions of the 1.6-litre Campro engine are available: the standard 1.6-litre Campro engine produces 110 bhp at 6000 rpm and 148 Nm at 4000 rpm, while the more powerful CPS 1.6-litre Campro engine produces 125 bhp at 6500 rpm and 150 Nm at 4500 rpm. Cam Profile Switching (CPS), a type of variable valve timing mechanism, and Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) give the CPS 1.6-litre more low-end urge, and thus better flexibility for city driving, overtaking or slope climbing. A five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic gearbox is available.
Roominess
The 2011 Proton Satria Neo's front legroom is decent but rear legroom is short on supply. And no thanks to the sweeping roofline, the front and rear headroom is severely limited for anyone 1.8 metres or more. Getting into and out of the rear is awkward too. The boot size is hardly generous but at least the rear seats can split-fold for additional loading space.
Running Costs
Fuel economy for the standard 1.6-litre Campro manual stands at 16.7 km/litre; CPS 1.6-litre Campro manual at 15.2 km/litre; the standard 1.6-litre Campro and CPS 1.6-litre Campro automatic at 14.5 km/litre. All figures are obtained while travelling at a constant 90 km/h, but start-stop city driving is going to worsen the fuel economy. Servicing and repairs are affordable. The Proton brand is not best known for its reliability, and unless Proton starts convincing Malaysians through improved reliability and quality, the Satria Neo and other Proton models are likely to fetch no more than mediocre resale prices.
Value for Money
Arguably the best-looking Proton, Satria Neo looks sporty, and handles the part too. The fine handling is now accompanied by a stronger and more flexible CPS 1.6-litre Campro engine You will have to stretch for a more expensive Suzuki Swift to get as much driving fun. The equipment level is also quite good for the money. But Satria Neo's lack of comfort, refinement, quality and interior room may prove too much to bear.
Equipment
The 2011 Proton Satria Neo Lite comes with basic equipments including power windows, central locking, alarm, immobiliser, steering wheel audio controls, radio with CD/MP3 player and rear speaker. Medium Line adds fog lamp, electric side mirrors, rear roof spoiler, adjustable headrest on rear seats, reverse sensor and front speaker. High Line further adds driver and front passenger airbags, ABS with EBS, and front pre-tensioner seatbelts. Cruise control is standard only with High Line automatic.
Environment
The fuel economy is still decent, but carbon dioxide emissions are on the high side for a 1.6-litre engine. But at least the 2011 Proton Satria Neo is less polluting being locally produced compared to a similar car imported from Europe or Japan.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Sporty good looks
Fine handling
CPS boosts engine performance
Lack of ride comfort and refinement
Cabin quality still an issue
Poor interior room
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