2011 Proton Savvy Review
Price
from: RM40,240
to: RM43,182
Installment
from: RM386/mth
to: RM414/mth
2011 Proton Savvy at a glance
The 2011 Proton Savvy brings confidence-inspiring build quality and original styling, and makes a fine city car with its small dimensions and excellent fuel economy. However, the 2011 Proton Savvy pales in comparison to a number of strong rivals.
2011 Proton Savvy quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Supermini |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Proton Savvy ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The front boasts a bold grille and purposeful headlamps, but the design progressively worsen towards the rear end, which is disappointing given the nice front end. Lucky for us, the 'turtle tail' on the rear end has been removed. The dash styling is simple and clear-cut, but we are not sure if the yellow dials will appeal to the target audience.
Handling
Despite Lotus' contribution to the Proton Savvy's development, this is one supermini we would not push hard around corners. There is substantial body lean due to the soft suspension. Grip levels are moderate, and the steering is vague and short on feedback. The tight turning circle however allows easy city driving. Parking is also convenient thanks to the 2011 Proton Savvy's small dimensions.
Comfort
The 2011 Proton Savvy rides with reasonable comfort over most roads, but throw in a series of bumps at speed and the Proton Savvy's poor body control becomes apparent from its constant wallowing. At cruising speeds, the engine is loud and wind noise intrudes considerably. Some drivers may find it hard to get comfortable as the steering wheel is fixed in position, and while there is no seat height adjustments, the seat base can be tilted. Seats are quite supportive, and most controls are well laid-out, but the indicator/wiper stalks are placed too far from the steering wheel.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Proton Savvy's build quality is higher than for many Proton models. Fit-and-finish are better with smooth, consistent panel fittings throughout the dashboard. Materials used are not great, consisting of mostly hard plastic. The Renault-sourced engine and other mechanics should be reliable, and if Proton can replicate our test model's solid cabin build quality consistently, public confidence in Proton and the Savvy will improve.
Performance
The Renault-sourced four-cylinder 16-valve engine produces 74 bhp at 5500 rpm and 105 Nm at 4250 rpm. Available with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the engine is reluctant to rev and becomes noisy when forced to do so. The manual gearshift is also inaccurate and awkward. For those opting for AMT, be aware that it operates unlike a conventional automatic transmission. While using the manual mode, there will be an inevitable lag between gears.
Roominess
The 2011 Proton Savvy is a small car and the interior room is understandably limited. Front driver and passenger sit in comfort, but the rear lacks headroom and can take only two passengers. A third rear passenger will form a real squeeze. The boot is small but at least the rear seats can 50:50 split-fold for a flat floor.
Running Costs
For both manual and AMT transmissions, the fuel economy at a constant 90 km/h is rated by Proton as 18.9 km/litre. 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 to address reliability and quality concerns among Malaysians, the Savvy along with other Proton models are unlikely to hold their values well.
Value for Money
Proton's effort on styling (the front end) and cabin build quality is applaudable. In a class of superminis, the 2011 Proton Savvy offers the biggest engine, too. But against rivals including the Naza Forza, Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10 and, most prominently, Perodua Viva, the 2011 Proton Savvy is well-priced but its abilities do not stand out. The Perodua Myvi stole all the sales when it was launched alongside the Proton Savvy, and now, it is likely the Viva will continue to do so.
Equipment
The 2011 Proton Savvy comes in three different trims: Base Line, Medium Line, and High Line. Base Line comes with a Clarion CD player, four speakers, central locking and 15-inch steel wheels. Medium Line adds power windows, alarm system, fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels. High Line further adds Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual airbags among others.
Environment
The 134 grams/km carbon dioxide emission level is on the side of high for a relatively small 1.2-litre engine. On the other hand, the fuel economy fares better against similar-size engines. And the fact that the 2011 Proton Savvy is locally assembled makes it less polluting on the whole compared to cars imported from Europe or Japan.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Easy to drive around city
Confidence-inspiring build quality
Excellent fuel economy
Noisy cabin at speed
Reluctant-to-rev engine
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