We’re reporting from the ongoing Proton sales carnival at Juru Auto City in Penang, where the national carmaker has launched the Proton Satria Neo Standard 4AT (it has also launched the Proton Inspira Super Premium variant).
The new model pairs the familiar 125 hp/150 Nm 1.6 litre Campro CPS engine with a four-speed auto gearbox. It gets 16-inch R3 alloys covered in 195/50 Continental MC5 tyres, front fog lamps, body-coloured side mouldings and an R3 bodykit comprising side skirts, a tailgate spoiler and extended wheel arches (no R3 front splitter, though).
Exterior-wise then, it’s closer to the circa-RM60k Satria Neo R3 than the RM51k Satria Neo Standard MT, which is shod with 15-inch steel rims/wheel covers and has no R3 bits nor front fog lamps. We can see unpainted wing mirrors, though.
Inside, there’s a standard single-DIN radio with CD, MP3, USB and Bluetooth, plus fabric seats. Safety kit? Dual front airbags, ABS, EBD and disc brakes all round – status quo.
The Proton Satria Neo Standard 4AT is priced from RM54,514 (solid) and RM54,964 (metallic), OTR with insurance. Offered is a two-year or 50,000-km warranty. As for colours, GTi Silver, Tranquility Black, Solid White and Fire Red colours are available.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express a mix of excitement and disappointment about the Proton Satria Neo launch, with some fans hoping for a turbo engine or a GTi version to boost performance and appeal. Many critics highlight concerns over the car's outdated design, poor build quality, and lack of innovation, criticizing Proton for not updating the model adequately. There is frustration over the high price of RM55k, with some comparing it unfavorably to cheaper, better-made foreign cars like Toyota in the US. Others express doubts about Proton's reliance on government protection and the negative impact on Malaysian automotive progress, emphasizing the need for better quality, technology, and competitive pricing. Overall, the sentiment is a mixture of hope from loyal fans and skepticism from critics about the model's future and value.