Production of the Proton Satria Neo may have ended back in 2015, but Jeremy from JayEmm on Cars recently reviewed the three-door hatchback to find out if it’s “the least cool car for young people?”
The Satria Neo was first sold in the United Kingdom – where JayEmm on Cars is based – in 2007, and this specific example was loaned to Jeremy by a Thomas, a 24-year-old student who bought it to use while his diesel-powered MINI was being sorted.
Thomas was apparently given 1,500 British pounds (RM8,229) to buy a car, but rather than going for mass-market options like the Ford Fiesta or Nissan Micra, he opted for the Satria Neo because he took a gap year from university to earn some money to carry on with his education – going with the most affordable option was clearly his priority.
What he ended up with was a base-spec Satria Neo 1.3 GSX, which Jeremy gets behind the wheel of to find out if Thomas “made a complete fool of himself.” The Cliff Notes version of Jeremy’s discoveries include a rather attractive front end but beyond that point, the car is described as being a cross between a sixth-generation Fiesta and a MG ZR.
The interior also didn’t impress the reviewer, who called it “low-rent” and wasn’t a fan of the power window switches that are awkwardly placed beside the handbrake. Jeremy also lamented the lack of interior space inside the cabin, including for those trying to fit into the rear seats.
As for driving impressions, the CamPro 1.3 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine delivered just 94 hp and 120 Nm of torque, which also didn’t impress, but the five-speed manual gearbox did, being one of the car’s strengths.
Another positive is the car’s handling when you’re looking for a bit of fun, as the steering had a nice sense of weight and adjustability. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension, while “far too stiff,” is pretty good for spirited driving and the turning circle is decent too.
However, Jeremy brings back a few negatives of the Satria Neo approaching the end of his review, saying that the car, given its engine capacity, struggles to hit 40 mpg (17 km/l). It’s also difficult to find spare parts since Proton dealerships vacated the UK about five years ago. These days, he said you can find a Satria Neo – with an MOT certificate – for less than 600 British pounds (RM3,290).
There are many more things said in the 15-minute review that we didn’t mention, so if you have some free time, you can find out what else Jeremy touches upon. For existing or past owners, is his review reflective of your ownership experience? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
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hey, if the car can take this goliath of a man, its most certainly built like a tank. if the car could drive with his butt on the seat, whatever torque he thinks it lacks, most certainly could have towed a boat. if the car’s suspension and shockers could withstand his dead weight, its definitely lotus tuned, and if it survived this the duration of his review, it’s certainly tougher than a bristish defender.
I own a 2008 Satria Neo 1.6 from new.
I think the problem is the big boast and aspiration by the big hats from Proton that Proton will become the BMW of Asia when they have zero aptitude for achieving those lofty goals. And when you boast, then motoring journalists will take you down a notch or 2.
I like the external design of the car, it has weather its age well. The interior trim is really cheap rent.
The engine is the Achilles heel, it is uneconomical for such a low powered unit, has almost zero torque at low revs. It is scary going up a steep hill in this car (only me in the car) even in 1st gear, the car struggles bcos of the absence of torque at low revs. Once past 4000 rpm the engine perform better but does not produce a nice note.
But this car has a very good ride and handling, this I have to kow tow to Proton (or Lotus). It is not stiff compared to my FN2R Civic Type R nor as crashy as my M lowered suspended BMW 320D. For its ability to tackle corners at speed, the ride is very good. Bad though is the NVH.
Original spare parts are no longer available. Proton Segambut dont seem to know much about this car and I was charged Rm60 recently for a suspension fault they can not rectify. Going to an outside tyre cum workshop and with rear shock absorbers replaced, problem solved.
Having driven both satria neo basic campro and CPS versions, I would agree with your assessment ONLY for the basic campro car, but if you tried CPS, it is miles far better and fixes all the problems you mentioned.
In the context that it was a car still in need of development, it was a good effort from Proton and they deserve credit for fixing all these issues with CPS release.
Touge with heel toe in a CPS is an absolute scorcher beating CTR & GTI posers. If you tried CPS, you opinion would change 180.
Rubbish!
If one has to buy another car just becuz “his diesel-powered MINI was being sorted”, does it mean the choices of young people needs to be sorted as well?
Well it certainly is more reliable than a British MINI! (or should that be German?)
He didnt like that car and wouldnt recommend it. Fair enough. Then what is his preferred recommendation? A diesel powered MINI perhaps?
I tink people bought this car under the impression it was a sports car…
it shares some parts with lotus….the bad ones
“40 mpg (17 km/l)“
US MPG is different to UK MPG. So i think 14km/l is more correct.