What does it cost?
Proton Satria Neo Hatchback full 9 point review
-
Performance
The only engine on offer is a 111bhp 1.6-litre petrol. This feels sprightly enough around town, but it isn’t as quick as some competitors' and has to be worked hard on the open road. Buyers can choose from a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic.
-
Ride & Handling
Proton makes much of Lotus’ involvement with the Satria’s handling. It handles well, with a decent amount of grip, while body lean is reasonably well contained. The steering is sharp, too, but the Satria rides too firmly around town and bumps thud into the cabin at higher speeds.
-
Refinement
The Satria Neo is not a refined car. The engine makes a loud, coarse noise when accelerating, and there's a drone on the motorway, too. You can still hear road noise rumbling through the cabin, though, and wind noise is also audible.
-
Buying & Owning
Proton is unashamedly a budget brand, but prices for the Satria Neo aren't as low as you might think. Talented competitors, such as the Suzuki Swift, cost about the same. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide figures don't compare well with the Swift's, either, so you'll pay more to run it, too. Also, desirability isn't a Proton strong point, so resale values aren't strong.
-
Quality & Reliability
Build quality has improved at Proton, but the advances made by the Satria are only slight. Most plastics are shiny and unappealing, and the switchgear looks and feels too cheap. It trails similarly priced competitors by some distance. Reliability is still somewhat of an unknown quantity, but there's a three-year warranty for peace of mind.
-
Safety & Security
Safety kit is in short supply. You’ll get driver and passenger front airbags, but neither side nor curtain airbags are provided, even as optional extras. Owners can’t specify stability control, either. All Satrias come with an alarm and immobiliser, but not deadlocks.
-
Behind The Wheel
There’s height adjustment for the front seats, but limited travel means that many drivers won’t be able to get the seats low enough for their liking, especially with the limited front headroom. Also, the steering column only adjusts for height and not reach. The dash is simple, but some of the controls, such as the electric window buttons, are awkwardly placed.
-
Space & Practicality
The biggest bugbear is the lack of front headroom caused by the steeply raking windscreen. Even short drivers will feel hemmed in, and six-footers will really struggle. Head- and legroom are in short supply in the back, too, and access is tricky because the front seats don't slide out of the way. The boot isn't very big, either.
-
Equipment
All Satria Neos come with alloy wheels, front foglamps, climate control, remote central locking, electric windows and an MP3 compatible CD player. Sport versions add some sportier styling and leather seats, while the automatic versions of both trims have cruise control.
Satria Neo rivals
Satria Neo used rivals
advertisement
See all
Our pick of the range
Proton Satria Neo Hatchback 1.6 GSX 3dr
Ultimately, there is little choice: if you want a Satria Neo, this is the only model that makes any sense. However, before you buy, be aware that there are plenty of better alternatives.
Read reviewadvertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
