So Proton has launched a new model of the popular Satria Neo with the much awaited Campro CPS engine pushing out 125hp (up from the standard Campro’s 110hp).
It comes with an aggressive body kit and some subtle changes to address the oversteer problems the original Satria Neo had (they made the front track slightly narrower and the back wider).
Handling is dealt with by Lotus, as with the old Satria GTi (the car I drive incidentally) and it’s certainly taken some styling cues from the Satria GTi (like the flared and riveted wheel arches).
It looks fairly aggressive from all angles, especially with the single centrally placed exhaust.
One design aspect I really like is the rims, nice bronze colour 16″ alloys really suit the look of the car.
As for the interior and the features, it’s a well speced car with cruise control, controls for the stereo on the steering wheel, dual airbags and ABS, 2-tone full leather interior and seat belts with pre-tensioners.
The sound system is quite impressive with a Blaupunkt MP3-playable four-speaker audio system, the sound is crisp and clear and has quite good bass response. The Radio reception is very good with the system still receiving a signal on the 2nd basement level (my car already loses signal in B1).
The full leather interior includes the gearshift and steering wheel.
The interior is stylish and modern and seems well made, there were no squeaks, rattles or odd noises in the car I drove.
I did find a lack of compartments however, there is no ashtray or other small place to keep things like carpark access cards and your Touch & Go. There is a space on either side of the aircon controls but it’s not covered.
There is a 12v cigarette type socket, but no cigarette lighter – I guess it’s become a non-smoking world!
The dials are clear and bright and easy to see.
As for the driving experience, I’d have to say this car is definitely designed with Asians in mind! It’s not for someone of my stature. The seat is placed quite high so you in an elevated driving position for better visibility, but due to the curved roof it means the headroom is very limited.
Every time I leant forward to look out of the front my head would brush the ceiling, but then I am 6’5″! I’d say for the average sized person it’d be very comfortable with the shaped seats.
I also found the small windows awkward when reaching for parking tickets or using the Touch & Go as the lower lip of the window is quite high up.
My only other complaint would be that the side mirrors are rather small and with the relatively small windows of a hatchback it gives a rather big blind spot.
As for the handling, it’s excellent! I really enjoyed the cornering ability of this car, it has the crisp clean handling of a lotus tuned vehicle.
The turning circle is quite tight and I can maneuver in a noticeably smaller space than my current GTi.
As for the power I can’t judge well as I was driving the Auto version, the engine seems responsive and it gives a kick around 4500rpm (which I would guess is the Variable Valve Timing).
I’d love to have a go in the Manual.
Of course I’m waiting for the real GTi successor, a Satria Neo with a 2.0 Turbo!
The prices for the Satria Neo are as follows:
Proton Satria Neo CPS (white) – Manual – RM 57313
Proton Satria Neo CPS (black) – Manual – RM 57763
Proton Satria Neo CPS (white) – Auto – RM 60313
Proton Satria Neo CPS (black) – Auto – RM 60763
The black is more expensive as it’s metallic.
Full details here – http://www.proton-edar.com.my/
I think the manual version would be an interesting car to drive. Now I wonder if anyone would loan one to me
Nice! I like the bronze alloy rims too. It looks awesome. I was puzzled by the lack of a cigarette lighter too – I know it’s a test drive car, I was just looking for it and it was nowhere to be found. I got the manual version, I liked driving it. Surprisingly responsive.
you didn’t mention about the backseat for infants!
Mark Leo: Yah I think it’d be pretty fast, and with that handling very fun to drive.
Huai Bin: Yah the engine seems good, I’m just not a fan of auto boxes.
Azmi: I only have a dog leh, plenty of space for him
HOhoho I got the manual version, was the fun!
Would you take this over your current Satria?
KY: Yah would have preferred to try that one.
ahchia: Nah I don’t think so, because of the lack of headroom. If I was shorter I’d seriously consider it, handling is superb and interior is comfortable and feels well built.
wow this is nice car! sadly not suit me as I need got kid is better four doors car.
i hit myself on the head while going into it. damn.
nice seats.
manual is good. would be better with higher bhp.
I really like the front look of the car, as well as the rims, those are my favorite feature of the car! hehe
TH: Yah hot hatches are not so practical for families.
Myhorny: Haha, yah it’s quite low. Would like to see a higher bhp version too.
Joey Logano Fan: The styling is good, especially the rims.
wow.. is it really satria neo is coming out a 2.0 version ? =)
Ren.D aka Joe: No idea, that’s just my speculation..I wish for a 2.0 Turbo!
Hi
I own the neo cps,1.6 2010
looking to put a turbo in it
any advice
cam: Yah my suggestion is do it
Supercharger also good cos the CPS lacking low end torque.
Intending to get one. I’m about 6 feet tall. 5 inches shorter than you. *chuckle* No offense. My body built is also not buff somewhat average. I am considering getting this model but will it be easy for me to get into the car. Please and thank you.
Thomas: Should be fine, but go test drive the car – that’s the only way to tell.