Overall Rating |  |
Based on an old Mitsubishi Colt, the Satria is unable to come close to class standards of ride, handling, performance or safety. Durable build and reasonable performance - especially from the GTI version - the upsides.
For
- 1.8 GTi is enjoyably sporty and handles well
- Decent equipment for the money on 1.5 and 1.8 GTi
- Good reliability thanks to Mitsubishi origins
Against
- Rehashed Persona Compact; an elderly design
- Unrefined with noisy engines and choppy ride
- Heavy depreciation if bought new
Road Test
Proton came to prominence in the late 'eighties as a value manufacturer, but its hard not to conclude that with cars like the Satria the Malaysian maker has all-but lost its way. It's awful, frankly, with a crashy ride, inaccurate handling, poor refinement and none of the equipment or impact protection offered by more modern European, Japanese or even Korean rivals. A cramped cabin and optimistic pricing means that it is effectively competing with the larger of the new generation of superminis, despite being pitched as a mid-sized hatchback, negating what little price advantage it has. Lotus-tuned GTI the sole bright spot in the range, but it's expensive and rare.
Need To Know
Best Models: GTI - with a big discount
Worst Models: all others
Replacement: 2004
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling  Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs  Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
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