Proton debuts new Satria

Proton has unveiled its new small car in a special ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

Officially launched by Malaysian Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi, the new car has been christened Satria Neo for its home market. When it arrives Down Under in the last quarter of this calendar year it will be known simply as the Satria.

The new Satria’s exterior design continues the company’s ‘tiger eye’ family design first seen on the Proton GEN.2. Sitting on a 2440mm wheelbase with a 1470mm front and rear track, its overall length is 3905mm. The car is 1710mm wide and 1420mm high.

By way of comparison, VW’s Polo boasts stats of 3916, 1650, 1467 and rides on a wheelbase of 2465mm. Hyundai's new Accent hatch measures in at 4280 long, 1695 wide and 1470 high with a wheelbase of 2500.

The Australian version of the Satria will be powered by Proton’s 16-valve CamPro DOHC 1.6-litre petrol engine. The car's Lotus-fettled suspension is a conventional combination of MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear.

A 'hotter' GTi models is understood to be under development.

Proton says the new car “meets and exceeds current EuroNCAP, and ADR Australian crash test standards.” Body structure is claimed to be twice as strong as the previous Satria. A full complement of airbags will be standard equipment along with ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes

According to Proton Cars Australia managing director, Mr John Startari, the new Satria: “Promises to deliver a stylish package with Proton’s signature levels of ride and handling along with exceptional fuel economy and equipment.”

“While specification levels for the Australian version of the new Satria are still being finalized, Proton’s policy of providing value for money, fully equipped cars at strong pricing levels will mean it will be packed with standard equipment,” said Mr Startari.

In other Proton news, the likelihood of the car-maker launching a re-badged version of Mitsubishi's 380 has grown. Though Mitsubishi sources remain tight lipped, it now looks likely that up to 15,000 380s could make their way to Malaysia if a viable four-cylinder engine can be engineered into the South Australian built car.

"The deal's dependent on being able to deliver the right engineering package at the right price," a Mitsubishi source told CarPoint.

It's understood that while production would commence as fully built-up cars, Proton would likely gear up to assemble the re-badged 380s in Malaysia from CKD (completely knocked down) kits.