Proton Satria

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Proton Satria
Manufacturer Proton
Production 1995–present
Class Supermini
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
Layout FF layout

The Proton Satria was a hatchback produced by Proton. Production started in 1995 for the first generation and ended in 2005. The new Satria Replacement Model (SRM), known as Proton Satria Neo was launched on 16 June 2006. The name Satria which means knight in Sanskrit was chosen for Proton's 3-door hatchback to reflect the sportiness of the car.

Contents

[edit] Satria (1995-2005)

First generation
A first generation Proton Satria.
Also called Proton Compact
Proton Persona Compact
Proton 300 series
Production 1995–2006
Engine(s) 1.3 L 4G13 I4
1.5 L 4G15 I4
1.6 L 4G92 I4
1.8 L 4G93 I4
Wheelbase 2440 mm (96.1 in)
Length 3995 mm (157.3 in)
Width 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Height 1365 mm (53.7 in)
Curb weight 1005 kg (2216 lb)
Related Mitsubishi Mirage

The first generation Satria was based a 3-door hatchback on the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage (Colt outside the Japanese market). Changes were limited to front-end styling and interior from the bigger Wira. Powerplant options included the 4G13p 1.3-litre 12-valve, 4G15p 1.5-litre 12-valve and 4G92p 1.6-litre 16-valve SOHC engine. The 1.5 and 1.6-litre 16v versions were also available with optional 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions respectively.

Trim levels were LSi, GLi, GLSi and SEi. The base-specification LSi had the 1.3-litre 12-valve engine only: GLi versions got the 1.5-litre 12-valve engine in addition to the 1.3-litre: whilst GLSi and SEi versions got the 1.6 16v engine as well as the 1.5 12v.

A later facelift version featured a different tail-end to the original Mirage. These were launched in 1996 in Malaysia and later in other countries, and new LXi, S LXi and GTi trim levels were available. New 1.3 12v, 1.5 12v and 1.6 16v petrol engines were available.

[edit] Satria GTi

A Proton Satria GTi.
A Proton Satria GTi.

The Satria Sports GTi was launched with a 141 bhp (105 kW) 1.8-litre Mitsubishi-sourced 4G93p engine,originally found in the Mitsubishi Lancer GTI. Additionally,the Satria GTi was revised by Lotus later on in terms of engine and handling. According to dyno chart, it can produce 130 bhp (97 kW) on wheel.

During the involvement of Lotus,a new body kit was also adopted for the GTi for better aerodynamics.Proton claims that the Satria GTi was the fastest car it has ever produced to date.

[edit] Satria R3

Main article: Proton Satria R3

The Proton Satria R3 is a limited edition Satria sold in Malaysia. The term R3 stands for Rally, Race, Research. R3 is a redefined version of Satria Gti by Proton's Racing development team and also Lotus. It houses the same 1800 cc Mitsubishi 4G93p engine but has undergone some minor adjustments by Lotus handling. Bodyshell has been improved with double stitch welded monocoque chassis with front and rear strut tower brace bars.

[edit] Satria Neo (2006-present)

Second generation (Satria Neo)
A 2006 Proton Satria Neo.
Production 2006–present
Engine(s) 1.3 L Campro S4PE I4
1.6 L Campro S4PH I4
Wheelbase 2440 mm (96.1 in)
Length 3905 mm (153.7 in)
Width 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Height 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight 1197 kg (2639 lb)
Related Proton Gen-2
The 2008 model of Proton Satria R3 on display at the 2008 Melbourne Motorshow.
The 2008 model of Proton Satria R3 on display at the 2008 Melbourne Motorshow.

The Satria Neo was introduced in June 2006 as a replacement for the first generation Satria. Based on a new platform developed in-house by Proton (with some parts borrowed from the bigger Gen-2 and Waja), the car is currently only available in a three-door hatchback guise. The car was developed at a cost of RM500 million and four years, and was expected by Proton to generate a monthly sales volume of 2,000 to 2,500 units. The car was also intended to target those who are "youthful and sporty". The Satria Neo was launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The entry-level Satria Neo, the 1.3 L-line, is powered by a 1.3-litre, inline-4 twin-cam Campro engine, producing 94 bhp (70 kW). The 1.6 M-line and top-of-the-range H-line models have 1.6-litre versions of the same engine, with an output of 110 hp (82 kW). All cars have the option of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearboxes supplied by Mitsubishi that are carried over from the previous Satria, with the H-line benefitting from safety features such as twin airbags, ABS with EBD and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Criticisms of the car include the lack of headroom and legroom for rear passengers (even compared to the previous generation Satria), and lackluster performance in comparison with the Satria GTi.