28 October 2011

The Proton Savvy is a funny-looking five-door hatchback and can only be described as the Malaysian car-maker’s cheap, Yaris-wannabe. With this car, you get what you pay for...

Style & drive
Sorry, but I don’t have good news here. Yes, the car is cheap. But you must know the reality of this well-priced proposition. The Proton Savvy’s engine – sourced from Renault (although you wouldn’t know it, as it feels slow) – is horribly noisy, particularly when you try to rev, and the gearstick vibrates so much you’d think you were experiencing an earthquake. The Savvy’s one redeeming factor is its fine handling, thanks to sports car manufacturer Lotus.

The interior design is at best basic and, at worst, drab and uninviting due to the overload of plastic-fantastic and hard edges. The driver and front passenger will find themselves relatively comfortable, not so much the rear seat passengers.

The starting price is $13,990 for a five-speed manual and an extra $1000 will get you a five-speed clutch-less automatic/manual transmission version.

Safety
Standard safety features of the Proton Savvy include dual-front airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and rear parking sensors. Unfortunately, there are no optional side or curtain airbags nor ESP, and the centre-rear seat has a lap belt only.

Eco
The Proton Savvy has good fuel economy (between 4.5-5.7L / 100km) but it only takes 95 Octane, which is more expensive than regular unleaded petrol.

3 words to describe this car
Cheap, inconsistent.

What are the best things about this car?
The handling and sound system.

What are the downsides of this car?
It’s noisy and pretty ugly.

What kind of petrol does it use?
95 Octane.

Liked it?
Sadly, not really.

If personified, who would this car be?
Ke$ha.

Soundtrack of choice for this car?
Ke$ha.