Overview
PROTON'S Satria GTi is the ultimate expression of what a modern hot-hatch should be. Powered by a gutsy 1.8-litre engine, it goes hard, corners like a go-kart and has plenty of boy-racer appeal - thanks to a body kit comprising spoilers, skirts and wheel arch flares. Perhaps best of all, the Malaysian-built pocket rocket is affordable, costing about $5000 less than its only genuine rival - Peugeot's 206 GTi - although the latter is slightly better equipped.
The Car
YOU can just imagine the brief given to the Proton style counsel before tarting up the tired old Satria. "Give 'em hell, boys!" It would be cruel to call the GTi a parts-bin special because the plethora of aggro add-ons from head to toe actually does the job. Well, sort of. Wheel arch flares with screw heads exposed, deep front airdam, side skirts, high-mounted rear wing, twin rectangular exhaust tips... Subtle, she isn't.
The Car - Seat Plan
FIVE seatbelts are provided but Guinness (records, not beer) should be notified if three adults were to fit comfortably across the rear bench. Proton itself acknowledges that emphasis is placed on the driver's requirements first. Rear head room is limited for taller passengers, while leg room is at the mercy of the driver. Cut-pile floor carpet is provided, with carpet mats with a 'GTi' imprint. A stainless steel scuff plate garnish is another neat little touch. Storage facilities in the passenger compartment include seven pockets for assorted items.
FAKE carbon-fibre spreads throughout the cabin, from the dash to the doors and does a reasonable job transforming the ageing, uninspiring Satria interior, which is overwhelmingly black. Access to the rear seat is via the front doors and folding seatbacks, but no memory feature complicates the return to the seat's original position. The black and white Recaro sports seats are nowhere near top of the range, but they still provide good side and under-thigh support. The front seats have fore and aft and backrest angle adjustment, with the driver's seat also adjustable for height.
The Car - Dash
THE exterior spruce-up may have succeeded, but the GTi's interior is lagging a bit by comparison. Blue on white instrument dials and fake carbon-fibre look unconvincing, as is the speedo's rating to an optimistic 260km/h. Modernity also suffers a setback with the old mechanical-style odometer and trip meter. The leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel has a driver's airbag as standard; a passenger airbag is unavailable. Brushed aluminium gear knob and foot pedals add to the silver, motor sport-inspired theme created outside.
The Car - Controls
THE climate switchgear looks old and tired. Rotary dials are provided for air distribution and temperature selection, with horizontal levers for the blower and air circulation. The stereo is difficult to reach and even harder to use - the plethora of fiddly, almost incomprehensible buttons makes channel surfing a nightmare. A comfortable driving position is made easy with a tilt-adjustable steering column and seat height adjustment. The gearshift is nicely positioned within easy reach of the driver. Levers next to the driver seat allow the rear hatch and fuel filler flap to be opened while seated in the car. Front windows are operated from switches on the door armrest. External mirrors are powered. The rear side windows are fixed, making the cramped conditions for adults more stifling.
The Car - Wheels/tyres
THE Satria GTi's intent is obvious from the five-spoke 16-inch alloys and the liquorice strap 205/45 R16 83V Pirelli P7000 tyres which are painted on to them. They also do the job in terms of tough hot-hatch looks. Always an important part of the equation.
Did you know?
Proton acquired 80 per cent of British sports car manufacturer Lotus in 1996.
The Car - Luggage
ALL Satrias have a 50/50 split-fold rear seat. A luggage compartment cover keeps valuables away from prying eyes. The luggage area can hold 285 litres with the rear seatback upright, however the suspension towers intrude heavily into the floor space. The rear compartment is fully lined with black trim. Under the floor is a full-size steel spare wheel.
Did you know?
Lotus technology was incorporated into the GTi, vastly improving not only the Satria's handling but giving it street cred as well.
The Car - Stand out features
The Car - Sound system
WHILE many GTi owners will rip the standard Blaupunkt single-slot CD stereo out for a hardcore, heavy-bass system, others will do it out of sheer frustration. The stereo has a myriad of fiddly, not easily recognised buttons. The stereo's position also makes it difficult to reach for some drivers. Six speakers are provided throughout the cabin.
The Car - Security
THE desirable wheels, body kit and Recaro seats make this car a magnet for thieves. An engine immobiliser and alarm is provided to deter the hordes of thieves who target hot hatches. The immobiliser is linked to the remote keypad rather than a key transponder - so you must start the car within about 30 seconds of unlocking it. Remote central locking is standard.
Did you know?
The Old Bill has taken a liking to the GTi, using it as a pursuit and rapid-response car at Humberside Police in the UK.
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