Proton announces Satria pricing and specifications

PROTON has announced pricing for its new Satria three-door hatch ahead of its Brisbane motor show debut next Friday.

The Satria Neo will hit the road from $18,990 drive away.

It will headline the Proton stand at Brisbane alongside the Gen2, Jumbuck and Savvy, as well as the Malaysian entry in the International A1 GP racing series.

It is the second time Proton has chosen Brisbane to launch an all-new model, the previous car being the Jumbuck ute in 2003.

The second-generation Satria was released in Malaysia in seven months ago and is set to also spawn a turbo-charged GTi model in the near future.

Featuring clean Euro design, high equipment levels, the Satria boasts Proton's trademark Lotus engineered ride and handling.

Satria Neo will be powered by Proton's 1.6-litre Campro twin cam multi-valve engine, developing 82kW and a new step 4 engine management system that promises smoother power and torque delivery while preserving its frugal qualities.

According to Proton Cars Australia managing director, Mr John Startari, said Proton had "formulated pricing to be in line with Proton's policy of providing value for money, fully equipped cars at strong pricing levels".

Mr Startari said the previous-generation Satria was a price price leader but also offered the hot GTi, providing the company with a broad spread of potential buyers.

"T new car's sporty looks and handling will mean that a high proportion purchased will be by young male buyers," he sadi.

"The Satria Neo will be sold fully equipped with extras such as reverse sensors and ABS brakes standard."Standard equipment includes dual airbags, air-conditioning, electric windows, central locking and electric mirrors.

The small hatch will also be available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic driving the front wheels.

The car sits on a 2440mm wheelbase with an overall length of 3905mm – just shy of a Ford Fiesta – while it is 1420mm high and 1710mm wide. It has a 1470mm front and rear track.

The Satria will come in two trim levels, GX and GXR.

Complimenting the Satria's road manners the premium GXR model will feature 16-inch alloys and high performance 195/50/R16 88V Continental SportContact-2 tyres ensuring the new car has the rubber to fully exploit its Lotus engineered suspension.

Satria Neo's front suspension features MacPherson struts with a sophisticated multi-link configuration with anti-sway bar at the rear.

Last year Proton, sold just 2008 vehicles, its market share slipping 7.2 per cent. The Jumbuck remained the best selling with 789 sales, followed by the Gen2 with 609 sales.

The company is hoping the arrival of the new-generation Satria will bolster its 2007 sales targets.