1 Apr 2006
PROTON boldly burst into the 21st Century with its Savvy hatchback, a smaller-than-usual light-car aimed at the lower end of the segment.
Standard features include air-conditioning, dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, parking sensors, an alarm, CD audio, central locking, electric front windows, 15-inch alloy wheels and front foglights.
A five-door hatchback, it seats four and has 207 litres of luggage capacity.
Suspension is via MacPherson struts up front with a semi-independent torsion beam axle at the rear. The brakes include front discs and rear drums.
Power comes from a Renault-sourced 1.2-litre 16-valve engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed clutchless automated manual.
The engine develops 55kW at 5500rpm and 105Nm at 4250rpm, with 90 per cent of torque available between 1750rpm and 4250rpm.
It delivers decent performance and impressive fuel economy of 4.6L/100km on the highway for the five-speed manual, giving a cruising range of up to 900km from its 40-litre fuel tank.
At 3710mm long, 1643mm wide and sitting on a 2395mm wheelbase, the Savvy is one of the babies of the light-car class. By comparison, a Barina three-door is 170mm longer, 27mm wider and sits on an 85mm-longer wheelbase.
For 2007 PROTON Cars Australia introduced run-out pricing for its Savvy light car, which sees its price drop by $2000.
The Savvy will now cost $13,990 drive-away until it is replaced with a facelifted model in September or October.
