2002 Proton Satria GTi 1.8L petrol from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Great fun, but unreliable!
Faults:
From new, the stabilizer bar came loose and took 3 weeks to repair.
At 16000 kilometers, a short developed in an electrical circuit (did not find out where) and was off the road for 2 weeks.
At 62000 kilometers, spark plug leads shorted and blew ignition coil. New leads took 3 1/2 weeks to come from Proton.
Developed many rattles in trim constantly requiring rectification.
Steering wheel vibrates during idle.
Front and rear decals (badges) peeled off.
Many other parts including rear view mirror, dimmer switch, plastic stereo surround, etc... have been replaced.
All has been repaired under warranty thankfully, but I would not say enthusiastically.
General Comments:
I have thoroughly enjoyed driving the car, on long and short drives. Around the city, it is able to set the pace, in the country and on winding roads the car is completely at home. Rough roads can be a little choppy though.
The car is quick and handles like a go-kart. This is by far its best feature and I couldn't rave about this aspect enough. Very few roads I have found can really do it justice.
The Mitsubishi engine is reliable and strong, but the overall build quality does let the car down.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd August, 2004
26th May 2005, 03:56
Good handling, but "oh so slow".
1st Jun 2005, 05:22
Everyone says its really slow, but I don't understand? I have a year 2002 model and it is quick especially when launched at 5k rpm. Try driving it with full throttle shifts (accelerate hard then change gear without taking your foot off the accelerator). Warp speed!
29th Oct 2005, 07:03
Yes it is seriously a very slow car, but makes up for it in handling.
11.1 seconds to 100km/h is quite bad, my 1.5l echo can do it in 9 seconds.
20th May 2006, 18:32
Have a year 2001 model. Handles great around corners. Initially was impressed with the power (used to own a ford laser) but later found it a little low in the power stakes. Put a power chip in for $1000 bucks and use 98 octane found a nice power boost to keep me satisfied for a little longer. Until I get used to the power once again...
Tom Z
26th Oct 2006, 01:15
0-100km/h in 11.1 seconds??? are you sure or are you just doing a "GTI-Bashing"??? The GTI has 150 ponies under its hood stock standard with no mods... ermmm!!! With that kind of ponies & power-to-weight ratio, it should be under 8 seconds, unless the Law of Physics has changed...
22nd Nov 2006, 07:14
Yer the 0-60 time is actually 7.8seconds, where the hell did you get 11 from lol.
29th May 2008, 05:19
I have a Proton Satria GTi non turbo. How many seconds do they do the 1/4 mile in?
26th May 2005, 03:54
The car is under powered and toooooooo heavy to be classed as a Hot Hatch.
Its quite slow really.