Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: No data available
Has the looks and the handling
Doesn't have the interior quality, the great engine or a low enough price
The hand of Lotus makes Satria GTi a great Proton, but only a good hot hatch
Driveline shunt at low speed, those rocking seats and the thin-rimmed, un-sporting steering wheel conspire to spoil what could be a perfectly simple car to drive. The switchgear operates without a problem and a decent driving position is easy to find. When all's said and done, the Satria GTi is not difficult to punt along, but it could -and should - be easier. The 'Handling by Lotus' badge on the back of the Satria tells you much of what you need to know. The GTi is pretty entertaining, with tactile steering and a chassis that retains its composure through the bends. Considering that it's a Proton - and a 13-year-old design at that - Lotus has worked an excellent job. But it's not an excellent hot hatch, merely a good one. The Peugeot 206 GTi, Renault Clio Sport 172, Ford Puma and Citroen Saxo VTS all provide bigger B-road smiles.
With 0-60 mph in under eight seconds and more than 130 bhp on tap, the little Proton is not short of performance. Trouble is, against the competition, it's still not quite fast enough. Its nearest rival on price is the Peugeot 206 GTi, which has slightly more power. It also undercuts the Proton's price and has more equipment, but that's another story. The Proton's engine is harsh at high revs and reluctant to rev freely to the red line. Thankfully, its low-rev urge is more acceptable.
