Proton Savvy 1.2 (M) Review
13 Apr 2010|24,472 views
It's going for $62,999.
And if you're in a segment where your general buyers are looking for an affordable car, you don't want to be the odd one at the higher price point with nothing to back up the premium.
I drove the Chevrolet Aveo5 at the beginning of the year and returned the car thinking that at that price, it probably was a pretty hard car to beat if you consider the aesthetics on the outside and inside and how the car drives.
With a 1.4-litre engine hooked up to 4-speed automatic, the car manages to squeeze out 94 bhp from the 4-cylinder.It drives decently, doesn't excite anyone with its build quality but made it the better alternative with those striking looks.
The Savvy though, tries really hard to stand out - and comes off looks like nothing else on the market.
Exterior
From the side, the Savvy has a much more roundish shape than most of its other alternatives.
Not a bad thing. With the short overhang at the front and the curved roof and steeply raked rear section, the Proton really does communicate a playful and fun character from its exterior.
At the front, the re-styled proton badge sits proudly on the wide black wire-meshed grill with the very unique angular lamps skirting it. The clean front is helped very much by the bumper that sits flushed with the top half.
And if you're in a segment where your general buyers are looking for an affordable car, you don't want to be the odd one at the higher price point with nothing to back up the premium.
I drove the Chevrolet Aveo5 at the beginning of the year and returned the car thinking that at that price, it probably was a pretty hard car to beat if you consider the aesthetics on the outside and inside and how the car drives.
With a 1.4-litre engine hooked up to 4-speed automatic, the car manages to squeeze out 94 bhp from the 4-cylinder.It drives decently, doesn't excite anyone with its build quality but made it the better alternative with those striking looks.
The Savvy though, tries really hard to stand out - and comes off looks like nothing else on the market.
Exterior
From the side, the Savvy has a much more roundish shape than most of its other alternatives.
Not a bad thing. With the short overhang at the front and the curved roof and steeply raked rear section, the Proton really does communicate a playful and fun character from its exterior.
At the front, the re-styled proton badge sits proudly on the wide black wire-meshed grill with the very unique angular lamps skirting it. The clean front is helped very much by the bumper that sits flushed with the top half.
 |
Past the slightly blistered wheel flares, the visible belt line starts from the front, cuts through the handles and carves its way all around the car. Being a straight line without any change in degree, the line, besides adding some design dept to the otherwise plain design, doesn't help this car along the sporty outlook the way a rising belt line could have.
At the back, two of the only features that exist and stand out are the oddly shaped tail lamps and the centre-fitted exhaust outlet.
Kudos to the designers for daring to place the exhaust where they did, but the straight lines dominating the car and the oddly familiar design cue on the rear windows (the abrupt hike in the rear windows body panel is reminiscent of the Hyundai Matrix, no?) really add no flavour to making this car look sporty.
Those stock rims aren't anything to smile about either.
 |
Interior
Things get a little better when you've got yourself seated in though.
First thing that grabs your attention are the sporty yellow gauges. As pretentious as it might seem, the yellow adds some much needed zest to an otherwise grey interior.
The simplistic steering wheel's silver trim around the embossed family crest contributes to the second good point about the car's interior. As with the yellow gauges, the silver riveted trim fits the sporty occasion directly in front of the driver very well.
The centre console is flat but neat. Buttons didn't feel as cheap as I had anticipated and it wasn't an annoyance dealing with the radio controls. In fact, the Clarion system's sound quality was one of the most outstanding points that potential buyers should take note of when deciding between their cars.
Having a good system as stock will mean you don't need to shell out extra cash in getting yourself a decent system - keeping that cash for your petrol stops instead.
The tacky, blue-checked fabric seats are surprisingly comfortable but are not supportive enough. In fact I had to precariously hold on to the steering as much as I was rotating it while descending down the seventh floor of my office building's spiral exit way.
The hole in the headrests did show the designers lack of things to tweak, but fails ergonomically - providing absolutely zero comfort for both front occupants when resting their heads at traffic lights with the hole being just too large. Its head support in a rear collision might be a concern as well.
The rear seating is predictably a squeeze for someone of my height (176cm).
Boot space in the Savvy is similar to that on the Aveo5 but unlike the Chevy, the rear seats fold in 60:40 fashion.
What's worse, the rear right seat threatened to pop out from its right holding socket when folded down. This, from a car that has only covered 251.7 km (could have been reset by the company but that's what it reflects).
Things get a little better when you've got yourself seated in though.
First thing that grabs your attention are the sporty yellow gauges. As pretentious as it might seem, the yellow adds some much needed zest to an otherwise grey interior.
The simplistic steering wheel's silver trim around the embossed family crest contributes to the second good point about the car's interior. As with the yellow gauges, the silver riveted trim fits the sporty occasion directly in front of the driver very well.
The centre console is flat but neat. Buttons didn't feel as cheap as I had anticipated and it wasn't an annoyance dealing with the radio controls. In fact, the Clarion system's sound quality was one of the most outstanding points that potential buyers should take note of when deciding between their cars.
Having a good system as stock will mean you don't need to shell out extra cash in getting yourself a decent system - keeping that cash for your petrol stops instead.
The tacky, blue-checked fabric seats are surprisingly comfortable but are not supportive enough. In fact I had to precariously hold on to the steering as much as I was rotating it while descending down the seventh floor of my office building's spiral exit way.
The hole in the headrests did show the designers lack of things to tweak, but fails ergonomically - providing absolutely zero comfort for both front occupants when resting their heads at traffic lights with the hole being just too large. Its head support in a rear collision might be a concern as well.
The rear seating is predictably a squeeze for someone of my height (176cm).
Boot space in the Savvy is similar to that on the Aveo5 but unlike the Chevy, the rear seats fold in 60:40 fashion.
What's worse, the rear right seat threatened to pop out from its right holding socket when folded down. This, from a car that has only covered 251.7 km (could have been reset by the company but that's what it reflects).
Overall, the Savvy never fails to remind you that you should have saved a little more for a better car, but certain design elements and the inclusion of automatic door locking makes it a genuine contender.
Driving Impressions
The Savvy comes with a 5-speed stick shift.
A preference of mine at first, it was during this review that my idea of manual boxes and how attractive they always were to me will be changed.
Effectively there are two very general camps when it comes to manuals. The first being the camp where all the good ones are and the other being a holding house for the rest that just can't make the cut.
The Proton Savvy belongs to the latter unfortunately.
Gear selection for third and fourth were pretty hard to slot into, with me and another manual aficionado repeatedly finding it hard to find for the first half of the day. After you've familiarized yourself with the car and know where to hit half-clutch, the gear shifts that follow feel very unsatisfactory. Both at low and high rpm shifting, the wailing wine from the engine and the lurching forward for the first two shifts got a passenger of mine queasy.
It doesn't help that the tiny 1.2-litre unit under the bonnet only manages 74 bhp and 104 Nm of torque.
Thankfully though, like most other small wheel-based cars, its tiny proportions allow the car to be tight into corners. The steering isn't very Lotus inspired but is enough to instil some sense of confidence when you do decide to attack a corner.
Suspension has been set relatively firm but not as firm as the rear view mirror might suggest, vibrating itself violently at times when over imperfections on roads.
When braking, you'd need to get used to how stiff and hard the pedal is on the Savvy to know how much force you'll need when approaching the lights or in a traffic jam. Not the best feel you'd want when stuck behind a reckless driver or if the driver in front decides to brake suddenly.
Driving Impressions
The Savvy comes with a 5-speed stick shift.
A preference of mine at first, it was during this review that my idea of manual boxes and how attractive they always were to me will be changed.
Effectively there are two very general camps when it comes to manuals. The first being the camp where all the good ones are and the other being a holding house for the rest that just can't make the cut.
The Proton Savvy belongs to the latter unfortunately.
Gear selection for third and fourth were pretty hard to slot into, with me and another manual aficionado repeatedly finding it hard to find for the first half of the day. After you've familiarized yourself with the car and know where to hit half-clutch, the gear shifts that follow feel very unsatisfactory. Both at low and high rpm shifting, the wailing wine from the engine and the lurching forward for the first two shifts got a passenger of mine queasy.
It doesn't help that the tiny 1.2-litre unit under the bonnet only manages 74 bhp and 104 Nm of torque.
Thankfully though, like most other small wheel-based cars, its tiny proportions allow the car to be tight into corners. The steering isn't very Lotus inspired but is enough to instil some sense of confidence when you do decide to attack a corner.
Suspension has been set relatively firm but not as firm as the rear view mirror might suggest, vibrating itself violently at times when over imperfections on roads.
When braking, you'd need to get used to how stiff and hard the pedal is on the Savvy to know how much force you'll need when approaching the lights or in a traffic jam. Not the best feel you'd want when stuck behind a reckless driver or if the driver in front decides to brake suddenly.
 |
Should you buy it?
I happen to think Proton is heading in the right direction with the Exora. I also happen to think the Proton Satria Neo would seem like a reasonable buy for the racing enthusiasts on a shoe string budget.
The Savvy however, seems to be falling on the wrong side of the fence.
It's smaller and narrower than the Aveo5. Although it looks unique, the spartan interior paired with the dead manual box on the car could prove a deal breaker with the potential buyer.
I happen to think Proton is heading in the right direction with the Exora. I also happen to think the Proton Satria Neo would seem like a reasonable buy for the racing enthusiasts on a shoe string budget.
The Savvy however, seems to be falling on the wrong side of the fence.
It's smaller and narrower than the Aveo5. Although it looks unique, the spartan interior paired with the dead manual box on the car could prove a deal breaker with the potential buyer.
At $62,999 (as of 26 Mar 2010), the Proton comes in $2,200 more expensive than the Chevrolet Aveo5 ($60,799 as of 26 Mar 2010) with its more powerful 1.4-litre engine, larger proportions and sporty looks.
Surprisingly enough, I think I've seen more Savvy's on the road than the Aveo5. If you're in the market for an econobox though, I'd recommend the Chevrolet Aveo5.
Surprisingly enough, I think I've seen more Savvy's on the road than the Aveo5. If you're in the market for an econobox though, I'd recommend the Chevrolet Aveo5.
It's going for $62,999.
And if you're in a segment where your general buyers are looking for an affordable car, you don't want to be the odd one at the higher price point with nothing to back up the premium.
I drove the Chevrolet Aveo5 at the beginning of the year and returned the car thinking that at that price, it probably was a pretty hard car to beat if you consider the aesthetics on the outside and inside and how the car drives.
With a 1.4-litre engine hooked up to 4-speed automatic, the car manages to squeeze out 94 bhp from the 4-cylinder.It drives decently, doesn't excite anyone with its build quality but made it the better alternative with those striking looks.
The Savvy though, tries really hard to stand out - and comes off looks like nothing else on the market.
Exterior
From the side, the Savvy has a much more roundish shape than most of its other alternatives.
Not a bad thing. With the short overhang at the front and the curved roof and steeply raked rear section, the Proton really does communicate a playful and fun character from its exterior.
At the front, the re-styled proton badge sits proudly on the wide black wire-meshed grill with the very unique angular lamps skirting it. The clean front is helped very much by the bumper that sits flushed with the top half.
And if you're in a segment where your general buyers are looking for an affordable car, you don't want to be the odd one at the higher price point with nothing to back up the premium.
I drove the Chevrolet Aveo5 at the beginning of the year and returned the car thinking that at that price, it probably was a pretty hard car to beat if you consider the aesthetics on the outside and inside and how the car drives.
With a 1.4-litre engine hooked up to 4-speed automatic, the car manages to squeeze out 94 bhp from the 4-cylinder.It drives decently, doesn't excite anyone with its build quality but made it the better alternative with those striking looks.
The Savvy though, tries really hard to stand out - and comes off looks like nothing else on the market.
Exterior
From the side, the Savvy has a much more roundish shape than most of its other alternatives.
Not a bad thing. With the short overhang at the front and the curved roof and steeply raked rear section, the Proton really does communicate a playful and fun character from its exterior.
At the front, the re-styled proton badge sits proudly on the wide black wire-meshed grill with the very unique angular lamps skirting it. The clean front is helped very much by the bumper that sits flushed with the top half.
|
Past the slightly blistered wheel flares, the visible belt line starts from the front, cuts through the handles and carves its way all around the car. Being a straight line without any change in degree, the line, besides adding some design dept to the otherwise plain design, doesn't help this car along the sporty outlook the way a rising belt line could have.
At the back, two of the only features that exist and stand out are the oddly shaped tail lamps and the centre-fitted exhaust outlet.
Kudos to the designers for daring to place the exhaust where they did, but the straight lines dominating the car and the oddly familiar design cue on the rear windows (the abrupt hike in the rear windows body panel is reminiscent of the Hyundai Matrix, no?) really add no flavour to making this car look sporty.
Those stock rims aren't anything to smile about either.
|
Interior
Things get a little better when you've got yourself seated in though.
First thing that grabs your attention are the sporty yellow gauges. As pretentious as it might seem, the yellow adds some much needed zest to an otherwise grey interior.
The simplistic steering wheel's silver trim around the embossed family crest contributes to the second good point about the car's interior. As with the yellow gauges, the silver riveted trim fits the sporty occasion directly in front of the driver very well.
The centre console is flat but neat. Buttons didn't feel as cheap as I had anticipated and it wasn't an annoyance dealing with the radio controls. In fact, the Clarion system's sound quality was one of the most outstanding points that potential buyers should take note of when deciding between their cars.
Having a good system as stock will mean you don't need to shell out extra cash in getting yourself a decent system - keeping that cash for your petrol stops instead.
The tacky, blue-checked fabric seats are surprisingly comfortable but are not supportive enough. In fact I had to precariously hold on to the steering as much as I was rotating it while descending down the seventh floor of my office building's spiral exit way.
The hole in the headrests did show the designers lack of things to tweak, but fails ergonomically - providing absolutely zero comfort for both front occupants when resting their heads at traffic lights with the hole being just too large. Its head support in a rear collision might be a concern as well.
The rear seating is predictably a squeeze for someone of my height (176cm).
Boot space in the Savvy is similar to that on the Aveo5 but unlike the Chevy, the rear seats fold in 60:40 fashion.
What's worse, the rear right seat threatened to pop out from its right holding socket when folded down. This, from a car that has only covered 251.7 km (could have been reset by the company but that's what it reflects).
Things get a little better when you've got yourself seated in though.
First thing that grabs your attention are the sporty yellow gauges. As pretentious as it might seem, the yellow adds some much needed zest to an otherwise grey interior.
The simplistic steering wheel's silver trim around the embossed family crest contributes to the second good point about the car's interior. As with the yellow gauges, the silver riveted trim fits the sporty occasion directly in front of the driver very well.
The centre console is flat but neat. Buttons didn't feel as cheap as I had anticipated and it wasn't an annoyance dealing with the radio controls. In fact, the Clarion system's sound quality was one of the most outstanding points that potential buyers should take note of when deciding between their cars.
Having a good system as stock will mean you don't need to shell out extra cash in getting yourself a decent system - keeping that cash for your petrol stops instead.
The tacky, blue-checked fabric seats are surprisingly comfortable but are not supportive enough. In fact I had to precariously hold on to the steering as much as I was rotating it while descending down the seventh floor of my office building's spiral exit way.
The hole in the headrests did show the designers lack of things to tweak, but fails ergonomically - providing absolutely zero comfort for both front occupants when resting their heads at traffic lights with the hole being just too large. Its head support in a rear collision might be a concern as well.
The rear seating is predictably a squeeze for someone of my height (176cm).
Boot space in the Savvy is similar to that on the Aveo5 but unlike the Chevy, the rear seats fold in 60:40 fashion.
What's worse, the rear right seat threatened to pop out from its right holding socket when folded down. This, from a car that has only covered 251.7 km (could have been reset by the company but that's what it reflects).
Overall, the Savvy never fails to remind you that you should have saved a little more for a better car, but certain design elements and the inclusion of automatic door locking makes it a genuine contender.
Driving Impressions
The Savvy comes with a 5-speed stick shift.
A preference of mine at first, it was during this review that my idea of manual boxes and how attractive they always were to me will be changed.
Effectively there are two very general camps when it comes to manuals. The first being the camp where all the good ones are and the other being a holding house for the rest that just can't make the cut.
The Proton Savvy belongs to the latter unfortunately.
Gear selection for third and fourth were pretty hard to slot into, with me and another manual aficionado repeatedly finding it hard to find for the first half of the day. After you've familiarized yourself with the car and know where to hit half-clutch, the gear shifts that follow feel very unsatisfactory. Both at low and high rpm shifting, the wailing wine from the engine and the lurching forward for the first two shifts got a passenger of mine queasy.
It doesn't help that the tiny 1.2-litre unit under the bonnet only manages 74 bhp and 104 Nm of torque.
Thankfully though, like most other small wheel-based cars, its tiny proportions allow the car to be tight into corners. The steering isn't very Lotus inspired but is enough to instil some sense of confidence when you do decide to attack a corner.
Suspension has been set relatively firm but not as firm as the rear view mirror might suggest, vibrating itself violently at times when over imperfections on roads.
When braking, you'd need to get used to how stiff and hard the pedal is on the Savvy to know how much force you'll need when approaching the lights or in a traffic jam. Not the best feel you'd want when stuck behind a reckless driver or if the driver in front decides to brake suddenly.
Driving Impressions
The Savvy comes with a 5-speed stick shift.
A preference of mine at first, it was during this review that my idea of manual boxes and how attractive they always were to me will be changed.
Effectively there are two very general camps when it comes to manuals. The first being the camp where all the good ones are and the other being a holding house for the rest that just can't make the cut.
The Proton Savvy belongs to the latter unfortunately.
Gear selection for third and fourth were pretty hard to slot into, with me and another manual aficionado repeatedly finding it hard to find for the first half of the day. After you've familiarized yourself with the car and know where to hit half-clutch, the gear shifts that follow feel very unsatisfactory. Both at low and high rpm shifting, the wailing wine from the engine and the lurching forward for the first two shifts got a passenger of mine queasy.
It doesn't help that the tiny 1.2-litre unit under the bonnet only manages 74 bhp and 104 Nm of torque.
Thankfully though, like most other small wheel-based cars, its tiny proportions allow the car to be tight into corners. The steering isn't very Lotus inspired but is enough to instil some sense of confidence when you do decide to attack a corner.
Suspension has been set relatively firm but not as firm as the rear view mirror might suggest, vibrating itself violently at times when over imperfections on roads.
When braking, you'd need to get used to how stiff and hard the pedal is on the Savvy to know how much force you'll need when approaching the lights or in a traffic jam. Not the best feel you'd want when stuck behind a reckless driver or if the driver in front decides to brake suddenly.
|
Should you buy it?
I happen to think Proton is heading in the right direction with the Exora. I also happen to think the Proton Satria Neo would seem like a reasonable buy for the racing enthusiasts on a shoe string budget.
The Savvy however, seems to be falling on the wrong side of the fence.
It's smaller and narrower than the Aveo5. Although it looks unique, the spartan interior paired with the dead manual box on the car could prove a deal breaker with the potential buyer.
I happen to think Proton is heading in the right direction with the Exora. I also happen to think the Proton Satria Neo would seem like a reasonable buy for the racing enthusiasts on a shoe string budget.
The Savvy however, seems to be falling on the wrong side of the fence.
It's smaller and narrower than the Aveo5. Although it looks unique, the spartan interior paired with the dead manual box on the car could prove a deal breaker with the potential buyer.
At $62,999 (as of 26 Mar 2010), the Proton comes in $2,200 more expensive than the Chevrolet Aveo5 ($60,799 as of 26 Mar 2010) with its more powerful 1.4-litre engine, larger proportions and sporty looks.
Surprisingly enough, I think I've seen more Savvy's on the road than the Aveo5. If you're in the market for an econobox though, I'd recommend the Chevrolet Aveo5.
Surprisingly enough, I think I've seen more Savvy's on the road than the Aveo5. If you're in the market for an econobox though, I'd recommend the Chevrolet Aveo5.
Car Information
Proton Savvy 1.2 (M)
CAT A|Petrol|18.9km/L
Horsepower
55kW (74 bhp)
Torque
105 Nm
Acceleration
12.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Proton Savvy
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