Proton has finally launched a true successor to the legendary Satria GTI with the launch of the Proton R3 Satria Neo. Built by Proton’s Motorsports Division under the Race, Rally, Research (R3) brand name, the car gets more power and better handling thanks to the development work it has undergone.
Running a 1600cc CAMPRO CPS engine, R3 engineers have added Stage 2 performance upgrades to give the car more performance potential. Power and torque are increased from 125bhp and 150Nm to 145bhp at 7000rpm and 168Nm at 5000rpm with drive being transferred to the front wheels via a close ratio 5-speed manual gearbox. Incidentally, these are the same numbers quoted for the ultra exclusive Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing of which only 15 were made, so you can expect the same level of straight-line performance.
Externally, the R3 Satria Neo gets an all-round CPS bodykit; made up of a rear roof spoiler, front lip and titanium coloured side strips. It also has a more muscular stance as a result or a 10 mm drop in ride height. R3 engineers also made significant enhancements to ride and handling, with the use of specially-designed R3 performance springs for reduced body roll; recalibrated alignment, toe and camber settings for more grip and steering precision; and R3 edition 16” inch gunmetal lightweight alloys wrapped in softer compound Bridgestone Potenza RE001R 205/45 series profile tyres for better traction.
Inside, the R3 Satria Neo gets a matte red and black two-tone interior. R3 limited edition front bucket seats wrapped in nappa leather with ‘Trivel’ finish, carbon effect PVC and red stitching replaces the standard seats. This is accentuated by the use of matte red dashboard trim, gear console and handbrake handle, two-tone door trims, R3 floor carpets, an engine start button and aluminium foot pedals and gear knob.
Safety features built into the car include high performance brake pads capable of withstanding high-temperatures of up to 400 degree Celsius for increased fade resistance often associated with constant heavy braking, dual front airbags and ABS brakes with EBD. The car also comes fitted with Ecotint solar and security protection, and a 2-DIN audio head unit with 3D GPS navigation.
The R3 Satria Neo is priced at RM79,797 on-the-road inclusive of road tax and insurance, and can be viewed at Proton Edar’s Crystal showroom at the Proton Centre of Excellence, Shah Alam and any of the three Platinum showrooms located at Mutiara Damansara, Juru and Plentong. Bookings can be made immediately at any of Proton Edar’s 23 sales branches throughout Peninsular Malaysia with a fee of RM2,000 and purchasers can expect the car delivered to them within four weeks of obtaining loan approval.
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