2009 PROTON ECOLOGIC DUAL-FUEL RANGE GEN-2

There may be some of you - yes, I do believe it's possible - who aren't aware of Malaysian automaker Proton. There are two reasons you ought to be - one for always; another for today. Remember this, Proton is the bankroller behind Lotus. Lotus builds the amazing Elise. 

Secondly, Proton has introduced the GEN-2 in ecoLogic Dual-Fuel Range trim. Ah, it ain't just a trim package. The dual-fuel range GEN-2 runs on liquefied natural gas. LPG is gaining traction in the UK as a genuine option in this fuel-saving, credit-crunching, eco-worrying era. Indeed, British customers will use more LPG than gasoline, if their car is converted, but that LPG is just so stinkin' cheap. Proton figures the GEN-2 buyer who chooses the ecoLogic version will save 40% on fuel. The car costs exactly the same amount of £ as the petrol derivative. Studies have shown that LPG vehicles in the UK are worth 7.4% more than the equivalent gasoline-engined car on the second-hand market. 

Proton doesn't go far here on GoodCarBadCar.net. The label reveals one other post on the Satria Neo; worth checking out. Here's some of the Proton release:

"It’s becoming increasingly easier to fill up on LPG, with over 1,400 refuelling sites around the UK, including motorway service stations and at major supermarkets.

Not only is the Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 more economical to run, but it has been proved to be more eco-friendly than petrol and diesel. Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a 15-20% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. Even the production of LPG is environmentally friendly; it’s a by-product of the extraction and refining of crude oil, which also means there’s a plentiful supply in the UK. There’s nothing complicated about dual fuel operation, the GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and then switches to LPG when it’s most efficient to do so, usually after about 20 seconds. Any very slight differences in performance will go unnoticed and the only visible addition to the interior is a switch on the centre console that shows the fuel level. There is a second filler cap next to the petrol cap, which is matched to the exact colour of the car. The LPG tank is situated in the spare wheel well, so owners lose only the smallest amount of boot space.

The Proton ecoLogic GEN-2 has a 1.6 litre engine and is available in a sporty hatchback or saloon version, priced at £10,995 and £10,795 respectively. Customers will be impressed with the high specification that comes as standard, such as reverse distance sensors, air conditioning with pollen filter, electric front and rear windows, automatic central locking and alloy wheels. Both models are available with a leather interior, an option at £1,000, but for a limited time customers can benefit from a stylish black leather interior on the GEN-2 ecoLogic hatchback absolutely free.

Cheaper fuel, reliable motoring, eco-friendly and at no additional cost. Available at Proton dealerships from September 2008, the Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic is a practical solution for the UK motorist feeling the pinch. No catch."

ACROSS THE POND - Proton Satria Neo 1.6 GSX

Skoda, Lexus diesels, Renault - they've all been noticed by GoodCarBadCar's Across The Pond. Now it's Proton's turn, as the Malaysian automaker turns to the Satria Neo for a little more international attention.



North Americans won't be seeing the Satria in showrooms anytime soon. To set eyes on a Proton would require some serious intercontinental travel. Proton had humble beginnings; its origin dating back to 1983 under a Malaysian Prime Minister's direction. By times, their cars have been badge engineered examples of leftover Mitsubishi's, and success was often assured in the home market because of high import fees and surcharges on better vehicles produced elsewhere.

Proton is the majority owner in British sportscar maker Lotus and was once a major stakeholder in motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. That Lotus connection brings us to the Satria Neo, the second generation of Proton's small hatchback. Check the badging on a Satria Neo 1.6 GSX and you'll see a quaint nod to the late Colin Chapman's firm: "Handling by LOTUS".
And, as evo reported, the Satria is a bit of a diamond in the rough when it comes to on-road dynamics, despite some other not-so-endearing traits.

"The 1.6 sounds slightly thrashy and feels a little down on the quoted outputs - the result, one suspects, if tge hefty kerb weight of 1170kg. The claimed 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds feels about right. The gearshift is pretty ordinary, and the brakes don't have the bite you'd really like.

Thankfully, the dynamics lift the experience. Initially it feels like handling has been sacrificed for ride quality; the Satria soaks up a bad road, delivering a smooth, quiet, controlled ride. Tack into a decent turn and, although there's roll, the steering proves remarkably direct and accurate.... Keeping the Satria flowing is key. Grip is OK, but get too enthusiastic on turn-in and fine balance falls into scrubby understeer.... But the tail reacts nicely to a bit of lift-off weight transfer, aiding agility, and can be coaxed into a modest slip."

The 1.6L engine produces 111bhp and is only two down on that figure in the torque department. Brits will pay £9595 for the privilege of owning a Malaysian hatch fine-tuned by a former F1 competitor, but evo does suggest that rivals like the Fiat Panda 100HP and Ford SportKa would serve you better.

Malaysia is risin', ain't no use denyin'.