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HELLO INTELLIGENCE HERE

Well plenty of Savvy anyway, we are of course talking, writing actually, about the Proton Savvy. We wonder when car manufacturers will run out of names.

We will not enter the “is it legal” debate regarding cars towed behind motor caravans with an “A” frame, should you be one of the thousands of motor caravanners that do take cars with them on their travels then we think that the little Savvy ought to be one to consider.

 

Of a similar size to the Ford KA the Savvy is stated to be “Proton’s first UK city car” We actually used it to undertake a dash up to Durham and back, a distance of just 500 miles, we found that it was reasonably quiet, was, seat wise, very comfortable, did not tire us out as might be expected.

 

The ride and roadholding is very good, once having read the press blurb we know the reason for that.

Proton has a large share in Group Lotus, since the acquisition personnel from Lotus are permanently based at the design and development centre in Malaysia. This team brings their sports car manufacturing and engineering expertise to the development of Proton’s new vehicles, adding the unique Lotus magic. Now we are not surprised at the performance.

 

Proton say, “with distinctive styling both inside and out, a spacious and airy interior, comprehensive warranty, great specifications and a starting price of just £5.995 on the road, the Savvy is a car that anybody would be proud to own. Combine this with great customer service and friendly dealers, and it is definitely a winning package”

 

Having covered just over 800 miles in our tenure we would be the first to endorse that statement. Although a small car the Savvy felt solid and safe on the road and we were not intimidated during our dash up the motorways.

 

“Our” model was fitted with air conditioning, ABS with EBD, reversing sensors, and twin airbags. Entertainment was taken care of by a good sounding radio/CD player and the driver’s seat was adjustable for height.

What more can one ask from a small car. Our only doubt was the colour, red, we do not like red vehicles.

 

The 1.2 litre engine, petrol, produces 75bhp and in consequence the Savvy feels very lively, if the engine is revved the car becomes quite a little fireball. The gearbox was a five speed manual one, this was a little stiff, the car had covered only 1000 miles when it came to us, but it did feel better when we handed the car back, or were we getting used to it?

The driving seat could do with another inch or so of rearward movement for your six foot plus scribe but that is our only comment.

 

Fuel consumption is around 45mpg, this is about par for the course for this size engine, this figure would increase/decrease depending on how heavy your right foot is and how much the air conditioning is used.

We thought that this proton is a nice little car and is well worth a serious look at.

Model: Proton Savvy Style

 

Price:                      £6,995

Top speed:              98.7mph

Acceleration:           0 to 62mph in 13.9 seconds

Kerbweight:             965kg

Fuel consumption:   49.6mpg (quoted)

Adrian French

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