Proton Satria

The Proton Satria was a hatchback produced by Proton. Production started in 1995 for the first generation and ended in 2005. The new Satria Replacement Model (SRM), known as Proton Satria Neo was launched on 16 June 2006. The name Satria which means knight in Malay was chosen for Proton's 3-door hatchback to reflect the sportiness of the car.

• Manufacturer: Proton
• Production: 1995-Present
• Class: Compact, Sport compact
• Body style(s): 3-door hatchback
• Platform: FF
  

Satria (1995-2005)

The first generation Satria was based a 3-door hatchback on the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage (Colt outside the Japanese market). Changes were limited to front-end styling and interior from the bigger Wira. Powerplant options included the 4G13p 1.3-litre 12-valve, 4G15p 1.5-litre 12-valve and 4G92p 1.6-litre 16-valve SOHC engine. The 1.5 and 1.6-litre 16v versions were also available with optional 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions respectively.

Trim levels were LSi, GLi, GLSi and SEi. The base-specification LSi had the 1.3-litre 12-valve engine only: GLi versions got the 1.5-litre 12-valve engine in addition to the 1.3-litre: whilst GLSi and SEi versions got the 1.6 16v engine as well as the 1.5 12v.

A later facelift version featured a different tail-end to the original Mirage. These were launched in 1,996 in (50698.4 mm) Malaysia and later in other countries, and new LXi, S LXi and GTi trim levels were available. New 1.3 12v, 1.5 12v and 1.6 16v petrol engines were available.

First Generation

• Also called: Proton Compact, Proton Persona Compact, Proton 300 series
• Production: 1995-2005
• Engine(s): 1.3 L 4G13 I4, 1.5 L 4G15 I4, 1.6 L 4G92 I4, 1.8 L 4G93 I4
• Wheelbase: 2440 mm (96.1 in)
• Length: 3995 mm (157.3 in)
• Width: 1710 mm (67.3 in)
• Height: 1365 mm (53.7 in)
• Curb weight: 1115 kg (2458 lb)
• Related: Mitsubishi Mirage
  

Satria GTi

The Satria was also released as a sports GTi model with a 105 kW (141 hp) of power from its 1.8-litre Mitsubishi adopted the 4G93p engine (originally found in the Mitsubishi Lancer GSR) The GTi model was revised by Lotus in terms of engine and handling. According to dyno chart, standard Gti can prdocuce 155 bhp (116 kW) on wheel.

A new body kit was also adopted for the GTi for better aerodynamics by involvement of Lotus. This is the best Satria model ever made and the fastest car ever produced by Proton so far.

Satria R3

The Proton Satria R3 is a limited edition Satria sold in Malaysia. The term R3 stands for Rally, Race, Research. R3 is a redefined version of Satria Gti by Proton's Racing development team and also Lotus. It houses the same 1800 cc Mitsubishi 4G93p engine but has went by some minor adjustments by Lotus handling. Bodyshell has been improved with double stitch welded monocoque chassis with front and rear strut tower brace bars.

Model Information

The Satria R3, based on the original Satria (which itself is based on the Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg), was introduced in late 2004. It was conceived as a run-out model of the successful Satria GTi, and was positioned at the top of the Satria range.

Original Stage 1 R3s utilises the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.8-litre, inline-4 engine as the Satria GTi (albeit with a new free-flow exhaust system), producing 140bhp (105kW) and 168 Newton meters of torque. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, also sourced from the GTi.

The main modification that separated the R3 from the GTi was its double stitch welded chassis, which meant the car was welded twice for increased structural rigidity, aided by the inclusion of front and rear suspension strut braces. The R3 was also stripped of its sound-deadening material and driver's airbag, which helped brought the weight down to just 995kg. Suspension improvements included uprated springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and lower ride height.

The brakes have also been modified. The ABS has been removed and the original ventilated front discs and solid rear discs have been replaced by cross-drilled and slotted DBA discs all round. Brake pads are superior endurance-based M1144 series supplied by Mintex Racing.

Externally, the R3 can be differentiated from the GTi by its lightweight 16-inch Advanti alloy wheels. Although they are the same size as those on the GTi, they are now of a five-spoke design with a gunmetal finish and wrapped in Yokohama Advan AD07 tyres. Also, the headlamps are smoked and the roof spoiler is now made of carbon fibre.

Inside, the R3 has a three-spoke MOMO Tuner steering wheel, carbon fibre gearknob, titanium-effect trim and Recaro SR4 seats.

All R3s came in Incognito Black with R3's signature red and silver stripes on the sides, while the interiors of all cars were trimmed in black and red fabric. Only 150 units were ever produced.

Later, R3 introduced staged hop-ups for the Satria R3. The two stages (Stage 2 and 3) included a plethora of more hardcore upgrades for the powertrain and chassis.

The carbon fibre parts on the R3 are prone to theft. Many owners resorted to removing these lightweight parts and replacing them with those from the GTi, refitting them only during special events.

Modification

Suspension changes include

• Front: Performance-tuned MacPherson struts, uprated coilsprings, revised static ride height and camber and 19mm anti-roll bar
• Rear: Multilink system with performance-tuned dampers, uprated coil springs and revised static ride height

Brakes

• Front: Ventilated disc, cross-drilled & slotted with Mintex M1144 pads
• Rear: Disc, cross-drilled & slotted with Mintex M1144 pads

Extra features included

• Signature R3 red/white stripes
• Satria GTi bodykit
• Body colour: Incognito Black
• Interior colour: R3 Red and R3 Dark Titanium
• Front Seats Race-style recaro SR4 trimmed in black Avus and red Zada material
• Light weight floor carpet
• Seat belts: Red coloured seat belts
• Momo Tuner steering wheel
• Floor mat: R3 floor mat set with red stitching and embroidered R3 logo
• Stereo radio/CD Clarion, removable control panel, 4 speakers
• Exterior mirrors: Remote
• Rear spoiler: carbon fibre rear wing
• Carbon Fibre gear knob
• Lightweight aluminium pedals

Specification

• 4G93P 1.8L 16-valve inline-4
• 140bhp/105kW @ 6100rpm
• 168Nm @ 5600rpm

Performance

Although the performance figures provided from R3 showed that the Satria R3 was actually slower than the Satria GTi (0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds, 205km/h top speed), it is noted that Proton's original performance figures for the SGTI is optimistic.

• 0-100km/h - 8.6 seconds
• Top speed - 205km/h

Stage Hop-up Kits

• R3 Stage 2 Performance cams (135whp)
• R3 Stage 2 Performance Pulleys
• R3 Stage 2 Spark Plug cables
• R3 Bumpsteer Kit
• R3 Stage 2 Engine Mounts
• R3 Stage 2 Front Splitter
• R3 Stage 3 4-1 Performance Header
• R3 Stage 2 Performance Bushes
• R3 Stage 3 Engine upgrade