​Owner Review: My 2000 Proton Satria GTi 1.8 5sp Manual (Modded)

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I was riding my bike 2010 ER-6F before choosing this lovely Satria GTi. Due to health reasons and the doctor's advice to stop riding bikes, I had to opts for such car coupled with addiction to speed and the adrenaline rush made me looked for car that give those feelings. Also, it suits my budget for the price of RM16000 to serve as my daily driver to the university and hospital as a medical student.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: RM 20, 000
• Models that I have considered include: Proton Satria Neo, Wira 1.8, Putra, Ford Fiesta 1.6

Reasons why I chose this car:

First of all, since I was still 7 years old back in 2004, it was my dream car. Looking back, my brother once owned one, and I was captivated by how the aggressive styling yet still being minimalist that the designer puts on a hot hatch.

Besides, I'm in love with old evergreen cars. I still believe that it is one of those cars that teaches the driver as for such an old car, there's not much of driver's assist equipped except for ABS. In case of my car, it's more like (Aku Brake Sendiri) as it doesn't even have it anymore.

With me being a rather new in the car hobby, it suits my need of wanting to increase the skill as a driver and knowledge about cars in general. As mine was modded already, there's not much I have to worry about trying to gain more in terms of the engine performance and handling. I just have to maintain it as best as I could.

The 1.8l 4G93P engine is good even though stock and serves a good base for naughty projects to come. And following my brother's advice of choosing a car with confirmed known detailed history that both him and me knows about, I choose to buy it from his friend. The first time I went for the test drive, I knew this is what I wanted.

User Experience

• I have done: 21,000 km
• My average fuel consumption is about 0.19 l/km

At first, I was on the verge of giving up on her (the car) because of a lot of problems it gave me in the beginning. Not to forget about the very poor fuel economy that most would probably think that it's not worth it. After a lot of reflection on my choices and my shortcomings as a driver and owner, I can only conclude that it is an old car after all. More love and effort are needed to make it better.

The modifications include playing the highcams, pistons for higher compression, intake and throttle body, standalone ECU, D2 coilovers that is the same as the ones that came with Satria Neo Clubsport and others done by the previous owner. What I did was only switching the 15-inch Enkei RPF1 replica to Advanti Storm S1 pairing it with 195-50-15 Bridgestone RE004. I got rid the front Recaro Njois for a single Recaro SPG full bucket making so there's only one seat in the front and change the exhaust.

But what really baffled me in the beginning is the throttle response that is sharp and crisp even I had trouble modulating it during the first month of owning it. In terms of transmission, I would believe that the clutch may a bit too hard for a daily driver and the gear change could possibly be made more accurate. In terms of handling, it is quite nimble and light to maneuver, the suspension feels stiff but limited to how the chassis can provide. I would have to be honest. Even a plain jane Satria Neo is actually better thanks to its rigid chassis, good wheelbase and suspension placement. All in all it was good for me.

For all those extensive mods, I think some may say that 143hp with 18.73kgm torque is meager but it is already enough to have fun with. Despite all of those, I had so much fun with the car, like going for spirited Sunday drives even daily driving. I have learnt so much about cars and luckily, managed to get it running well although on the exterior, there's a lot more to be desired.

I even named her Flauros as it is like a demonic leopard that can be fierce because of her characteristics.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1. The affordable price tag for a hot hatch. 2. Affordable maintenance as it is a Proton after all. 3. The performance of the engine and handling from mods done by the previous owner. 4. The evergreen minimalist look. 5. The knowledge it gave to drivers. 6. The driving skill that can be polished from driving it.

Cons

1. Thief magnet. The same could be said about any old Proton cars. 2. The fuel ecomony is atrocious. 3. Parts may be hard to source if repairs are needed. 4. More effort and love are needed to make it better. 5. It is a small car with small space.

Total Score: 4

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 3

Ride comfort: 4

Fuel Economy: 2

Price & cost: 4

Summary:

For me, while it may not be as exiting and even more fuel efficient as newer hot hatches like the VW Golf GTI/R, Megane RS, Yaris GR, etc, what comes as a package for a modified car is enough to have fun with as currently driving it almost always leaves a smile on my face. It doesn't have to be crazy quick and fast. What's important is how I or possible owners see and loves it. If there's one advice that can be give to possible new owners, look for one that is preferably stock unmodified and take care of it real well from thieves. And owning it is like carrying on a legacy to remember how Proton have come so far that they once made those really good C99 series car.

Interesting Events:

Back in 2019, I remembered going for Sunday drive with my brother driving it to Awana through the Ulu Yam route. Despite going with the likes of Scirocco R, Golf GTi, Evo 10, he managed to keep up using my car that is underpowered compared to those powerhouses. In that moment, it made me realised that there's a lot of potentials that I can explore and how a driver's experience made it shine.

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