2005 PROTON Savvy 1.2 AMT (75 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Built as a budget car, the Proton Savvy was launched in Malaysia in 2005. In the same year, it was introduced to the British market the autumn of the same year. It lived until 2011.

The Proton Savvy was the replacement model for the Tiara. Instead of using the name awareness, the Malaysian company tried the name Savvy that resembled the “save money”. Its cost was less than GBP 6000 and came well equipped. On top of that, it was fitted with a healthy Renault 1.2-liter unit that already proved to be good on the Twingo.

With a design entirely made in house, the Proton Savvy featured an interesting belt-line with an abrupt step on the front doors. It was a brave idea, just to stand out from the crowd. The front of the car featured clear-lens headlights and a narrow grille with horizontal slats. It featured standard 15” light-alloy wheels and front fog lights. It even featured parking sensors.

Inside, there was room for five adults and 207 liters (7.3 cu-ft) of trunk space, but not too much. The car was fitted as standard with an AC-unit and an integrated Clarion/CD player. The rear seats could split 50:50 and fold flat.

The 1.2-liter engine provided by Renault offered 75 hp, which was a lot for its class. It was mated as standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an option for an automated manual gearbox.