Car buyers on a budget can get their hands on a supermini benefiting from Lotus technology.

The sporty looking Proton Satria Neo - built with sister company Lotus - features a sculpted front hood, aggressive headlamps, roof spoiler and centrally-mounted exhaust.

Buyers have a choice of two engines - 1.3 and 1.6-litre with the latter also available as either a manual or automatic. 

The 1.3-litre SX produces 94bhp, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph (100kph) in 12.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 112mph and offering a combined 39mpg.

For a bit more grunt, the 111bhp 1.6 hits 62mph half a second quicker with a top speed of 118mph.

Simon Wood, engineering director at Group Lotus PLC said: “I am proud of the Satria Neo - it embodies those aspects held as important by Lotus; striking design, dynamic performance and driver enjoyment.”

All models come with air-conditioning, front electric windows, CD player with steering wheel controls as standard, while the GSX model boasts cruise control and Bluetooth for mobile phone use.

Prices for the Satria Neo start at £7,995 for the 1.3 SX, rising to £10,395 for the 1.6 auto.