Proton Savvy hatchback (2007 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The Proton Savvy is a huge improvement over Protons of old, but its styling still falls short of its peers. It’s not particularly attractive from any angle, but it’s the side windows with their uneven height that looks most clumsy. A boot spoiler, a centrally-mounted exhaust and 15-inch alloys are all standard.

Our rating: 2

2. Interior

Its interior is awash with hard grey plastics, and makes for a dull and uninspiring place to sit. The only colour highlights are bright yellow rev counter and speedo dials, but they look out of place in an otherwise grey cabin. The interior looks and feels as though it has been lifted straight out of a 1980s hatchback. The Clarion CD player performs well and with its chunky buttons is easy to use and the seats are comfortable, if lacking a little support.

Our rating: 1

3. Practicality

With only four seats, the Savvy might lose out on some potential sales, but with a limited amount of space foregoing the middle seat is a sensible option. Headroom to be adequate, but taller occupants may find it a squeeze. Boot space is 207 litres, which is somewhat limited although on par with rivals. Lower the rear seats and space grows to 909 litres. A cargo net also comes in useful to prevent objects sliding around, providing the boot can be opened – there’s no external boot release, so it can only be operated via a handle in the cabin. Rear parking sensors are standard, and make slotting into gaps a doddle, although the beeper is excruciatingly shrill.

Our rating: 2

4. Ride and handling

The ride is pretty good around town, but it can become unsettled at speed. The trade off is lots of body roll around bends, while it also lacks steering feel, which doesn’t inspire confidence. The turning circle is tight, making it useful around town.

Our rating: 2

5. Performance

Not generally a raison d’etre for the average supermini, but the Savvy holds up well around town. It’s reasonably nippy and its size makes it useful for darting in and out of traffic; but even so, most of its rivals do the job better. The Savvy is totally out of its depth on a motorway and its top speed of 98mph is academic because above 60mph it becomes unbearably loud. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 13.9 seconds.

Our rating: 2

6. Running costs

The Savvy range starts at an affordable £7,995, but the entry-level Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Pixo and Suzuki Alto are all available for less. Despite not matching the Savvy’s equipment levels, all three rivals will retain around 40 per cent of their original price after three years/36,000 miles, 10 per cent more than the Proton. The three rivals also better the Savvy’s 49.6mpg by around 10mpg and the Savvy’s CO2 emissions of 134g/km doesn’t compare favourably either. Proton offers a decent warranty which provides a three year warranty and six years cover for the engine, gearbox and bodywork.

Our rating: 2

7. Reliability

With its delicate feeling cabin, the Proton doesn’t feel like a particularly solid product, but there are few reported common faults. Buyers should watch for scuffed or broken trim and damage to the flimsy-feeling bodywork.

Our rating: 2

8. Safety

Proton has endowed the Savvy with only the most basic safety equipment. Driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are the highlights.

Our rating: 1

9. Equipment

Just one model is available, and considering the price is well equipped. Standard equipment includes air-con, 15-inch alloy wheels, Clarion CD/radio, remote central locking, electric front windows and rear park sensors.

Our rating: 3

10. Why buy?

The Proton Savvy is well equipped considering its sub-£8,000 price tag. But in most other respects, rivals such as the Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Pixo, Suzuki Alto, or the slight more expensive Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 make for better choices.

Our rating: 1