Helo dude! Check dis Out!

The latest spyshots of the Satria Replacement Model or SRM for short confirms the existence of a new facelifted Satria, to replace the ageing Mitsubishi Colt-based Satria and Satria GTis on the road currently. Spyshots have been circulating around for yonks, but the latest to come out from the factory seems genuine and is backed up by another spyshot of a SRM spotted on the road in Kesas.

The front of the SRM reminiscent of the handsome Gen.2

Like the Gen.2, the SRM has a very sexy rear end. The central muffler seems misplaced though. A Mini copy gone wrong.

Spotted! A SRM spotted along the Kesas highway

Like the Gen.2, Proton has got the styling right, thanks to the Lotus Design Studio no doubt. The lines are curvy and purposeful, carving a handsome front. The rear is no less attractive, somewhat comparable to the new BMW 1-series. No specs have been revealed so far, but I expect 1.3litre and 1.6litre CAMPRO variants, without CPS (Proton’s Camshaft Profile Switching system). The SRM was initially supposed to come bundled with the CAMPRO with CPS, but sources say it is not ready for prime time just yet. From another source, the interior oozes Lotus-DNA, much like the Gen.2. Just hope for better plastics!

The performance of the CAMPRO has so far been less than spectacular. Mostly reports of lack of power and torque. Despite its high-revving nature, the CAMPRO is ill-matched with a long-ratio gearbox, thus affecting power delivery, especially at the low to mid range. Not to add to the insult, but the quality of the plastics in the Gen.2 and the dreaded power window problems have plagued the new generation Proton hatchback. Let’s hope Proton has learned from the experience to translate to a better car in the SRM and consequently the Tiara Replacement Model (TRM) – before it goes to public hands. Don’t beat the market by rushing out a half-baked car, Proton. I beg you. Beat the market by giving consumers a good, solid product. That’s truly "Daring To Change". Not just in styling as shown in the Gen.2.

Here’s to hope and zest. For a better Proton car. For a new Proton!