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Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair?

Jason · Aug 29, 2021 12:00 PM

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 01

As far as Proton models go, it's safe to say that the Satria GTi is one that many will look back with much pride and fondness. People who owned one regret selling it, people who didn't, wanted one. It really was a high watermark for Proton and enthusiasts alike. 

For those not fortunate enough to have owned one of these, now is not too late. You can still find used examples of the Satria GTi today. Admit it, you still want one today. Here's what you need to know. 

Which variant is the best Satria GTi? 

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 02

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The Proton Satria GTi was launched in Malaysia in 1998, priced at RM 68,000. This gave the brand and Malaysian car buyers its first performance-oriented hatchback.

The Satria GTi's entry into the local market also coincided with our country expanding its motorsport horizon, with Sepang F1 Circuit opening its doors to the Formula One circus in 1999. Those were indeed gilded times. 

The Satria GTi came only in one variant, which is a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine (140 PS, 167 Nm) that is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. This one really is for the commited drivers. You can have it in any colour, so long as it's silver.

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 01

Production of the Satria GTi ended in 2005, which only served to heighten the model's legend. Even today, some 23 years after its launch, used examples of Satria GTis command a pretty penny, ranging from RM 21,000 to RM 38,000

While unmolested, factory-fresh examples are hard to come by, our recommendation is to find one made in 2002 or later.  For reasons that we will dive into below, the later models will give you less headaches even if it is more expensive to buy. 

Also read: Top Rank: 12 rare and unique Proton Satria and Satria Neo models

Why a Satria GTi?

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 01

Image credit

The hot hatch recipe is not a new one in the automotive lexicon. However, Malaysian car buyers at the time gravitated towards more practical cars, like sedans and MPVs (this was before SUVs became the default choice). 

So, when Proton unveiled the Satria GTi to the Malaysian public, it got enthusiasts licking their collective lips. From the outside, the Satria GTi looked menacing and purposeful with its bespoke bodykit, blistered wheelarches (replete with exposed rivets), and a large rear wing. 

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 02

Inside, the Satria GTi differentiated itself from its more 'regular' siblings with more fancy equipment inside. We're talking about GTi-specific Recaro front seats, steering wheel, gearknob and also instrument panel graphics. Sat inside, there's no mistaking it for an ordinary Satria. 

The Mitsubishi-sourced 4G93P 1.8-litre had more than adequate grunt to satisfy performance drivers. Mated to a slick 5-speed manual, the Satria GTi was a genuinely felt urgent, seeing that it only had 1,115 kg to haul.

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 03

In addition to that, the Satria GTi was the first Proton model to receive 'Handling by Lotus' (a badge in its bootlid proudly says so), adding extra gravitas to its appeal. It wasn't just all style and no substance, though.

Like the Putra, the Satria GTi possessed great suspension foundations underneath, with MacPherson struts in front, and a multi-link system at the rear, a feature that even more expensive cars didn't have at the time. 

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 04

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Completing the Satria GTi's chassis work are a stabiliser bar up front, unique suspension tuning and bigger brakes. This combination made the Satria GTi a genuinely desirable hot hatch, and one from Proton no less. 

It was a perfect recipe for enthusiasts, a hot hatch in the most traditional ways, made in Malaysia, by Malaysians, and with a accessible sticker price. Similar to the Proton Putra, the Satria GTi was an affordable entry point to driving thrills for a generation of enthusiasts. 

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 05

Enough boot space for your weekend jaunts

All this, packed in a hatchback form that you can genuinely do daily miles in. Why do you think hot hatches are so popular? Because they do the mundane, day-to-day stuff just like a regular hatchback, but rewards in equal measure when the wick is turned up. 

The Satria GTi is no different.

Also read: The Proton Putra, Satria GTI and Wira 1.8 EXI - once marvels of Malaysian motoring

Is it a pain to maintain? What about common problems?

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 06

Dream Street Restoration, led by Suriya (R) and his son Dharveen 
Image credit

Because it's mechanically similar to the Putra/Wira 1.8 siblings, maintaining a Satria GTi is no more expensive, as the table below shows. 

Proton Satria GTi ownership costs
Road Tax (RM) 280
Tyre/pc (RM) 290
Tyre size 205/45
R16
10k km
Minor Service (RM)
160

As for common issues, WapCar.my once again spoke to Mr Suriya Sankaran from Dream Street Restoration (DSR), who are experts in restoring Proton C99 models such as the Satria GTi and R3, Wira 1.8, and the Putra. He really is a treasure trove of information on these cars.

Mechanically, Suriya once again remarks that much like the Putra, the Satria GTi's 4G93P engine is just mostly reliable and trouble-free. With proper maintenance, these engines have gone past 250,000 km with no issues at all. 

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 07

Again, the engine does exhibit noise coming from the engine's hydraulic lifters (RM 1.2k to replace) due to irregular servicing, and worn clutch pumps (a RM 150 fix) due to cars that aren't driven a lot.

Another common issue with the Satria GTi is a clutch pump that flexes too much against the firewall when being depressed, causing inconsistent pedal feel. DSR is in the process of developing a brace to help reduce said flexing, expected to cost below RM 100.

Proton Satria GTi common issues
Part Symptom Replacement 
Cost (RM)
Engine
hydraulic lifters
Knocking noise 1,200
Worn
clutch pump
Unable to
engage gear
150
Clutch 
pump flexing
Inconsistent 
pedal feel
< 100

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 08

It's worth mentioning again that the 4G93P engine doesn't need fully-synthetic engine oil, preferring semi-synthetic or even mineral oil. Suriya recommends using at least a 10W-40 viscosity for this engine.

One thing to note is that pre- mid 2002 Satria GTis ran a Mitsubishi (MMC) ECU, while post-mid 2002 ones employed a Siemens VDO unit. Suriya says that the VDO ECUs are more flexible and have higher potential, in terms of remapping, should prospective owners want to extract more power out of the car via tuning.

However, the Satria GTi also suffers from the same rust issue as the Putra in the bodywork, because it used the same bonding glue on it's body joints. Only post-October 2001 cars are free from this issue. This can be at the roof, doors, front hood or even the rear trunk. 

Should you find a used Satria GTi unit you're geuinely interested in, you can always give Suriya and DSR a ping and they'll be more than happy to help you assess the condition of the car. 

Also read: Your first 'dating' car, Proton Satria Neo from RM 10k, how much to fix?

Conclusion

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 01

Image credit

Sure, there are 'hotter' hot hatches out there, but the Satria GTi really was a watershed moment for Proton and Malaysian driving enthusiasts alike. It wasn't merely aspirational, it was attainable.

Without the Satria GTi, there would be no Proton R3. It also formed the bedrock for the existence of the Proton Satria R3, which till today remains one of the marque's most iconic and legendary models.

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 02

The Satria GTi also displayed Proton's technical prowess in performance cars. It proved that our local engineers can produce a properly engaging car to drive, one that could go toe to toe with any hot hatch of that era. We will not see cars of this ilk again.

Used Proton Satria GTi, Malaysia's first hot hatch from RM 25k. Expensive to repair? 03

Jason

Road Test Editor

Jason's foremost passion is all things automotive, where he spent his formative working years as a Product Planner and Trainer. An Advanced Driving Instructor by training and an all-round enthusiast, Jason loves going into intricate details about driving dynamics. Will drive anything with 4 wheels and a steering.

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