The Proton Savvy is a supermini hatchback that Proton introduced in June 2005 as an indirect successor to the Tiara. It was partly designed in-house but used a Renault engine. Production ended in 2011 because sales were far below those of the Perodua Myvi.
Proton Savvy at a glance
| Maker | Proton, Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Class | supermini hatchback |
| Production | 2005–2011 |
| Codename | Tiara Replacement Model (TRM) |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Renault D-Type SOHC 16-valve |
| Gearboxes | five-speed manual; automated manual from November 2005 |
| Launch | June 2005 in Malaysia |
| UK launch | September 2005 |
| Notable features | clamshell bonnet, reverse gear at top left |
| Recall | 34,000 cars, April 2008 |
| Successor | none direct; the Iriz came in 2014 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Proton Savvy.
History of the Proton Savvy
After Proton discontinued the Citroën AX-based Tiara in 2000 it needed a new supermini, and the replacement was codenamed the Tiara Replacement Model. It was partially designed in-house by Proton but powered by a Renault D-Type engine. The Savvy was launched in Malaysia in June 2005 with a manual gearbox only; an automated manual transmission model followed in November 2005, and exports to the United Kingdom began in September 2005.
Versions and updates
In March 2006 Proton added the Savvy Zerokit, developed with its R3 motorsport division. It had an all-round body kit and rear spoiler in fibre-reinforced plastic and 15-inch JRD 155 wheels, with options including dark titanium headlights, performance suspension and a sports exhaust that raised output by 4 hp to 78 hp. The facelift was launched in left-hand-drive Taiwan on 3 January 2007 with an infotainment system and an integrated LCD screen with DVD and audio, and in Malaysia on 19 January 2007 with two new colours, Energy Orange and Genetic Silver. The facelift replaced the V-shaped grille with a straight horizontal one and added two horizontal lines at the rear. In July 2007 a basic Savvy Lite arrived with more manually controlled parts and no remote control, power windows or alarm. The second-generation Saga of January 2008 used an elongated version of the Savvy’s chassis for its saloon body.
The recall
On 1 April 2008 Proton Edar ordered the recall of all 34,000 Savvys on Malaysian roads built before 17 December 2007. Random checks had found a defect in the rear wheel bearings, and water could get into the bearing set and cause it to fail. The recall was a precautionary measure and the first publicly announced recall for a Proton. Production stopped in 2011 because the Savvy sold far slower than the Perodua Myvi.
Design
The Savvy’s exterior was largely developed in-house, with a prominent clamshell bonnet, and it was powered by a 1.2-litre D-Type SOHC 16-valve engine from Renault similar to the one used in the Clio and Twingo. On manual cars reverse sits where first gear normally is, at the top left, with a locking ring on the gear knob to prevent accidental selection. Like the Gen-2, Persona, Satria Neo, Waja and second-generation Saga, the Savvy has its turn indicator switch on the left of the column.
Design and features
- Renault engine: a 1.2-litre D-Type shared in concept with the Clio and Twingo.
- Clamshell bonnet: a distinctive in-house design.
- Automated manual: an AMT option arrived in November 2005.
- Zerokit: an R3-developed body kit with a sports exhaust.
Proton Savvy versions
- Savvy manual (2005): the launch model.
- Savvy AMT (2005): automated manual transmission.
- Savvy Zerokit (2006): body kit, 15-inch wheels and optional sports exhaust.
- Savvy facelift (2007): new grille and colours, Taiwan infotainment.
- Savvy Lite (2007): stripped-down basic model.
The Savvy replaced the Proton Tiara and lent its chassis to the second-generation Saga. More models are in the Proton collection.
Sources
- Proton Savvy, English Wikipedia: history, versions, recall, design
