Proton Savvy
A budget Malaysian city car featuring chassis tuning by Lotus.
- Power
- 74 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.2 s
- Top speed
- 106 mph
About the Proton Savvy
The Proton Savvy was launched in 2005 as a successor to the Tiara, designed to compete in the global A-segment city car market. Its most notable feature is the 'Lotus-tuned' suspension and chassis, a result of Proton's ownership of the British sports car maker at the time, which provided surprisingly sharp handling for a budget vehicle. The car is powered by a Renault-sourced 1.2-litre D-Type engine, also found in the contemporary Twingo and Clio. While praised for its driving dynamics and fuel economy, it was often criticised for its basic interior plastics and poor refinement compared to European rivals.
Proton Savvy specs
The Proton Savvy produces 74 bhp (55 kW) and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.2 seconds and has a top speed of 106 mph (170 km/h).
| Make | Proton |
|---|---|
| Model | Savvy |
| Trim | 1.2 |
| Years | 2005–2011 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Engine | 1.2-litre inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,149 cc (1.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 74 bhp (55 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.2 s |
| Top speed | 106 mph (170 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 953 kg (2,101 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 78 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Proton Savvy rarity in CarSpot
The Proton Savvy is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Proton Savvy fun facts
- The Savvy's chassis was so stiff that it famously passed a 6.7-tonne roof crush test, which was significantly higher than the industry standard for its class.
- In 2006, the Savvy was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the most fuel-efficient car in the country during an 804km endurance run.
- The central exhaust outlet was a distinctive design choice intended to give the small hatchback a more sporting appearance.

