By Nick Syn

MALAYSIAN NATIONAL CARMAKER Proton, took the wraps of its latest compact hatchback earlier this month. Dubbed, ‘Savvy’, the new car has the distinction of being the first Proton to secure quality certification from TUV, the respected German type-approval body.

Proton-owned sportscar manufacturer Lotus is said to have had significant input in the design and construction of the Savvy. In addition to sorting out the handling characteristics, Lotus has ensured that the Savvy is more strikingly styled than Protons before it. The new car boasts a clamshell bonnet, a rakishly kinked shoulder line and even a sporty centre-exit exhaust, a radical departure from Protons of the past.

The Savvy will be powered by a 74bhp 1.2-litre Renault-derived engine, and according to Proton CEO Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff, will offer “a taste of what it’s like to drive one of the world’s best handling vehicles.” Local distributor Proton Singapore hopes to bring the Savvy here in July.