PROTON reintroduced the Satria name in 2007 after a gap of three years, on a three door version of its larger Gen-2 five door hatch.

It's a pretty little car with neat rounded nose and uses the same 1.3 and 1.6 engines as the Gen-2.

The 1.3 produces an excellent 95bhp while the 1.6 has 110 and this last is available both with a five speed manual and an automatic gearbox.

Of course, the Proton company has now owned Lotus for a number of years and, as with the Gen-2, the suspension has been sorted by its engineers.

All that said, this is a car which disappoints and is not really up to European standards.

The engines are noisy and unrefined and the quality of the interior leaves much to be desired.

There is no great fun in driving them and the economy is poor by today's standards.

One redeeming feature is a decently comfortable ride, but don't pay too much.

The interior has a low rent feel, space in the back is cramped and access into it never easy.

: Ford Ka