Proton Satria GTI prices keep rising in the used car market

KUALA LUMPUR: In the last two years, there has been a renewed interest in sporty hot hatch cars and one of the cars in high demand in 2021 has been the iconic Proton Satria GTi.

From its launch until now this once popular hot hatch with car thieves and also spare parts thieves lost its appeal about 6 to 7 years ago and we could see used prices that were slowly falling due to a few reasons.

First, its appeal had been superseded by more refined sporty cars like the Peugeot 208 and VW Polo GTI which were selling in the used market for slightly more than a used Satria GTI (RM 30,000 and below).

Then there was the high theft rate for spare parts which deterred many from taking ownership.

Finally, there was a stronger following for the Proton Wira 1.8 EXi which could be converted into an EVO 4 much more easily and carry a more iconic WRC look.

Then in 2020, there was a renewed interest in this ‘hot with the car thieves’ Proton. Two years on and it remains a hot favorite with many in Malaysia with its responsive and highly tune-able engine and nimble chassis. Priced new at RM 68,000, it was a must-have for many young single men and some women also.

Sold in only one colour, it was later superseded in 2010 with the Satria GTi R3, which sold out a few short weeks after its introduction.

Based on the previous generation Mitsubishi Colt, the engineering behind the Proton Satria may not have been the very latest but it was at least proven. Mechanically it was closely related to the Wira sedan 1.8L and the story was the same inside. Boasting development from the chassis experts at Lotus, which Proton owned at the time, this GTi was kitted out with Recaro seats and stylish alloys.

Today a used Satria GTi is worthy of a first and even second look as it still offers excellent handling (assuming all suspension bits are new) making for an entertaining drive. The black and silver-grey Recaro seats are very comfortable and offer good support in fast cornering.

Just 4 to 5 years ago you will have to be prepared for a rattling interior, paint touch-up almost everywhere, and worn cabin materials. Prices hovered between RM 12,000 to R M24,000.

Today they have inched up to RM 20,000 to a high RM 35,000. Fully restored units are being sold by a couple of people who are now in the business of reviving the Satria GTI and are priced from RM 45,000 to a lofty RM 60,000.

Yes, that high! Is it worth the money? Well, if you look at the value of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars right now and their rising values in Malaysia and also in the rest of the world, then why can’t the humble Malaysian rebadged Satria GTI rise in value?

Also read: Proton becomes Official Vehicle brand of 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games