R3 Motor sport

If you thought buying a hot hatch meant you were limited to German and French manufacturers then think again. Malaysia’s Proton will be giving Australia a sneak preview of its next generation hot hatch when it unveils the Proton R3 Satria at the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 29.

The R3 Satria has been developed by Proton’s special vehicles and motorsport arm - R3, which stands for Race, Rally, and Research - at its headquarters in Shah Alam in Malaysia.

The team behind the building of the Satria R3 is headed up by former Lotus engineer and prominent Malaysia race driver Tengku Djan Ley. The R3 Satria is more than just a Satria with a body kit, there is serious hot-hatch substance in the form of suspension development and a high performance engine.