IT'S the small but cute car that has helped Proton to a big sales boom in Britain.
The five-door Savvy has proved a huge success with Brits who can pick up this impressive little model for a bargain £6,000.
More than 500 of the city cars have been sold in the UK since launch in February, helping the Malaysian motor manufacturer to a year-on-year sales increase of more than sixty per cent.
Buyers can choose from two models, Street and Style, both powered by a 1.2-litre, 16-valve petrol engine acquired from Renault.
I tried the Style automatic and was quietly impressed - but fast it's not.
In fact, with a 0-62 mph time of 15 .7 seconds time some may think it's only slightly quicker than a lame tortoise.
But that aside, the car is a comfortable if sedate little mover with one of the best fuel consumption stats in its class, offering an impressive combined mpg figure of almost 50.
The Savvy is easy to drive with good handling and is also big on safety with a state-of-the-art braking system plus twin airbags.
There's also enough space to accommodate three adults across the back seat, although that could be a tight squeeze if your passengers are a little weighty.
Headroom is good and the driver's seat has height and slide adjustment, while the 50/50 split rear seat also folds flat, expanding the adequate boot space.
The cabin is pretty basic but its roominess is obviously a good selling point as the Savvy is billed by Proton as the 'ultimate accessory for the streetwise shopper' - which I think means plenty of room for your bags!
The car also comes with an impressive list of equipment, including power steering, anti-lock brakes, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, reverse distance sensors, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser.
The Style model costs from £6,995, while the Street model comes in at £1,000 less.
All in all a great little car that is developing a big reputation.
FAST FACTS
Proton Savvy 1.2 Style 5dr auto
Price: £7,695
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,149cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 15.7 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 134g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust