Proton Wira
| Proton Wira | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Proton |
| Also called | Proton Persona Proton 400 series |
| Production | 1993–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | FF |
| Related | 1991 Mitsubishi Lancer |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.3 L 4G13 I4 1.5 L 4G15 I4 1.6 L 4G92 I4 1.8 L 4G93 I4 2.0 L diesel I4 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Proton Saga |
| Successor | Proton Waja (saloon) Proton Gen-2 (hatchback) |
The Proton Wira is a model of car manufactured by Proton cars. Wira is a Malay word and translates into English as "Hero".
History
The Wira was introduced in 1993 as a 4-door saloon and is based on the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer. Modifications include headlights from the 1992 Mitsubishi Colt, taillights from the 1987 Mitsubishi Galant hatchback, different bumpers and dashboard. The frontal design continues the styling first shown on the Proton Iswara with a fluted bonnet that tapers towards the Proton badge on the grill.
The Mitsubishi 4G15 1.5L 12-valve engine used in the Saga were carried over unchanged. The Mitsubishi 4G92 112ps 1.6L 16-valve SOHC engine with multi-point fuel injection was introduced together with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
In 1994, a 5-door hatchback was introduced. Initially it was badged as the Wira Aeroback, like the 5-door Saga hatchback, though later the Aeroback name was dropped. In the same year, exports to the United Kingdom began where it was known as the Persona. As with the Saga, all export models used multi-point fuel injection to comply with the Euro I emissions standard.
A minor facelift was introduced in 1995 with a new grill and slimmer taillights with clear indicators.
In 1995, the Mitsubishi 4G13 1.3L 12-valve engine also used in the Saga was introduced for the Wira. This was followed in 1996 by the 133bhp 1.8L 16-valve DOHC engine with multi-point fuel injection. At the same time, the fuel-efficient diesel-powered variant is also offered with the option of 2.0 L engine but then phased out in later years because of lack of interests among customers, relatively due to low acceleration.
In 1998, all engine options for the Wira in Malaysian market were fully fuel-injected and the carburetors were phased out.
In 2000 the Wira had various improvements to reduce its NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) through additional insulation and suspension tuning from Lotus. In the same year, the Wira name was used in the United Kingdom.
In the United Kingdom, the 4-door saloon was replaced by the Proton Impian in 2002, and the 5-door hatchback by the Proton Gen-2 in 2004.
As of 2006, the car is still in production in Malaysia where it remains one of the best selling cars in its domestic market and also in Iran where it is made by the local Zagross Khodro company.
Proton Wira as a tuner car
Proton Wira is popular among street racers in Malaysia as a tuner car because of its interchangeability with Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution parts, especially the engines. The popularity of the Wira in Malaysia as a tuner car is rivaled by Honda Civic.
Trivia
- Proton Wira 1.6 is the first Proton model to be installed with 4-speed automatic transmission as well as the first Proton model to have power windows for all 4 doors and also the first Proton model powered by a 16-valve engine.
- Proton Wira 1.8 is the first Proton model powered by a DOHC engine.
- The diesel-powered Proton Wira 2.0D is the first and only diesel model ever made by Proton.