Proton Wira
The
Proton Wira is a model of
car manufactured by
Proton cars.
Wira is a
Malay word and translates into English as "Hero".
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.
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Facelifted rear end for models after 1995. |
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 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.
*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.
*
Proton*
List of Proton cars*
Proton's official website*
Zagross Khodro - Proton Iran
