The Proton Wira – The Hero We Can All Use
The Proton Wira was created by Proton, a Malaysian car manufacturer. The Wira was assembled in Indonesia hence, making it the first Proton model to be assembled outside of Malaysia. The name “Wira” meant hero in Bahasa Melayu. A fancy name for a fancy car!
What type of car is it?
The Proton Wira was made initially a four-door saloon before it became a five-door hatchback. This, however, was a model adopted from the Mitsubishi Lancer brand.
When was it made?
The car was produced from 1993 to 2009.
What are its variations?
The Proton Wira initially came as a four-door saloon before Proton redesigned it to make a five-door hatchback variant in 1993. The saloon car was available in 5 models (1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre models) The 1.6,1.8 and 2.0-litre models came with 4G92 and 4G93 engines, front and rear armrests, electric mirrors, folding rear seats and electric windows on all doors and rear disc brakes.
The 1.3 and 1.5-litre Wirawere the entry-level models used because of the 4G13 and 4G15 engines lacked some of the features of the 1.6 and 1.8-litre models. However, the was to cut down costs and thus offer the car at a lower price to buyers.
Proton replaced carburettors found in early models with the Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection (EFI) in 1998. Subsequently, it was replaced with a Siemens VDO in 2001.
The Proton Wira Special Edition was released in 2004 and powered by a fuel-injected 4G15 SOHC 12-valve engine. The engine used a Siemens VDO. Subsequently, the engine was introduced in 2001 and produced a 90hp strong. This engine had better fuel economy, but a slight power reduction. It was available in a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.
Features of the Wira
- Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection (EFI)
- Siemens VDO engine (from 2001)
- 5-speed Manual transmission for 1.3GLi
- 5-speed Manual Transmission or 3-Speed Automatic Transmission for the 1.5GLi
- Three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners
- Laminated windshield
- Multi Point Injection (MPI) Fuel System
- Uprated Lotus-modified suspension (1.6LXi)
- Alloy wheels
- Driver’s airbag on all models
- Passenger`s airbag (Lux models)
How much did the Proton Wira cost?
At its launch, the Wira cost between 39,278 and RM54,306. Similarly, the Special Edition Proto Wira was sold in 2014 with an almost affordable price. The vehicle costs RM49,000. In 2018, a used Proton Wira in good condition is price between RM2,500 to RM4,500.
How well did it sold?
The Company’s Sales figures showed about 87,928 car units sold in 2000. This made the Wira almost the bestselling car in Malaysia at that time.
Who are its direct competitors?
Proton Wira competed with the Perodua Kancil for the title of the bestselling car in Malaysia during their time in production.
Feedback
At the time the Proton Wira was the perfect family sedan. It was economical, comfortable and reliable. The Wira was at a time the most preferred car in Malaysia because of its spaciousness and affordability. The car had a fuel consumption rate of 10km/l – 13km/l. The Wira 1.3 had high fuel consumption rate. By 2018, The Proton Wira was the vehicle most stolen in Malaysia. While the used car has little value, its parts such as the dashboard, instrument panel, control panels etc can still fetch a hefty sum.
Source(s)
- Proton Wira, Wikipedia
- Wira – the choice of car thieves, theStar
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