The Proton Wira (lit. "hero") is a car manufactured by Malaysian automaker Proton from 1993 to 2009. Based on the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer, it was produced in four-door saloon and five-door hatchback models.
History
Development of a second, all new Proton model began as early as the middle of 1988.
The frontal design continues the styling first shown in the Proton Iswara with a fluted bonnet that tapers towards the Proton badge on the grill. Rear disc brakes, front and rear armrests, electric mirrors, folding rear seats and electric windows on all doors were features available on the 1.6 variant.
In October 1993, a five-door hatchback version (initially badged as the Wira Aeroback, in a similar fashion as the five door Saga hatchback) was introduced with two variants, 1.6XLi MT and 1.6XLi AT. At the same time, both saloon and hatchback models launched in the UK.
In 1994, both 1.3 GL MT saloon and 1.5 GL AT hatchback variants joined the range in Malaysia.
In 1995, the Wira received new grille and tail lights with clear indicators. This coincided with the introduction of diesel powered Wira variants. Wira 1.3's are not equipped with a rev counter. The Wira 1.8 EXi joined the range available with an automatic transmission, available with sedan or Aeroback bodywork and a single overhead cam engine. The 1.8 EXi automatics also came standard with ABS brakes. The Wira was manufactured in the Philippines in the same year under Proton Pilipinas Corporation.
In 1996, the Wira was launched and marketed in Vietnam by Vina Star Motor Corporation.
In 1999, the 1.8 grille design was introduced to 1.5 and 1.6 variants. This coincided with the upgrade from carburetor to fuel injection on the 1.3 and 1.5 variants. The Wira 1.3 and 1.5 was now known as Wira 1.3 GLi and 1.5 GLi respectively.
In 2001, Proton replaced the Mitsubishi EFi module with a Siemens VDO unit in the 1.3 / 1.5 GLi variants. 1.6 XLi and 1.8 EXi variants were discontinued to avoid overlap with the Proton Waja in the Proton range. The Wira also received suspension tuning from Lotus.
In 2004, Proton Wira received a new grille, front bumper and alloy rims which is similar to Proton Arena. Also introduced was Wira Special Edition or WiSE based on the Wira 1.5 GLi Aeroback but had unique front seats with hollow out headrests, modified exhaust system, larger wheels, aluminium pedals and red finish and accents to various interior pieces.
Several Proton models released following the Wira's debut sported frontal stylings that were derivatives of the Wira's. Among them, the original Satria three door hatchback, the Putra two door "sports" coupé, and the Arena coupe utility.
The Wira was replaced by two similar in-house designed Proton cars: the Gen-2 and the Persona. The Gen2, codenamed Wira Replacement Model (WRM) was launched in 2004 as a replacement for the Wira Aeroback while the Persona launched in 2007 as a replacement for the Wira sedan.
The last Proton Wiras were produced in June 2009. A Compact GTI, developed in conjunction with Lotus Cars with a 1.8-litre engine capable of producing 133 bhp, was also trialled with Humberside in 1999. The force aimed to convert most of its entire fleet to LPG fuel for cost-saving purposes upon the delivery of the Personas,
The Persona was later complemented by a three-door hatch called the Persona Compact, as well as the two door Persona Coupé. From August 2000, the Satria and Wira nameplates were extended to the British market, and the Coupé was discontinued there when production ended in 2001. The Wira was subsequently replaced by the all new Proton GEN•2 in the end of 2004.
The Wira was launched into the Australian market in May 1995, and was renamed to Proton Persona in November 1996.
The Wira was also introduced in the Singaporean market in 2003 and discontinued in 2008.
The Wira is the only Proton model to be offered with a diesel engine, namely Mitsubishi's 2.0 L Sirius 4D68 inline-four engine. Proton needed a diesel engine to further establish themselves in Europe, where diesel engined passenger cars are popular. The 4D68 diesel was produced in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged offerings, where the former produced 64 hp and the latter managed 80 hp.
Export Proton Wiras used a different Proton badge compared to the badge found on Wiras for the Malaysian market.
Sales
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right;"
|+
|-
!Year
!Malaysia
|-
|2000
|91,909
|-
|2001
|86,980
|-
|2002
|98,211
|-
|2003
|64,889
|-
|2004
|46,880
|-
|2005
|47,344
|-
|2006
|25,619
|-
|2007
|16,508
|-
|2008
|2,056
|-
|2009
|1,990
|-
|2010
|264
|-
|2011
|3
|-
|2012
|5
|}