The Proton Wira was launched 28 years ago, changing Malaysia's automotive landscape

CY Foong · Jun 5, 2021 10:00 AM

The Proton Wira was launched 28 years ago, changing Malaysia's automotive landscape 01

On 21-May 1993, Malaysians ushered in a new hero in the automotive landscape with the launch of the Proton Wira. The Wira was only Proton’s second-ever model but it eventually grew into a recognisable icon.

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Even now, the Wira is still seen on the road and Proton even milked introduced more variants to the line-up including the 5-door Aeroback, the infamous C99 with the goalpost wing, as well as the Arena pick-up truck which was more popular overseas than in Malaysia.

Also read: Top Rank – 10 production cars with the wildest wings

The Proton Wira was launched 28 years ago, changing Malaysia's automotive landscape 01

Before it also became a favourite among car thieves, the Wira was just a humble Proton befitting for the nineties. The Saga had just received a makeover in 1992 with the Iswara. However, that was just a continuation of the first Proton that was launched in 1985.

Also read: It’s 2021, but the Proton Wira is still the most stolen car in the country. Here’s why…

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The Wira was Proton’s newest model and one that took four years to develop beginning around 1988. Though it eventually resembled the Mitsubishi Lancer/Mirage, Proton gave it a few minor cosmetic changes to distinguish it.

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The Wira’s launch was certainly spectacular. Coverage for its launch was massive and so was the anticipation among Malaysians. It was unveiled at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) by the then fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

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The Wira was more than just a Proton sedan for the nineties, it represented a new future for the automotive industry. In spite of the borrowed Japanese design, technology, and well almost everything really, it was befitting of its national heroic name.

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The main theme at the launch was the future. The Wira rolled out of a dome-shaped container on stage and in the main hall, guests and the media were introduced to a cutaway Wira model that showed its interior and safety features.

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At launch, the Wira only had three variants:

  • 1.5 GL Manual (RM 39,278)
  • 1.5 GL Automatic (RM 42,301)
  • 1.6 XLi Automatic (RM 54,306)

The Wira became the cheapest new car on sale in the 1,600-cc category and there was a 6-month waiting period for Proton’s new kid on the block.

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The top-of-the-line 1.6 XLi was generously equipped with features such as rear disc brakes, electric side mirrors, a rear anti-roll bar, and 4 power windows. The latter will be an infamous issue for subsequent Proton models.

Also read: 20 years later, is the Proton Waja a dream or a nightmare?

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Aside from that, the future looked bright for Proton, and at the time, its sales were unstoppable. At the launch, Tun M said in his speech that the national carmaker should focus on its efforts in research and development (R&D) in order for Proton to be on the same level as established foreign brands.

Needless to say, the Wira also opened the world to Proton with the model being exported to countries such as the United Kingdom, Chile, Germany, the Philippines, Iran, and strangely, North Korea.

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Though the Wira’s legacy began with just three variants, the rest, as they always say, is history. Production continued all the way until 2009 with 952,216 units sold in total. The Wira became a hero to the countless of people who either tuned them to become Wiralutions or those who needed a faultless mode of transport.

Also read: Top Rank: Ten heroically rare Proton Wira models

Proton Wira launch photos courtesy of Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia

CY Foong

Writer

Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.

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