Proton Wira - History

History

The Wira was introduced in 1993 as a 4-door saloon and was based on the shared 1992 CB2A–CB4A-CD9A platform with Mitsubishi Lancer, but the styling was slightly modified to distinguish it from the Lancer. Modifications include headlights from the 1992 Mitsubishi Colt, taillights from the 1987 Mitsubishi Galant hatchback, bumpers from the Mitsubishi Mirage and a different dashboard. 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. In 1994, a 5-door hatchback version (initially badged as the Wira Aeroback, in a similar fashion as the 5-door Saga hatchback) was introduced.

A minor facelift for all new Wira variants was introduced in 1995 with a new grille and slimmer tail lights with clear indicators. Other minor changes were made on the interior, grille design and bumpers during the late-1990s and mid-2000s. While having undergone three minor reiterations, the general design of the Wira has, for more than a decade, remained mostly the same.

In 2004, Proton introduce the Wira Special Edition or known as WiSE, and planned to manufacture an estimated 100,000 units but failed to meet sales target.

The WiSE models were released in different periods of the Wira's lifecycle as the Aeroback variant, with sportier accessories such as full bodykits, redesigned interiors and an option for an aluminium spoiler. Later that year, all the Wira and Satria variants included the same front bumper as the WiSE.

Several Proton models released following the Wira's debut sported frontal stylings that were derivatives of the Wira's. Among them, the original Satria 3-door hatchback, the Putra 2-door "sports" coupé, and the Arena coupe utility.

In an attempt to find a suitable successor to the Wira, the Gen-2, a hatchback codenamed the Wira Replacement Model, was designed and developed in-house by Proton, and was launched in 2004. In August 2007, the Persona, a new sedan model directly based on the Gen-2, was introduced. Its introduction is seen as a legitimate replacement for the Proton Wira range.