Wira ("Hero") is a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer model, uses the Lancer platform that has been proven and which is used for other models eg 2 door sports model , rebadged as Satria in Malaysia. Wira is using Mitsubishi technology, hence the engine is time-tested and performs very well.

Waja ("Steely Warrior") on the other hand is a 'designed and made in Malaysia' model thru and thru. Hence you'd have heard of the engine dying in the middle of the road, electric windows that fail only during raining, noises in the interior that persist, have u notice the dash board that had one line across the top just next to the interior of the windscreen? this is because this is a piece of polystyrene that had been glued onto the dashboard. whether it can provide any impact protection in the event of crash, you draw your own conclusions.


The Wira had to be phased out because Proton had to pay huge royalties to Mitsubishi for the use of the design, the platform, the technology. But whether the Waja is truly Malaysian designed is another million dollar question. Look at the new Satria, the so- called SRM (Satria Replacement Model). If Waja is really using its own platform, why spend millions to develop another platform just for the 2 door sports model that has low volume sales? Wastage of R&D funds is the key word here. And partly to phase in the Waja. But then they went on to introduce a Gen-2 and Persona in the same segment. Make cow sense why they are doing so.

Most Malaysians buy Proton models because they cannot afford other import models. Hence Proton reached 76% market share for local brands. But when the advent of AFTA started to come into effect, resulting in cheaper import models, Proton's market dropped to a low 34%. Is it any coincidence? You draw your own conclusions. Proton only engaged TUV as quality certification after 20 years of honeymoon period complacency and cronyism.

Hope this clarifies the mindset of Malasian drivers."