1997 Proton Wira

Originally introduced in Malaysia back in 1993, the Wira was based on the early-90s Mitsubishi Lancer, and continued in its early form all the way to the new century, and ending up being the most outdated car on the market. Available as a sedan or a liftback, the engine and gearbox were sourced from Mitsubishi, namely a 1.5-litre and a 1.6-litre, both 4-cylinder. The smaller engine came with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic, while the larger one came standard with a 4-speed auto. Features included cloth interior, manual or power windows, radio-cassette player, optional sunroof, optional spoiler, and not much else. Safety features were limited to seat-belts in early models, with later ones receiving a driver-side airbag, ABS brakes and safety-bars in the doors. As unrefined as the car is, proven Mitsubishi mechanicals under the skin means on-road reliability is as good as most Japanese cars, although the car itself will be falling apart from the inside out, starting with the... Read More