Next Generation Proton Waja

After many years of going around in circles talking to companies such as PSA Peugeot Citroen, Volkswagen and GM, Proton has finally ended up at a familiar place, Mitsubishi Motors. Proton announced to Bursa Malaysia today that it has entered into a product collaboration program with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan. The following is the scope of the product collaboration:

• A Development Agreement, to develop a new Vehicle Model for PROTON based on details of work, target specifications, job sharing and time schedule as determined by both parties (”Licensed Product”).
• A Licence Agreement, where MMC grants PROTON a non-exclusive license to use technical assistance and patents solely for the purpose of utilization of technical information for restyling, modification and improvement work, manufacturing of local parts, assembling, selling and after sales services / support of the Licensed Product to be sold under PROTON’s trademark and styling; and
• An Engineering Services Agreement, wherein MMC will provide the work and services for PROTON’s manufacturing of the Licensed Product.

StarBiz revealed today that the Mitsubishi vehicle to be provided to Proton is the new Lancer, which will be used to replace the Waja. A quick check with sources inside Proton revealed that the vehicle would pretty much be a Lancer with only minor changes to the design, even less than what Mitsubishi Taiwan has done to their version of the Lancer.
The Lancer Fortis is shown in the image above, just compare it to the original Lancer (chopped by Theophilus with Proton badges) shown below, it’s a world of a difference! So the good news is our version will likely keep the Lancer’s original aggressive looks

Dramatically Different Drive

One of the biggest milestone for Proton, Waja is designed based on blend of global expertise. With the blend of structural rigidity and Lotus chassis re-engineering, Waja the the family sedan that delivers a Dramatically Different Drive.

1.6L 4G18 SOHC engine

Max. power : 76kW (102hp), Max. torque : 140Nm

BUTTON YOUR SUIT. STRAIGHTEN YOUR TIE.
With its smooth lines and graceful curves, the Waja perfects the art of understated elegance.  Featuring a sleek front bumper and grille, striking headlamps, and alloy rims – it’s a look that’s to be taken seriously.  No matter where you drive, you’re bound to make a lasting impression.

DEMAND NOTHING LESS.
When it comes to performance, the Waja knows how to exceed expectations. Featuring the powerful CamPro engine, together with its excellent torque performance, you’ll reach any appointment ahead of time. And together with its precise Lotus ride and handling, you’re given ultimate control wherever you go.

ESCAPE THE CUBICLE.
Get used to a grander feeling of space. With a luxurious interior, the Waja offers everything to keep you comfortable. Designed to minimise all external noise, indulge in the opportunity to get lost in your thoughts.

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS.
Equipped with dual airbags, ABS & EBD, a strong body structure fitted with side impact beams, and a reinforced crumple zone, the Waja boasts numerous advanced safety features. Rest assured that wherever the journey takes you, you’re as safe as safe can be.

DETAILS MATTER.
CamPro Engine - Sleek Headlights - Multi-Storage Arm Rest - Leather gearstick & Audio CD Player with 6 speakers and Bluetooth capabilities - Streering wheel with volume control and channel buttons - Reverse Sensor - Flat-woven seats - Side Door Panel - Electric Side Mirror.

PROTON WAJA CPS VS PROTON WAJA CAMPRO

Here are the comparison between the Proton Waja CPS & Waja Campro and something that local car fanatics are waiting for; Head-to-head reviews on this two models.

Twilight blue Waja CPS on the Left & Burgundy Waja Campro on the Right.

Notice the lower ride of the Campro version which is due to the standard 55 series tire compared to the 60 series fitted on the CPS model for increased comfort in sacrifice of the sharp handling & high speed stability.

The bonnet design has changed since the sportier looking Alfa beak has somehow aged with time. OEM height adjustable 4300k Xenon comes as standard compared to the “aftermarket” 6000k Xenon on the Campro. Indicator & Fog lamps gets a makeover on the new bumper as well. The newer ones are no longer crystal type for signals and projector for the fog lamps.


Side mirrors are electrically foldable on this new make which proves to be convenient & useful in urban parking situations.

A closer look at the front hood reveals a change in the color of the emblem and of course a much larger sized one. Honeycomb design grille on the lower air intake of the bumpers has also been reverted to the straight lined ones.

110bhp Campro versus 125bhp Campro CPS. (Cam-Profile Switching) with “TYPE-R” wannabe; red rocker cover.

What lies beneath the hood is the most exciting compared to the other makeovers.
Its the latest powertrain jointly developed by Proton & Lotus that marks a milestone and the completion of the so called ‘Campro engine project’, as it’s finally integrated with the variable valve lift technology -CPS and coupled with variable intake manifold -VIM that enhances air intake at every rev range of the engine by a short & long runner switch-over mechanism. The CPS engines also come with an oil cooler due to its higher operating temperatures.
The infamous torque dip of the Campro at 2.5k RPM has improved in this new engine and so is the annoying, over-sensitive gradient sensor that downshifts at weird moments on the road.

Interior remains unchanged except for some minor details like instrument panel fonts and the stylish gated shift. Driver & Front passenger airbags now comes as standard. OEM Clarion single-disc player has dropped the Bluetooth capability but added playability for Windows Media Audio (WMA) audio files alongside MP3.