Did you know that the popular Wira 1.8 auto was priced just RM1k less than the 2023 Proton S70
It seems that inflation for Proton cars is not at work as the last great Proton Wira, the 1.8L EXi DOHC special edition (which is very sought after car today in the used car market) was selling from the showroom at just RM72,000 for the automatic variant and the manual version (which trades today at between RM35k to RM38k in our used market) at just RM69,000.
Now, this selling prices were back in the year 2000 and now some 23 years later, Malaysians can buy a brand new Proton sedan, the S70 with a 1.5 Turbocharged engine at a selling price that starts from RM73,800 and works it way up to RM94,800.
So, at RM73,800 you get a bigger sedan with remote engine start, lane change assist, rear collision warning, 6 SRS airbags, cruise control, LED daytime running lights, Halogen headlamps, 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, and 8-inch Infotainment system and more.
We must add that with the Proton S70 you get a 5-year factory warranty with 6-time free labor service included. In case you were wondering, here is our test drive review link for the S70.
Now when the Proton Wira 1.8L EXi was launched (codenamed C99) it was powered by a naturally-aspirated, Mitsubishi-sourced 4G93P 1.8 liter DOHC engine made 140 PS (138 hp) and 167 Nm of torque, with drive going to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Additional goodies include fog lamps on the front bumper, Recaro seats at the front, leather trim for the MOMO Daytona steering wheel and gear knob, plus 14-inch alloy wheels from AAC.
Please note that this Wira 1.8 EXLi is loved by car thieves in Malaysia.
There was also a Wira 1.8 RS which was a lightened version (kosong model) that catered for speed demons. This Wira RS only had 50 units produced and sold and they came without Recaro front seats, MOMO steering and gear knob, power windows (manual winders in its place) bringing its weight down to slim 1,030kg only. However, it still had its large EVO inspired spoiler (better known as the ‘Tiang Gol’)
Now, this Wira RS was not only lighter, it also came with a Mitsubishi Japan provided ECU that allowed the engine to rev to 9,000 and push this 1,030kg sedan to a 160km/h top speed. Remember, this was back in the year 2000.
