Reviews - Proton

Overall Rating

A budget Malaysian car with bland styling, both inside and out. Only compensations include the low price tag and strong warranty.

• Plenty of car for the money and fairly well equipped
• Very affordable used prices
• Good reliability thanks to Mitsubishi origins

• Dated design - rehashed Persona, recycled Mitsubishi Lancer
• Not much fun to drive; coarse engines
• Depreciates heavily if bought new

The Wira used to be called Persona but the name change with an image makeover. Available as a saloon or five-door hatchback, it's cheap to run and buy but only if you opt for the lower end of the range. Higher up the line, Wira is seriously outdone by better rivals. The interior is a letdown, although on paper the standard equipment list looks impressive. Entry-level 1.3 models are sluggish and the 1.6 is expensive - the 1.5 is probably the best buy. Included in the budget package is an excellent warranty but watch out for mind-boggling depreciation.

JD Power stars: 3

Best Models: 1.5 LXi hatchback

Worst Models: 1.3 Li saloon

Replacement: 2004

• Chrysler Neon (1996-99)
• Hyundai Lantra (1995-01)
• Kia Mentor