By EWAN KENNEDY in Kuala Lumpur
11 December 2006

Proton Waja is a landmark car for Malaysia, having the first ever body designed totally by the company. The very ambitious Malaysians realise this is a risky venture because in this day and age even low-cost mass-produced cars are immensely refined pieces of machinery. To design one virtually from scratch is a huge undertaking.

The Waja reflects the Malaysian culture in its styling, having plenty of flair, particularly around the front end where the boldly sculpted bonnet aggressively dips into the grille. At the rear it follows current German fashion cues, with squared-off sides, a tall boot and sculpted tail-lights.

However the car still uses engines and transmissions from Mitsubishi. That Japanese maker assisted Proton in the earliest days and until now the body designs have been heavily based on Mitsubishi designs. Proton is working on its own major mechanical components and within a few years plans to make virtually the complete cars itself.

Considerable attention has gone into body strength to give the Waja a refined ride and handling. The latter feature has been done in conjunction with sportscar builder Lotus, the British maker now belonging to Proton.

Our road testing has been comprehensive, though confined to Malaysia at this stage. We have driven the car at Proton’s test track, on motorways and local roads south of Kuala Lumpur and on the Sepang Grand Prix circuit.

Handling is impressive for a car in this class, with accurate turn in, good feel through the steering and a real sporty nature that will appeal to the keen driver who needs a moderately priced small-medium sedan. Yet the good handling isn't gained at the expense of a firm ride as the car has comfort that will please virtually everyone. This is an impressive feat, all the more so when you consider this is the engineers’ first complete car.

At this stage only a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is fitted. Performance from its 76 kW may prove marginal to power hungry Australian drivers - these guys will have to wait for a 1.8-litre option putting out close to 90 kW and due in 2002.

Waja isn't to be introduced to Australia until September or October this year. Prices and final equipment levels are to be finalised. However, this won't be a stripped down Asian model; expect to see air conditioning, a quality CD stereo, driving lights, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS on the upmarket model, and probably alloy wheels. Even luxurious leather trim is likely to be offered in the expensive variant.

Prices are expected to be in the $24,000 to $30,000 range depending on model and transmission. Currency changes between now and the launch may raise or lower these estimates. It has to be said prices at that level in this category may make it hard for Proton Australia to sell the Waja in the sort of numbers it has enjoyed with its previous models.