2001 Proton Waja 4G-18 1.6 EFI

Summary:

Big, cheap, useless, family car

Faults:

Suspension makes squeaking noises.

Accelerator cable broke after only 1 week.

Dashboard squeaks while driving & vibrates while idling.

Driver's power window malfunctioned.

Water seeping into the front head lamps.

Front wheels' alignment out during delivery.

General Comments:

This car absolutely lacks power. Most of the time I have to keep the overdrive off just to accelerate.

Quality control is a big joke with this manufacturer.

After sales service is really really poor. I've had to go to several branches just to check 1 particular problem.

Seats are comfy but look cheap.

Dashboard looks like it's made of recycled plastic.

High-tech Lotus designed suspension but low tech engine and components.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th December, 2001

1st Oct 2002, 02:33

I believe there are many flaws in this review. The most important point is that the Proton Waja Automatic transmission is a full time 4 speed auto transmission and does not come with an overdrive as what this review implies. The car's lack of power is an accurate observation though. The seats looks okay, but are not comfortable as opposed to what the review implies.

2001 Proton Waja 1.6 SOHC

Summary:

Worth the investment, testdrive to appreciate the LOTUS Technology especially on the handling

General Comments:

Just bought myself a Proton Waja a month ago.

Mileage is now around 2000km.

Exterior;

The car looks great, nice design but quite bulky looking.

Interior;

The interior is quite spacious. The dashboard is good in design and very practical, but the plastic and assembling lack quality and it needs refinements.

The seats are quite hard, lack lumbar support. The rear seats were the 40/60 folded type, which is very practical for those who love carrying their Golf sets around.

Sound proving is good, when idling @ 750rpm, the engine purrs and is barely heard when the air-con is ON.

The electronics are of the latest design and can be compared to any car, in terms of technology eg. Beemer 3 series.

Engine;

1.6 litres, SOHC, fuel-injection, Mitsubihsi engine.

Power will only comes in around 3000rpm, which is quite fine with me.

The engine sounds is quite smooth at 5000rpm, but beyond that, the engine sounds is irritating and deafening to the ears.

The engine feels at home at 3500rpm, which is around 130 - 140Kmh.

Ride & Handling;

Since the body works and suspension is of LOTUS technology, handling the car is quite a sensational experience for the said CLASS.

The car act superbly handling turns and corners at manageable speeds with swinging or swaying. I added STRUT bars on the front and the cornering abilities felt even better.

The brake has all around DISC brakes, but the UK version is fitted with ABS.

Braking is still good even without the ABS.

Overall, it's a good car with the EUROPEAN feeling.

The Proton Impian (UK specs), have added Safety and Security features compared to those made locally. I would just love to get my hands on one of those CBU Impians if it was sold locally (Malaysia).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th July, 2001

1st Aug 2001, 13:19

I saw the Impian at the dealers today, very nice, looks like a Merc compact.

15th Oct 2001, 08:45

I was on my way back to Leeds and I saw this eye catching vehicle on the road.

I believe it was doing a demonstration or something.

Decided to see it closely. Went to the dealer in Bradford.

I was definitely very impressed with the design, interior and price.

A round of applause to PROTON and Malaysia for their consistent effort.

I am definitely going to sell my old Honda... and be a proud owner of this 'IMPIAN'!

Johnny Lake