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Proton Waja: The Malaysian sedan, engines and what to know when buying
Proton Waja (2000–2011) — The four-door sedan from Malaysian manufacturer Proton, sold in some markets, such as the UK, as the Proton Impian. We look at its engines and what to check when buying a used one.
Waja in brief
The Waja was the first Proton model developed in-house, rather than being a rebadged Mitsubishi. It was positioned as a comfortable, spacious and affordable sedan.
The suspension setup was fine-tuned by Lotus specialists, so the car was renowned for its excellent handling in its class.
Versions and names
The main Waja version is the four-door sedan. In some markets, it was sold as the Impian, while Malaysia saw a few special editions.
Over its production run, the car changed subtly: the interior was refreshed and some engines were updated.
Engines and gearboxes
Waja engines are 1.6-litre petrol units (initially Mitsubishi-based, later Proton CamPro) with around 100–110hp.
The gearbox is a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Drive is to the front wheels.
What to check when buying a used Waja
Choose a car with a service history. Check the engine condition, look for oil leaks, and test the automatic gearbox.
Inspect the body, especially for rust around the wheel arches, and check the suspension and electrical equipment.
Parts availability is limited, so before buying, find out where you can source parts and who can service the car.
Trims
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the described variants.
1,6 mechaninė
All yearsThe most basic version with a manual gearbox.
- 1.6-litre petrol engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Simpler interior
1,6 automatinė
All yearsA more comfortable version with an automatic gearbox.
- 1.6-litre petrol engine
- 4-speed automatic gearbox
- Often — additional comfort features
Comparing versions
| Mechaninė | Automatinė | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For everyday use | For city comfort |
| Engine | 1.6 L, around 100–110 HP | 1.6 L, around 100–110 HP |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
The most important thing is the condition of the specific car, not the trim level.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Simple technology
- Low price in the used market
- Good handling for its class
Cons
- Very rare in Lithuania
- Limited choice of parts
- Outdated equipment
Frequently asked questions
Is the Proton Waja and Proton Impian the same?
Yes. Impian is the name for Waja in some export markets, for example, in Great Britain.
What engine does the Waja have?
1.6 L petrol, of Mitsubishi origin, later the Proton CamPro.
Is the Waja suitable for daily use?
It could be, if the car is in good condition, but you need to consider the limited choice of parts.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
