English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Proton Wira: bodies, engines and what to know when buying used
Proton Wira — a compact class car created in Malaysia, produced from 1993–2009. In this article, we look at the bodies, engines, and what to check if you're hunting for one of these in Lithuania.
Proton Wira in brief
Proton Wira — a model from Malaysian manufacturer Proton, created using Mitsubishi technologies. It was offered as a sedan and a five-door hatchback (Aeroback), and in some markets, there was a pickup version.
In some European markets, the Wira was sold under a different name, for example, Persona. This model is very rare in Lithuania, so when buying, focus mainly on the condition of the specific car and the availability of parts.
Updates and what to choose
The Wira was produced for over a decade and during that time was updated several times — front and rear details, interior, and equipment changed. Later cars are usually better equipped.
Since the car is based on simple, well-known mechanics, its technology is fairly straightforward, but it's not a popular model, so the availability of parts is crucial when deciding to buy.
Engines and gearboxes
The most common engines are petrol units ranging from 1.3 to 1.8 litres. Gearboxes are manual or automatic, with front-wheel drive.
Engine power is modest, so the car is better suited to relaxed city and daily driving rather than fast, long journeys.
What to check when buying a used Wira
Check the body for rust — look at the sills, wheel arches, and boot lid. Ensure the engine starts easily, there are no oil leaks, and the cooling system works.
Ask if the timing belt has been replaced, and check the electrical equipment. Some parts might need to be ordered from abroad, so find out about availability in advance.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; for this rare model, we describe versions by body, engine, or trim.
Sedanas
All versionsMain body type.
- Four-door saloon
- Classic three-box shape
- Mostly 1.3–1.6 l engines
Aeroback
All versionsFive-door hatchback.
- More practical boot
- Same mechanicals as the saloon
- Better for hauling loads
Pikapas
In some marketsCommercial version.
- Open cargo area
- Rare in Europe
- Based on the same technology
Atnaujintos versijos
Later yearsWith refreshed front and rear.
- Redesigned front and rear details
- Often — better equipment
- The same straightforward technology
Proton Wira body comparison
| Sedanas | Aeroback | Pikapas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For families and daily driving | More boot space | For cargo hauling |
| Body | Sedanas | Hatchback | Pikapas |
| Rear-wheel drive in Lithuania | Rare | Rare | Very rare |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
The key is not the trim level, but the condition. If you need more space for your stuff, it's worth checking out the Aeroback hatchback.
Pros
- Simple, straightforward technology
- Often affordable to buy
- Quite spacious interior
- A unique, rare car
Cons
- Very few available in Lithuania
- Some parts need to be sourced abroad
- Plucky little engines
Frequently asked questions
Is the Wira related to Mitsubishi?
Yes, it was developed using Mitsubishi technology, so much of the mechanics are based on Mitsubishi solutions of the time.
Was the Wira ever sold in Europe?
Yes, in some European markets it was sold under a different name, for example, the Persona.
What body styles are available?
Saloon and five-door hatchback Aeroback; in some markets, a pickup too.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
