|
 Proton
claimed this new Waja (or "Impian" for overseas) as the first car
designed
by Malaysian and specially made clear that it is not built on a
Mitsubishi
Lancer. However, the statement might hides a lot of exclusion, such as
the petrol engines that are bought directly from Mitsubishi, the diesel
engine that came from PSA - both used to be close partners of the
state-owned
Malaysian car maker - and then the "Ride and Handling" work done by
subsidiary
Lotus.
However,
I
suspect that Lotus’
work might not be limited to ride and handling tuning only. The whole
chassis
was probably designed by (though not necessarily styled by) Lotus.
Remember
Lotus expanded the R&D facilities in Norfork 3 years ago? Some of
the
test benches as well as workstation computers were reserved for
Proton’s
projects. So I believe some of the 300 Malaysian engineers involved in
the project were sent to Norfork to do the chassis development and
learn
from the British experts.
The
styling of
Waja lags
behind competition by a full generation. The grilles looks very
ex-Renault,
the tail looks like Volvo S40, overall shape is boxy and
unsophisticated.
The interior is even worse - ugly, low quality materials used, poor fit
and finish - although it offers good room front and rear. Seats are
flat
thus provides little support.
 There
are 2 petrol engines - a Mitsubishi-sourced 102hp 1.6-litre and a
Renault
120hp 1.8-litre. The 1.6 is an outdated design and no longer used by
the
Japanese company itself. Not only weak but it is also coarse and
reluctant
to rev once the needle arrives 4,000rpm. So it is better to wait for a
Lotus-developed replacement to come in 2003.
It seems that
the
only strength
is the Lotus chassis. This is really a world class chassis, no, it
actually
handles better than most "world class" rivals. The suspension tuning is
pure European, which is firm but provides excellent bump absorption. On
the other hand, it rolls little in corner, always feels taut and
responsive
to change direction. The 2.8-turn steering is direct and provides good
feedback.
For political
reasons, Waja
is default to be a success in home market. In the next 10 years, it
will
overcrowd Malaysian roads. However, export business will be tough
considering
its below-standard quality and unattractive pricing. Buy Korean or
Yugoslavian
cars instead. |