Proton Waja

Launch

It was launched in August 2000, together with the introduction of Proton's new corporate logo. Early batches of the Waja had no airbags, ABS, and came with fabric seats only.^[10]

1.6X

On Saturday, 6 October 2001, the Proton Waja 1.6X was launched. It was only available with an automatic transmission and was equipped with more luxurious items like a semi automatic Proton Air air conditioning system, ABS with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), auto flip mirror, a semi wood steering wheel, wood grain interior, full leather seats and door trim. The audio system was upgraded to a Clarion PX1676AA, with a built in CD player and six disc CD changer.

Proton made minor changes to the seats by adding rear armrest with cup holder (which the standard Waja lacked), rear seats adjustable head rest and lumbar support for driver seats. Safety features were also added such as a driver's airbag and ABS. ^[11][12]

1.8X

In 2002, Proton launched the Proton Waja 1.8X. It was powered by the Renault F4P engine, which was also found in the Renault Laguna. Its equipment was mostly shared with the Proton Waja 1.6X. However changes included a passenger airbag and larger front discs brakes.^[13]

Chancellor

At the end of 2005, Proton additionally introduced another variant of the Waja, known as Proton Chancellor. It was used by representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the meeting of ASEAN leaders in the KLCC, shortly before its launch in 2006.^[14] The Chancellor had a longer wheelbase and a 2.0 litre Mitsubishi 6A12 V6 engine, similar to that used in Proton Perdana V6. The car was only available with a four speed automatic transmission.^[15]

Campro Update

In January 2006, the Proton Waja was updated. The major change was the Campro S4PH engine. Other changes included leather seats, a beige and brown interior color, a new meter cluster, redesigned air-condition vents and a new double-DIN CD player with MP3 support. Models with Campro engine were more expensive though sold alongside the Mitsubishi 4G18 equipped Waja initially.^[16][17]

2006 Mid-Year Update

In June 2006, the Proton Waja exterior was updated with a new honeycomb lower grille, new headlamps, new rear taillights nicknamed thermometer taillights, the Waja lettering moving to above the number plate and new alloy wheels.^[18]

R3 MME Edition

Proton’s motorsports division, Race Rally Research (R3) launched the commemorative special edition duo of the Proton Waja MME Edition and Proton GEN.2 MME Edition in August 2006. They were built to celebrate Protons R3 Amprex team emerging victorious as Overall champions and Class O champions completing 279 laps in a specially-built Lotus Exige 300RR. Only 200 units of each car available, and each car will have a serial number and name plate due to its limited edition run. MME stood for Merdeka Millenium Endurance edition.^[19][20]

Details changes includes:

• 1 Available only in Deep Burgundy Colour and Manual Transmission
• 2 R3 five piece Zerokit Bodykit (Wau Bumper Design)
• 3 R3 Dark Titanium Xenon HID Headlamps
• 4 R3 Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System for the Campro engine with a stylish oval tip
• 5 R3 Performance Spark Plug Cables
• 6 R3 Zerokit seven spoke wheels 16 inch size with emblem
• 7 R3 Performance Slotted Rear Brake Discs
• 8 R3 Performance Spring Kit
• 9 R3 Aluminium Front strut bar
• 10 R3 Red Alloy CamPro engine cover
• 11 R3 Red MME gearknob
• 12 R3 Floor mats
• 13 R3 12 MME Sticker on each side fender
• 14 Headunit with Bluetooth and iPod support with iPod Nano 1GB with R3 ensign.

2007 Update

In 2007, the Proton Waja was facelifted with new headlamp, new fog lamp, new hood and garnish, new bumper, new grill and new front turn signal lamp. Two variants were available: 1.6M/T and 1.6A/T with five color options: Twilight Blue, Iridescent White, Burgundy, Metal Grey and Brilliant Red. ^{[21] [22]}

Campro CPS Update

In 2008, the Waja received the 125 PS (92 kW) CamPro CPS engine. The exterior was given minor changes, such as a new grille and new tail lights. The 2008 Waja CPS also includes both ABS and airbag as standard for the Malaysian market, which were previously optional equipment^[23].

United Kingdom

The Proton Waja was sold in the United Kingdom where it was rebadged as the Impian, did not begin until April 2001, and it has continued virtually unchanged until sales ceased in 2008.^[26][27] The Impian was only available with RHD, while LHD models were available elsewhere in Europe.

The Proton Impian was offered with two variants mostly throughout its time in the United Kingdom: GLS and GLX. Both offering manual and automatic transmissions and the GLX being the more premium variant of the two. ^[28][29]

Sales were not strong, as it was behind the best of the competition at its launch and virtually all of its competitors were all replaced since. Its decent ride and handling, generous equipment levels, competitive asking price and comprehensive aftersales package are perhaps the only things that kept it going with British buyers.

Indonesia

The Proton Waja was launched in Indonesia in July 2007 at the 15th Indonesia International motor Show by PT Proton Edar Indonesia^[30]. Only available with one variant with either manual or automatic transmissions with the Campro S4PH engine. ^[31][32]

Iran

5,000+ Proton Waja were exported to Iran to be used as taxis.^[33][34]

Pakistan

The Proton Waja was exported to Pakistan as the Proton Impian were it launch there in September 2006 and was available in one variant with either a manual or an automatic transmission.^{[35] [36]}