2011 Proton Waja Review
Price
from: RM56,888
to: RM64,888
Installment
from: RM545/mth
to: RM622/mth
2011 Proton Waja at a glance
Dated styling and build quality issues aside, the 2011 Proton Waja brings plenty of value for the money, as seen in the well-sorted ride-and-handling balance, stronger engine performance and generous equipment count.
2011 Proton Waja quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Proton Waja ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2011 Proton Waja is neatly styled and well-proportioned, but the design is hardly contemporary with the rectangular headlamps and the crop circle tail lamp design. We prefer the pre-facelift grille over the new one though. The Proton Waja CPS looks exactly the same as the non-CPS Waja except for the rear badging. The interior styling feels dated compared to modern rivals'.
Handling
Thanks to Lotus' contribution, the 2011 Proton Waja rides and handles equally well. Combining the weighty, responsive steering with good body control and agility, the 2011 Proton Waja makes a fun, capable car to drive, matching or outperforming many rivals wearing a bigger price tag.
Comfort
The ride is well-damped over Malaysian roads. But cabin refinement fares less well, with a loud engine note at higher revs, though wind and road noise are well-contained. The centre console is angled towards the driver, presumably for a sporty feel. Controls are easy to read and use, while the leather seats are supportive. Drivers should have no problems getting comfortable as the driver's seat and steering wheel adjust for height, though the latter has no reach adjustments.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin looks dated relative by modern rivals' standards, but at least the fine leather upholstery helps to lift the cabin ambience. Cabin plastics represent a marked improvement from what the Proton Waja first started out with, too. However, the build quality, while still improved over what we first saw, is far from convincing, apparent from the lacklustre panel fittings. The major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission should be reliable over the longer term, as most reliability issues should have been ironed out by now.
Performance
The original Campro engine is now equipped with Cam Profile Switching (CPS), which like variable valve timing mechanisms found in Toyota and Honda models, allows for stronger performance throughout the rev range. CPS and Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) enhance the engine output to 125 bhp at 6500 rpm and 150 Nm at 4500 rpm. On the roads, there is more low-end urge and no more mid-range torque dip. The 1.6-litre remains willing to rev, but adds flexibility for better city driving, overtaking or slope climbing. A five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox is available for selection.
Roominess
The 2011 Proton Waja provides front and rear occupants with reasonable head- and leg-room. Three can sit across the back but shoulder room will be compromised. The boot offers good loading space and rear seats can split-fold for additional space.
Running Costs
Fuel economy for 1.6-litre CPS manual stands at 14.7 km/litre, and 1.6-litre CPS automatic at 13.2 km/litre. All figures are obtained while travelling at a constant 90 km/h; start-stop city driving is going to worsen the fuel economy. Servicing and repairs are affordable. The Proton brand is not best known for its reliability, and unless Proton starts convincing Malaysians through improved reliability and quality, the Waja and other Proton models are likely to suffer heavy depreciation.
Value for Money
The Proton Waja has been around for some time now, and its dated styling, outside and inside, shows it. Cabin refinement and quality can be better too. That said, the 2011 Proton Waja rides and handles well, and importantly, the much-criticised engine performance is boosted by CPS. Being the second most expensive Proton model (after the Proton Inspira), the Proton Waja is also lavished with equipment. Compared to small Japanese sedans like the Toyota Vios, the 2011 Proton Waja stands out with its price, room, equipment count, and ride-and-handling balance.
Equipment
The generous equipment list includes front seats with 3-way adjustable headrest (up, down and tilt), electric foldable side mirrors, gated automatic shifter (for automatic transmission), cruise control (for automatic transmission), new Clarion MP3/WMA player with steering buttons, dual tailpipes, leather upholstery, keyless trunk remote system, 16-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps with automatic headlamp leveling, fog lamps, ABS and dual SRS airbags.
Environment
The fuel economy is decent, but carbon dioxide emissions are on the high side for a 1.6-litre engine. The 2011 Proton Waja is however less polluting being locally produced, compared to a car shipped all the way from Europe or Japan.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Rides and handles well
CPS boosts engine performance
Generous equipment count
Dated styling, outside and inside
Cabin refinement could be better
Build quality still an issue
