Proton Gen-2: Proton’s first in-house platform

The Proton GEN•2 is a five-door liftback launched in Malaysia in the third quarter of 2004. It was codenamed the Wira Replacement Model and was the first Proton to use an indigenously designed platform and engine, both developed with Lotus. The name stands for Generation 2.

Proton Gen-2 at a glance

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Proton Gen 2.

History of the Proton Gen-2

The GEN•2 was developed as the replacement for the Wira Aeroback and was among the first models built at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant, part of the Proton City project. Its platform was developed at some expense by Proton with technical partner Lotus, and was later adapted for the Satria Neo and the Persona. The CamPro engine, short for Camshaft Profiling, was also a Proton and Lotus design. Domestic sales of the GEN•2 ended in 2012, but Proton continued to build the car for export markets as of 2018.

Engines and facelift

The GEN•2 launched with a 1.6-litre CamPro engine producing 110 hp (82 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 148 Nm at 4,000 rpm. In August 2005 a no-frills 1.3-litre CamPro variant joined it with 95 hp at 6,000 rpm and 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The facelift was launched in Thailand on 1 December 2007 and in Malaysia in March 2008, in High Line and Medium Line trim. The High Line used the CamPro CPS 1.6 with 125 hp (93 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm, its variable valve timing and variable intake manifold added to cure the torque dip of the older engine. The Medium Line kept an IAFM unit of 110 hp. The facelift also brought a new front bumper, grille, rear spoiler and alloy wheels, and an interior in line with the Persona. The High Line had leather, cruise control, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and EBD; the Medium Line only a driver’s airbag. Prices ran from RM53,488 to RM60,488.

Special editions and export

In July 2005 the GEN•2 R3 concept appeared at the Dreamcars Asia Motorshow with Recaro, MOMO and Proton R3 parts; 500 examples were made. The Merdeka Millennium Edition of August 2006 marked Proton’s class win in the 2005 Merdeka Millennium Endurance race and was limited to 200 cars with more power, an in-car entertainment system, custom rims and a body kit. The EVE Hybrid Concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show was designed mainly by Lotus Engineering: a 1.6 CamPro with a 30 kW electric motor, CVT, start-stop and regenerative braking, 134 g/km of CO2 against 172 g/km, 28% better fuel economy and 141 hp in total. It never entered production, though its CVT did. From 2007 Proton sold the GEN•2 in China through Youngman Automobile, at least 30,000 cars being rebadged as Europestar. In Britain the 1.6 GSX ecoLogic of August 2008 ran on petrol or LPG, cost £11,195 and qualified for lower road tax. The final update of 20 May 2010 added a black roof and gave the Medium Line the CPS engine.

Design

The GEN•2 was styled by Proton’s Australian-educated chief stylist Damian Chia. He took inspiration from the traditional Malay kite known as the wau bulan and the handle of the kris dagger for the grille, and gave the car what he called tiger-like eyes for a more forceful front end.

Design and features

• CamPro engines: 1.6- and 1.3-litre units designed in-house with Lotus.
• Own platform: later adapted for the Satria Neo and Persona.
• Distinctive grille: Malay kite and kris motifs by Damian Chia.
• ecoLogic: a factory-approved petrol/LPG conversion sold in Britain.

Proton Gen-2 versions

• GEN•2 1.6 (2004): 110 hp CamPro, the launch model.
• GEN•2 1.3 (2005): no-frills 95 hp variant.
• GEN•2 R3 (2005): 500 cars with Recaro, MOMO and R3 parts.
• GEN•2 MME (2006): 200 units marking the endurance race win.
• GEN•2 High Line / Medium Line (2008): facelift with CPS or IAFM engines.
• GEN•2 ecoLogic (2008): dual-fuel model for the UK.

The Gen-2 platform was extended for the Proton Persona saloon and adapted for the Satria Neo; it replaced the Wira Aeroback. More in the Proton collection.

Video: 2005 Proton GEN.2 1.6 Start-Up and Full Vehicle Tour

Video on YouTube.

Sources

• Proton Gen 2, English Wikipedia: history, engines, facelift, export