The Proton Tiara is a Malaysian car based on the Citroën AX and built under licence between 1996 and 2000. It was Proton’s attempt at a small city car under an agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroën. Slow sales ended it after four years.
Proton Tiara at a glance
| Maker | Proton, Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Class | small hatchback |
| Basis | Citroën AX, built under licence |
| Production | 1996–2000 |
| Partner | PSA Peugeot Citroën |
| Engine | 1.1-litre, 45 kW (60 hp) |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual |
| Variants | 1.1 GL and 1.1 GLi |
| Colours | six |
| Markets | Malaysia only |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Proton Tiara.
History of the Proton Tiara
The Tiara came from an agreement in the mid-1990s between Proton’s chief executive Yahaya Ahmad and PSA Peugeot Citroën. Yahaya wanted Proton to move away from Mitsubishi platforms and to gain access to PSA’s diesel engines. In April 1996 Proton began a separate joint venture with PSA to build the Tiara, called USPD (Usahasama Proton DRB). Yahaya Ahmad died in a helicopter crash in 1997, and Proton returned to recycled Mitsubishi platforms and parts before developing its own designs. Production of the Tiara ceased in 2000 because of low sales volume; the Proton Savvy of June 2005 was its indirect successor and the Citroën AX’s.
Design and market
The Tiara’s appearance mimicked the more powerful Citroën AX models such as the AX GT, but its grille was restyled to match the existing Saga and Wira. Different bumpers and taillight clusters were the other visual changes. It was available only with a 1.1-litre engine producing 45 kW (60 hp), paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Two variants were sold: the 1.1 GL with material-coloured bumpers and the 1.1 GLi with full body paint. Buyers could choose from six colours: silver, red, royal blue, dark green, greenish blue and grey. The licence restricted Proton from exporting the car, so the Tiara was sold only in Malaysia.
Design and features
- Citroën AX basis: a licensed copy with Proton’s own grille.
- 1.1-litre engine: 45 kW (60 hp) with a five-speed manual.
- Two trims: the 1.1 GL and the better-finished 1.1 GLi.
- Home market only: the licence barred exports.
Proton Tiara versions
- Tiara 1.1 GL: material-coloured bumpers.
- Tiara 1.1 GLi: full body paint.
- Six colours: silver, red, royal blue, dark green, greenish blue and grey.
The Tiara was replaced in spirit by the Proton Savvy, and its grille matched the Proton Saga and Wira. More models are in the Proton collection.
Video: Proton Tiara Advertisement-Legend
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Proton Tiara, English Wikipedia: history, design, variants
