Proton Gen 2

The Proton Gen-2 is an automobile manufactured by Malaysian carmaker Proton, and was launched in the third quarter of 2004. The Gen-2 uses a platform which is mostly Malaysian-developed. Loosely based on a mid-90s Mitsubishi chassis, the platform has been extensively developed by Proton and their partner Lotus. The Gen-2 was initially codenamed the Proton Wira Replacement Model, hinting that the car was to replace the Proton Wira. The name Gen-2 is an abbreviation of 'Generation 2', to mark the success of Proton which is using its own engine for the car.

The Gen-2's platform is also used by the Proton Satria Neo (with a shortened wheelbase) and the Proton Persona (with an extended rear hang to form a more sedan-like body).

Lotus Cars, which is owned by Proton was instrumental in the development of the car which is mainly evident in the car's world-class ride and handling characteristics. The Gen-2 is the first Proton model to use the new Proton/Lotus developed Campro engine. Even though the S4PH 1.6L engine, the first capacity fitted to the Gen-2, is contemporary in maximum power output, it suffers from poor mid-range torque.

This is due to its torque dip in the crucial 2,000 to 3,000 rpm operating range, where the torque actually decreases slightly before picking up back to its peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This torque characteristic can clearly be seen in manufacturer published engine performance curves and is widely attributed to the missing Camshaft Profiling technical feature that the engine was named after, but which was dropped from production probably for cost reasons. However, this torque dip was corrected by Proton in 2008 with a new Campro CPS engine.

The Gen-2's ECU Engine and Automatic Transmission mapping has been modified several times since the car's launch to improve perceived driving characteristics, but have not resulted in changes to manufacturer's torque and power curves and figures.

Manufacturer Proton
Production 2004–present
Predecessor Proton Wira (hatchback)
Class Compact
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 1.3 L Campro S4PE I4
1.6 L Campro S4PH I4
Wheelbase 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Length 4310 mm (169.7 in)
Width 1725 mm (67.9 in)
Height 1435 mm (56.5 in)
Curb weight 1207 kg (2661 lb)
Related Proton Persona
Proton Waja