About Proton Gen-2
When it decided to replace the Wira hatchback model, Proton didn't found any better idea to name the new generation and just called it Gen 2.
The Malaysian carmaker developed the Gen2 together with the British sports car maker Lotus. It was a new platform with a new engine. It was a significant financial effort, which, after all, it was not that successful as the carmaker hoped.
Damian Chia, Proton's chief designer, tried to make a sporty hatchback. He penned the headlights inspired by the tiger's eyes, and the door handles by the traditional Malaysian dagger. The car's overall shape was unusual for the hatchback segment, with the roof sloped down too soon, resulting in a too raked-forward tailgate. It was a daring idea, at the cost of interior space.
In its quest to offer the Gen2 at the price of a small-segment vehicle, the carmaker had to cut some corners and installed cheaper materials inside. Despite the good design of the dashboard, the hard-plastic materials made it look cheap. Its instrument cluster was sporty-looking, with a chronograph-look for the speedometer and tachometer. Both dials included a small gauge for the coolant temperature and fuel level, respectively. The front seats were slim and with minimal bolstering, while in the back, there was no headroom for average-sized passengers.
Proton installed a newly developed, 1.6-liter engine under the Gen2's hood for the top trim level, while the base version kept the older 1.3-liter unit. Both were paired to a five-speed manual, while the latter was offered an option for a four-speed automatic. The carmaker offered exclusively for the British market a dual fuel, gasoline/LPG system.