The 1.5 and 1.6 engines lack power, but are OK on the motorway – once they’re up to speed. They sound strained at nearly all times, although fuel economy is acceptable. A 2.0 TD was available from 2000-2001.

Lotus (who is owned by Proton) did its best to bring Wira up-to-date, but it still feels several generations behind current Korean competitors. The ride is crashy at all speeds, with too much bodyroll through corners. The steering lacks precision and the gearchange is hard work.