More powerful Waja now in showrooms

The long-awaited Proton Campro CPS engine is now available in Malaysia (it was first introduced in Bangkok last year) with the Waja 1.6 Premium being the first model to have it. For those who are not familiar with this engine, it incorporates Cam Profile Switching (which is where the ‘CPS’ comes from), a mechanism which varies intake valve timing to enhance performance throughout the rpm range. The mechanism was developed by Lotus Engineering, a subsidiary of Proton.

Additionally,  the Campro CPS engine also has a Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) which optimises the intake airflow volume according to driving conditions and is especially helpful in boosting torque at the low end. The VIM is a more sophisticated version of the Intake Air-fuel Module (IAFM) used in the Campro 1.3-litre engine of the new Saga.

The maximum power output of the new Campro 1.6 CPS engine is 125 bhp (about 92 kW), 13%  more than the 110 bhp on the non-CPS/VIM Campro engine. The new engine, in addition to providing smooth and responsive drivability, is said to be environment-friendly and complies with the latest European emission regulations.

Torque curve of Campro CPS (in blue) shows how much difference there is compared to the non-CPS Campro (in red). Japanese 1.5-litre VVT engine torque curve is shown to illustrate the torque curve of an engine with variable valve timing. [Note; Chart produced by MTM based on data obtained from Proton]

With the CPS mechanism, Proton claims that the new Waja offers significant improvement in terms of drivability with maximum torque now increased to 150Nm. More importantly, the criticism of non-CPS engine that was first launched with the Gen2 – poor low-end torque – is now claimed to be addressed and Proton states that there is ‘better response and torque launch at low engine speeds of between 2000 - 2500 rpm when driving in the city’. During highway driving, it is also claimed that there will be better overtaking performance in the third, fourth and fifth gears within the 2,500 - 4,500 rpm engine speed range. The new Waja is available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

There are also changes to the interior design of the model to add further value to customers. The model now comes with electric remote door mirror with electric folding housing, front seat with 3-way adjustable head rest (up, down and tilt), gated auto gear shifter (for automatic transmission), new centre panel switches and finishing, as well as a keyless trunk remote system, ABS, fog lamps, alloy rims and leather upholstery as standard.

Other additional features include xenon headlamps auto-levelling (so that other motorists are not dazzled), dual tailpipes, UV-cut windscreen glass and a ‘Euro-compliant body structure’.

"Proton is striving to improve ourselves in every aspect, particularly in terms of product offerings. With that in mind, we felt it was time the Waja evolved as well.  The time is right for this change and I'm optimistic the market will receive this new model in a positive manner," said Proton MD, Dato' Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Externally, there are no obvious differences with non-CPS Waja cAMPRO except for badging at the rear

"The new Waja not only provides better performance but has advanced features which we hope will be attractive to car owners, especially those looking for replacement models or even additional cars for the household. Overall, I'm happy with how this model has turned out and I'm looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers," he said.

The version with manual transmission is priced at RM61,888 while with automatic Transmission, the price is RM64,888. Six colour choices are available and there is also an Extended Warranty Program which extends coverage a further three years after the factory warranty expires.