1997–1999 Proton Wira / 400 Series 420 TD GLS Specs & Performance

The Proton Wira 420 TD GLS brought the practicality of a compact family saloon together with the fuel-saving character of a turbocharged diesel engine. Its conventional four-door body and understated styling reflected a straightforward approach to everyday transport, while the five-seat cabin and separate boot made it suitable for family duties and longer journeys. Based on engineering shared with Mitsubishi’s compact-car platform, the Wira offered a familiar front-wheel-drive layout and a functional design rather than sporty pretensions. The diesel engine’s low-rev pulling power suited relaxed cruising, giving this version a distinct role within Proton’s Wira and 400 Series range.

For the 1997–1999 range, power came from a turbocharged 2.0-litre, eight-valve inline-four diesel producing 81 hp at 4,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission sent power to the front wheels. With a top speed of 106 mph and a 0–60 mph time of 13.8 seconds, the 420 TD GLS prioritised economical, steady progress over rapid acceleration. Its five-seat cabin and 13.6 cubic feet of luggage capacity added practical flexibility, while MacPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension completed its conventional compact-saloon package.