In 1999, the 1.8 grille design was introduced to 1.5 and 1.6 variants. The RS variant interior was more on par with the 1.3 GL variant for weight savings but with 15 inch ROH rally wheels. Non-RS variants featured AAC 14' wheels, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel and leather gear knob, larger disc brakes, larger anti roll bars, extra welding reinforced chassis, twin tip exhaust muffler and a rear spoiler. The Wira 1.8 EXi DOHC used a unique grill design and the engine produces 103 kW (140 PS 138 hp). A total of 2,450 cars finished in Majorca Black and another 50 RS versions painted solid white were produced. There was also a limited edition Wira 1.8 EXi DOHC with a manual transmission dubbed 'FIA Homologated Special Edition', built to meet the homologation requirement of at least 2,500 units set by the World Rally Championship. The 1.8 EXi automatics also came standard with ABS brakes.

In 1995, the Wira 1.8 EXi joined the range available with an automatic transmission, available with sedan or Aeroback bodywork and a single overhead cam engine. Wira 1.3's are not equipped with a rev counter. This coincided with the launch of the Wira 1.3 GL MT variant and introduction of diesel powered Wira variants. In 1995, the Wira received new grille and tail lights with clear indicators. In 1994, a 1.6 XLi MT variant joined the range in Malaysia. At the same time, both saloon and hatchback models launched in the UK. In October 1993, a five-door hatchback version (initially badged as the Wira Aeroback, in a similar fashion as the five door Saga hatchback) was introduced. Rear disc brakes, front and rear armrests, electric mirrors, folding rear seats and electric windows on all doors were features available on the 1.6 variant. The frontal design continues the styling first shown in the Proton Iswara with a fluted bonnet that tapers towards the Proton badge on the grill. At launch, 3 variants were available: 1.5 GL MT, 1.5 GL AT and 1.6 XLi AT. Modifications includes a Proton designed dashboard, front grill and bonnet, headlights, front bumper and front fenders from the Mirage and tail lights from the 1987 Galant hatchback.

The Wira was introduced on as a four-door saloon, based on the CB2A–CB4A-CD9A platform shared with the 1991 Mitsubishi Lancer, with slightly modified styling to distinguish it. Development of a second, all new Proton model began as early as the middle of 1988.

Proton free