Proton Tiara

Proton Tiara
Overview
Manufacturer	Proton
Production	1996-2000
Body and chassis
Class	Supermini
Body style	5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	1.1-litre Citroën I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,290 mm (90.2 in)
Length	n/a
Width	n/a
Height	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Curb weight	780 kg (1,719.6 lb)

The Proton Tiara is a Malaysian automobile based on the Citroën AX, built under licence by the automobile manufacturer Proton between 1996 and 2000.

History

The genesis of the Tiara was the result of an agreement during the mid-1990s between Proton's then CEO, Yahaya Ahmad, and PSA Peugeot Citroën, a producer of Citroën and Peugeot vehicles. Yahaya had expressed wishes that Proton not use Mitsubishi platforms, and that Proton cooperate with PSA Peugeot Citroën for access to its diesel engines. In 1996, Proton began a separate joint venture with PSA to build the Tiara called USPD (Usahasama Proton DRB Sdn. Bhd.).^[1]

Yahaya Ahmad was killed in a helicopter crash in 1997, and Proton returned to using various Mitsubishi-based platforms and developed in-house designed models later. Production of the Tiara ceased in 2000 due to low sales volume; in 2005, the Proton Savvy was launched as a successor to the Proton Tiara or Citroen AX.

Design and market

The Tiara was known as the cheapest used car in its market. Its appearance mimicked that of more powerful Citroën AXs, such as the AX GT, but the grille was restyled to match the existing Saga and Wira models. Other cosmetic differences included different bumpers and taillight clusters. It was only available with a 1.1-litre 45 kW (60 hp) engine.

The Proton Tiara was sold only in the Malaysian market, due to similarities with the Citroën AX.

References