Proton Juara

Infobox Automobile
name = Proton Juara


manufacturer = Proton
production = 2001-2003
predecessor =
successor =
class = Microvan
platform =
body_style = 5-door van
engine = 1.1 L 4A31 I4
transmission =
wheelbase = Auto mm|2390|1
length = Auto mm|3660|1
width = Auto mm|1535|1
height = Auto mm|1810|1
weight = Auto kg|1005|0
aka =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity=
related = Mitsubishi Town Box (Wide)
similar = Perodua Kenari
designer = The Proton Juara was a microvan produced by Malaysian carmaker Proton between 2001 and 2003. The design and production of the Juara marked a notable departure from Proton's traditional preference towards saloons and hatchbacks, making the Juara the first van to be manufactured by Proton.

The van's name was derived from the Malay language, meaning "champion".

Design

The Juara was introduced in 2001 as a rival to Perodua's Kenari and was targeted at young families looking for an urban lifestyle vehicle.

The Juara was based on the Japanese domestic market's "Wide" variant of the Mitsubishi Town Box, which production has now discontinued. Much of the Juara's restyling from the Town Box Wide concentrated primarily around cosmetic changes to the bumpers, grille and interior. This left unchanged the general body design and bumper-based circular taillights of the original Town Box, and mudguards throughout the lower portion of the body and headlights of the Town Box Wide. A raft of optional accessories were offered by Proton to go with the Juara.

Throughout its production, the Juara was given a 1.1 litre engine producing Auto bhp|71|0 and was only available with an automatic transmission.

Production and reception

The Juara's market performance was generally poor, with production stopped a few months after its introduction in 2001. However, the production for a small number (around 1,000 units) was resumed in mid-2002. The sales figures remained so disappointing that in 2003, Proton discontinued the production of the Juara altogether. When it was first introduced in 2001, the price tag of the Proton Juara was around RM42,000 to RM52,000. Less than a year later, the price was reduced to RM35,000 but it still failed to attract the consumers in Malaysia.

The Juara has, however, found a niche market among small traders who found that the Juara was suitable for transporting medium loads.