[9] The Wira was introduced on 21 May 1993 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.

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.

A total of 2,450 cars finished in Majorca Black and another 50 RS versions painted solid white were produced.

The Wira 1.8 EXi DOHC used a unique grill design and the engine produces 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp).

[11] 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.

Also introduced was Wira Special Edition or WiSE based on the Wira 1.5 GLi Aeroback but had unique front seats with hollow out headrests, modified exhaust system, larger wheels, aluminium pedals and red finish and accents to various interior pieces.

[15] At launch, the Mitsubishi 4G15 1.5-litre 12-valve engine used in the Iswara and its predecessor the Saga, was carried over unchanged for the Wira 1.5 GL.

The Mitsubishi 4G92 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) 1.6L 16 valve SOHC engine with multi-point fuel injection was introduced together with a four speed automatic transmission for the Wira 1.6 XLi.

Also in 1996, a 2.0 litre diesel powered variant (badged as the 2.0D, D, TD, TDi or SDi depending on the market) was also offered.

The Wira remains the company's most widely exported model to date, spanning over seventy countries in Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa, The Middle East and Latin America.

Proton had planned to assemble the Wira in India, Egypt and other markets, but was held back by the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

[21][22] A Compact GTI, developed in conjunction with Lotus Cars with a 1.8-litre engine capable of producing 133 bhp, was also trialled with Humberside in 1999.

[23] The force aimed to convert most of its entire fleet to LPG fuel for cost-saving purposes upon the delivery of the Personas,[22] subsequently going on to take bi-fuel petrol-LPG Impians from 2002 onwards.

From August 2000, the Satria and Wira nameplates were extended to the British market, and the Coupé was discontinued there when production ended in 2001.

In 2005, Zagross Khodro began assembly of Wira complete knock down units for the Iranian market as part of a deal with Proton.