2002 PROTON Arena/Jumbuck 1.5 5 MT (85 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Inspired by other small-sized pick-up trucks on the market, Proton considered that it might be a good idea to make one of their own, and the success was surprising.

The Malaysian carmaker Proton was still working closely with Mitsubishi when it introduced the Arena in 2002. It had to rename it Jumbuck for several export markets due to copyright issues. Still, it was the same vehicle based on the same platform as the Proton Wira (Malaysian Mitsubishi Lancer of fourth-generation).

Proton’s engineers and designers worked closely to develop the vehicle while trying to get a small final price on the market. The car’s front end was similar to its sibling, the Wira, with slim horizontal headlights rounded and curved on the upper side. Its wrapped-around plastic bumper sported a grille on its lower side. The carmaker added plastic moldings on the car’s flanks and a pair of fog-lights at the front, depending on the trim level. The cabin was suitable for two people, and the small bed in the back was large enough for a small contractor. But since it was a utility vehicle, it was lower-taxed.

Inside, the base version featured cranked windows and a curved, plastic dashboard. There was a center stack good for a set of vents and the stereo, which was offered as an option. Hence Proton’s intention was to sell it as a leisure vehicle as well. It offered an option for air-conditioning and power windows.

Under the hood, Proton installed only the 1.5-liter Mitsubishi-sourced engine paired to a five-speed manual.