Tiara Reborn:
Lightweight Proton Tiara Track Weapon Takes on Sepang
Before you commit to buying a car, and considering that it might be converted to a track-car one day, would a Proton Tiara even be in the top list of choices? That meant, pushing aside all the Proton Satrias & Wiras, Honda EFs, Toyota Starlets. But it’s a choice for this specific owner, and with good reason.
A bit of a history lesson on what is this “Proton Tiara”. Back in the 90’s, The Proton Tiara was born from a collaboration between Malaysia's Proton Sdn. Bhd. and France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroën. The Tiara was basically, a rebadged 5-door Citroën AX, a lightweight hatchback known for its simplicity and efficiency. Although it’s built in Malaysia and badged as a Proton, the Tiara retained as much of its French mechanical DNA – including the chassis, suspension, and the 1.1-liter TU3JP engine. However, the bigger picture that we didn’t see, was that in its original form the AX has a strong motorsport pedigree, particularly in rallying & their own “AX Cup” that was popular in Europe in the late 80’s & 90’s period.
A bit of a history lesson on what is this “Proton Tiara”. Back in the 90’s, The Proton Tiara was born from a collaboration between Malaysia's Proton Sdn. Bhd. and France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroën. The Tiara was basically, a rebadged 5-door Citroën AX, a lightweight hatchback known for its simplicity and efficiency. Although it’s built in Malaysia and badged as a Proton, the Tiara retained as much of its French mechanical DNA – including the chassis, suspension, and the 1.1-liter TU3JP engine. However, the bigger picture that we didn’t see, was that in its original form the AX has a strong motorsport pedigree, particularly in rallying & their own “AX Cup” that was popular in Europe in the late 80’s & 90’s period.
The cars that entered this event, were lightly modified (stripped interiors, roll cages, tuned engines and upgraded suspensions), and it showcased the AX’s potential on track. So it shouldn’t be surprising that this Tiara owners knows something that we didn’t. And this choice was intentional, because maybe, the Tiara is actually an understated “track weapon”.
So, what has this Tiara gone through, to become lesser of a forgotten mild-mannered, economical car, and more of a humble street / track car?
This Tiara has undergone a weight reduction program, shedding the rear seats, the rear carpets, the boot panels, and the biggest contribution of the weight loss; the spare tire. From the standard factory curb-weight of 810 kilograms, the “diet” that this particular car has endured, has shaved more than a staggering 100 kilograms. The result, less than 700 kilograms in total .Its featherweight chassis gives a new meaning to the phrase "adding lightness." Fiberglass panels, a minimalist dash, and a custom C-pillar brace helps keep the center of gravity low and the body structure rigid.
Power comes from a rebuilt KZY-TU3JP, the original 1.1L SOHC engine found in Citroën AX — the Tiara’s French DNA showing through. The stock injection system has been replaced with a pair of DCNF40 Weber carburetors, giving it the bark and urgency of a proper old-school hot hatch. Tuning the carb setup has unlocked crisp throttle response and improved mid-range torque, perfect for Sepang’s sweeping corners and tight hairpins. One thing that is crucial on the track, is definitely cooling. No worries, it’s being taken care off by a SARD performance radiator, ensuring temps stay under control even under Malaysia’s relentless heat and the stress of prolonged track sessions.
While this car hasn’t had a dyno session to get an accurate reading of the power output this car generates, the tuner estimates roughly around 110 bhp (from the stock 98 hp) and makes 150Nm of torque (from the stock 135Nm)
And previously, it had straight flow exhaust system, but in the pursuit of chasing more power where it’s possible, the owner & tuner has made a custom side exhaust shooting out of the left side, just under the passenger door. It does sacrifice some top-end power when the engine is chasing the 9,000 RPM, but it has a more linear acceleration curve. We advise any passengers going out for a taxi ride, best to stay aware of the hot exhaust pipe exit. It does look good though, no doubt. And it sounds loud as well.
Braking upgrades include uprated 266mm rotors and front callipers from the 206cc (coupe cabrio platform) with performance pads, braided lines, and a stripped rear drum system optimized for balance over pure stopping power. Since the car’s curb weight now is less than 700 kilos, it doesn’t need massive braking power, as an uprated discs & callipers would be enough to slow down the car for the tight hairpins of turn 1, 9 and 15, and that is after a long straight blasting till the car reaches 4th or even 5th gear.
The car does have some changes on the outside, taken from its French cousin – namely the front grille comes from a Citroën ZX, and houses the French brand’s logo. It houses a Morette-branded headlamps set, but it’s customed to have only two headlights instead of the original four lights layout. However, since it’s reduced two headlamps from the front, there is a custom full-LED headlamp (ehem.. a certain road bike LED light) that replaces them. Also, to give that extra air-flow & cooling, you can see a certain “air-duct” next to the right headlight. Subtle touch, but functional.
A Mark-2 front & rear bumper, and trunk has replaced the Tiara’s standard look. Furthermore, the tail lamps have been replaced to the European’s left hand drive spec, which it has the reverse light only on one side. Gone are the Tiara & AX’s three-lugs rims (due to difficulties finding them) and replaced with a four-lugs set & tightened on them are lightweight 15-inches OZ Racing Leggenda wheels (7jj offset ET40) , sprayed in a crayon-gray colour to have a bit more personal touch to the car, rather than the typical white, or black colour of the standard OZ Wheels.
Wrapped around those wheels on each corners are 195/50 Hankook’s Ventus RS4 tyres, providing aggressive grip on the roads & enough grip to face the track sessions at Sepang. One word of warning; if you do come across this car on the road, and you wouldn’t want to remove the paint on your bumper & hood, or not considering replacing your windscreen, we recommend you do not follow this particular Tiara / AX too closely from behind.
Open the doors on this Malaysia-French car, and you’ll see where most of the diet is effective. The only creature comfort on this car, is that it does have windows and comfortable seats, and… that’s it. There isn’t any air-conditioning (something quite crucial to have, when you’re living in the constantly changing temperature & weather of Malaysia). There is no power steering, although it gives the direct steering feedback on track & corners, but it definitely is a struggle trying to do some side-parking action. And while there is a radio, is it possible to hear any tunes? Especially when the side-exit exhaust is the only soundtrack you’ll hear throughout any journey made in this car.
On the center console, you’ll see the illuminated custom kill-switch & ignition panel, right in front of where 3rd gear would be. Be careful not to shift into 3rd and don’t accidentally “kill” the engine while you’re at it. However, track-cars are a bit of a fire-hazard, therefore the owner does equip the car with a fire extinguisher, mounted by the passenger’s side footwell.
While the instrument cluster houses a “Jaeger” speedometer, it lacks a rev counter. Hence, an aftermarket rev gauge is installed by the A-pillar, and a small water-temp gauge is mounted on the steering column.
To give that extra support for the driver to fight against the G-forces, the driver has a semi-bucket Recaro seat, and Takata 4-point safety harness, while the passenger still gets the original front seats and the conventional seatbelt. And that’s it for the passenger (singular) because of the absence of any rear seats.
In its place, is its bare chassis form. No carpets needed, because reducing weight is the key element, and sits behind the driver is a racing helmet, since it would be important for the track.
It might not look like much to the untrained eye, but this Proton Tiara has the pedigree of a pure-bred track car, yet despite the lack of air-conditioning & powered steering, the owner still drives it (albeit, more to the evening & night time cruising, and not enduring the scorching heat of Malaysia)
Its raw, analog driving experience makes it a unique weapon on a circuit filled with more conventional performance cars. Built for one thing — cornering precision and driver feedback — this Tiara is proof that with enough creativity and dedication, even the most unassuming platform can become a giant killer.
So… What’s NEXT for the owner?
The owner is planning to upgrade the existing carburettor to a 4-throttle superbike carb setup, a closer-ratio gearbox, and upgrading the handling set-up. Who knows what more will come. We might just follow the owner down to a track-day session to see What’s NEXT
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy this article, and definitely there’s more to come.
Here are some bonus images!
