The Waja CPS 1.6 is not completely a new model for us to introduce, it has passed through a series of face lifts prior to final production. It is still pretty much the same car however with new engine and several new features than previous versions. All of us pretty well versed with Mitsubishi's 4G18 which was used in the first batches of Waja, then followed by S4PH Campro engine which made its debut in 2006. The latest is the birth of 1.6 CPS engine.
Generally the car looks the same at first glance in the sense that the exterior had almost all features similar to the previous model. However, the vast difference is felt when we take the wheels under our control for a test ride. The Campro CPS engine is really astonishing in terms of engine performance. The CPS is totally the other way round when compared to the S4PH Campro in the sense that it provides smooth and responsive handling situations; thanks to the 13% hike in power output due to the CPS profiling. The CPS acts aggressive when needed and it can produce up to 125hp at 6500rpm. A pure 150Nm torque is generated at 4500rpm, however it has plenty more torque that can be generated throughout the ride.
In usual cases, where S4PH engine is in use, one will need to drop the gear (assuming MT) to 3rd gear in order to overtake any slow leading car. However, to our amazement, the CPS could just settle the overtaking while its at the 4th gear! Pretty impressive, isn't it? The CPS can effortlessly climb hills, unlike the sluggish S4PH engine. CPS engine can also be said as more fuel efficient compared to its previous S4PH sibling. For instance, the CPS allows us to cruise at just 2000rpm for 80km/hr and 3000rpm for 110km/hr.
The only bad thing about CPS is the occasional engine power loss. This is observed whenever the air-cond compressor kicks in. Hopefully this can be fixed in the next incarnation of CPS engine.
