yup. very normal. used to own a 97 model 1.5A. problem with it is the lousy 3 speed auto. problem comes when you run on highways. 3k rpm is around 90 km/h and when you stay too long on 140km/h, you will see the temp needle going up to hot and you get to stop by at the side of the road to have a cup of tea. new 1.5 wira auto already comes with 4 speed auto. so this problem is a pass. my experience has been twice over heating and once radiator explode and leakage due to over heat. because of the lousy transmission, i decided to sell it off and get something reliable.

if you consider on the 4 speed auto. that should settle the problem of speed vs rpm issue. but do remember the 1.5 soch is way too underpower and you will feel the lack of power, and countless reving to achieve desire speeds.

yup the new wira aeroback se comes with 4 speed auto. sorry for the lack of information.

you can try to overhaul the engine, retune the carburator. which is the cheap way. the expensive way is to change the carburator to a EFI unit. there are workshops which does such transplant. But do take note that the cost is high and its not practical unless you're stuck to the car for another few more years. in addition. you won't get a drastic in performance but its much better than the old carb engine.