Styling of the new Proton Persona is neat and contemporary
Malaysian car-maker Proton has released an all-new version of its small-medium Persona sedan with a fresh new style and improved performance.
Where the previous Persona, sold here between 1995 and 2005, shared most components with the Satria hatch and M21 coupe and was based on an old Mitsubishi Lancer, the new model has been designed and built in-house as was its Gen.2 hatchback sibling which has been on sale in Australia since late-2004.
Styling of the new Persona sedan and Gen.2 hatch are very similar, the only noticeable difference at the front of the two cars being in the detail of the grille. The rear of the Persona is tall, almost hatch-like, and enhances the neat and contemporary design of the car.
There’s reasonable interior space and four adults can be carried without major discomfort although the boot/rear legroom compromise is weighted more in favour of the capacious 430-litre boot. Note that some of the boot space is achieved by the use of a space-saver spare wheel. Storage space can be extended to within the car courtesy of a 60/40 split rear seat back.
The highlight of the interior design is a sporty metallic instrument binnacle and air conditioning control clearly influenced by Proton’s subsidiary, Lotus. Proton purchased the embattled British sports car maker back in 1996 and has subsequently utilised much of its expertise in the design and performance of its vehicles.
Only one engine is offered, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit that generates maximum power of 82 kilowatts at 6000 rpm and 148 Newton metres of torque at 4000 rpm. This is the first all-Proton engine, previous ones, although built by Proton, came from Mitsubishi.
We were a little critical of the new engine when it made its debut in the Gen.2 back in 2004 mainly on its lack of performance however we’re pleased to advise that there has been a noticeable improvement particularly in the torque range, now widened to make the engine stronger in all conditions. Another example of the benefits of the Proton-Lotus liason.
The improved performance hasn’t come at the expense of fuel economy with combined city/country usage starting at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres according to the Australian ADR fuel consumption test.
Transmission options are five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
Persona also comes well-equipped with standard features that include dual front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), climate control air conditioning, remote central locking with boot release, reversing sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front and rear foglamps and MP3-compatible CD audio system.
The Lotus influence is especially noticeable with Persona’s improved chassis dynamics. On the road it’s beautifully balanced with excellent handling characteristics and precise steering. Just the thing for the budget-conscious family driver who can sneak out for the occasional drive in the country.
In its early years on the Australian market Proton made the mistake of over-pricing some of its models. There’s no such problem with the new Persona and its price $16,990 (manual) and $18,990 (automatic) should make it highly competitive in the small-medium sedan marketplace. On-road costs need to be added to these prices.
