[SnowPatrol]

this car is a quick fix to make up for the miserable attempt to replace
wira using gen2...

nothing's changed in terms of performance compared to gen2 i'd
think...just changes here and there to make up the nonsense
impracticalities in gen2.

well...i might be wrong though.

[drexchan]

quick fix? wrong. I was invited to the shah alam facility about 2 years
ago to view the full-scale clay model and was asked to discussed together
with a group of 10 Wira (Sedan to be specific) owners on various aspect
of the new car.

We were informed that the car might/might not be produced, and
might/might not replace the Wira but we all knew that it`s going to
happen.

We basically determined about 90% of what the car is now having:
- glove box
- arm rest
- new handbrake lever
- storage besides the gear selector (but was then much like the Neo in
the concept drawing)
- fabric and soft padding on the doors
- door trim design
- placement and types of buttons for the power windows.
- what to do with the analogue clock (yes, get it removed)
- darker interior (to suit the image as WRM)
- head rest and better seat
- boot release and key hole (we want one!)
- fold-flat rear seats
- improved rear head room
- eliminate the sagging rear suspension upon full loading (my personal
complaint)
- etc etc

Most of the idea came from the designers, we were just choosing from the
various designs.

Some of the issues were brought up and we added new ideas.

You guys can blame us for not doing the "job" well but the fact is - IT`s
NOT A QUICK FIT.

If the clay model and the concept drawings were the initial planning,
they have at least spent 18 - 20 months on the new car.

I can even name a few of them who participated the group discussion, yes
they are around.

[advanza]

but things still never changed...research must be done to seek users
point of view not your point of view...then u buy proton lor...

[xstan]

After reading most ofthe reviews & views from professional , media,
mechanic many agreed its vast improvemnt over the Gen2 even the
performances on Auto & the NVH improve as well. Its a much quiet car
right now & better ride. Better gear handling.

[SnowPatrol]

ahh...the wonder of proton's "new" car...

all (or at least 90%) interior "improvements" looks like...nothing much
on performance improvement.

well...anyway, at the end of the day, sales level will tell how good the
car is. talk is cheap. no offense mr drex...just fear history repeating
itself here.

[Vegatron]

like I said in the other forum.... the vast majority aren't too concerned
about engine performance. Much rather they are more interested interior
and parts quality improvement. If the vast majority really wants a 150bhp
machine with vvti, people wouldn't be ordering the persona already.

[drexchan]

"but things still never changed...research must be done to seek users
point of view not your point of view...then u buy proton lor..." -advanza-

Am I not a user of Proton make?

[drexchan]

SnowPatrol,

At least they have the initiative to invite us for the discussion,
meaning they are actually concern on what the customers want. We did what
we did. Whether the car sells or not, has nothing to do with me.

[tzepeng]

I really think that proton has taken a step forward with the new persona. I
don't know why anyone could just say it is just a longer version of the
gen2. I think the improvements are there, and with cheaper price of course.
I really think drex has a point.

[drexchan]

Vegatron,

spot on!

It's a family sedan but Malaysian tends to think that they are buying a
sport car!