All-New Proton Persona Unveiled!

Shah Alam, 23 August 2016 – Under the launch theme “Experience the Evolution”, the all-new Proton Persona was launched today in a grand ceremony held at the Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam. The new Persona is the second in its generation and replaces the original Persona that was first introduced in 2007. After going through numerous face-lifts and a product life cycle of nine years, the introduction of the replacement is timely, and should create some excitement amongst Malaysian buyers.

The all-new Persona is targeted at the younger buyers, and is upmarket with loads of great features, including smart phone connectivity and it even has two USB chargers for the rear passengers.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, CEO of Proton, said, “We would like everyone to experience the evolution of the all-new Proton Persona. The All-new Proton Persona has evolved significantly in terms of the features, advanced technologies, design and built including a more refined ride and handling as well as reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH).”

The new Persona is marginally smaller than the outgoing model, but it certainly has a fresh new appeal, with a front that is in line with the current trend of Proton models that started with the Preve, i.e. a broad ‘smiling’ facia that stretches across the entire front, a high waistline, and smooth flowing lines. The new Persona has an overall length of 4,387mm, 60mm shorter than its predecessor, and wheelbase has been shortened by 45mm from 2,600mm to 2,555mm. As a comparison, the current Vios also has a wheelbase of 2,555 mm and is 4,410 mm long. The Honda City has a wheelbase of 2,600mm and is 4,440 mm long. From these comparisons, we can safely say the Persona is within the range of the B-segment cars in the market. Luggage space has been increased from the previous 430 litres to 510 litres.

The new Persona is equipped with Proton’s very own well proven and very reliable 1.6 litre DOHC engine that now comes with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) producing 107 HP @ 5,750 RPM and 150Nm of torque @ 4,000 RPM. Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission). Buyers have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission.

With electric power steering, the new Persona is claimed to give extremely good fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual transmission model and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the CVT models.

The new Persona retains the ever popular MacPherson strut suspension for the front, but the multi-link rear suspension has been replaced with a torsion beam. Similarly, the rear brakes are now drums.

There are four variants available – Standard MT denoting the manual transmission model with Standard specifications, a similar equivalent model to the Standard CVT which basically is the same car but with a CVT. Then there is the Executive CVT denoting a CVT-equipped model but with ‘Executive’ specifications, and topped up by the range leader, the Premium CVT.

Needless to say, the Premium CVT variant comes with all the goodies which include, amongst others, slightly wider 15-inch rims, 6.5JJ versus 6.0JJ for the other variants, leather upholstery, a touch screen audio system, push-start button, keyless entry, DVD player and GPS navigation system. In addition, the Premium CVT variant gets side airbags, curtain airbags and a reverse camera. The Executive CVT variant and the Standard variant still get a good complement of features, but not as high as the Premium.

Across the board, the new Persona gets mechanical seat height adjustability, electric headlamp levelling, and audio system with MP3 player with bluetooth connectivity.

In terms of safety features, all variants are equipped with ABS (with EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), and Hill Hold Assist (HA). Front airbags, ISOFIX and Top Tether, and immobilizer. The Persona has been awarded 5-Star Asean NCAP rating.

All in all, the all-new Proton Persona is a package that is really a great bang per buck, especially if you look at the prices, which stand as follows:

Persona Standard MT      :              RM46,800.00

Persona Standard CVT     :              RM49,800.00

Persona Executive CVT    :              RM55,800.00

Persona Premium CVT     :              RM59,800.00