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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
12 May 2008
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.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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