2016 New Proton Persona
The new Proton
Persona makes its official launch debut yesterday, the second entry in a four-model
resurgence for the national carmaker that began with the new Perdana.
The Persona arrives in a total of three
trim levels – Standard, Executive and Premium – all of which are powered by a
1.6 litre DOHC four-cylinder VVT petrol engine. You’ll also get a five-star
ASEAN NCAP safety rating regardless of your choice, thanks to the safety kit
fitted.
Based on the Iriz platform, the Persona
shares the same 2,555 mm wheelbase length as the hatchback, as well as its
width (1,722 mm) and height (1,554 mm). Obviously, the sedan body style sees an
increase to the vehicle’s length, which measures 4,387 mm, an increase of 467
mm from the Iriz. This also allows for a more spacious boot at 510 litres
compared to the Iriz’ 215 litres, which can be expanded further by folding down
the 60:40-split rear seats (except on the Standard).
In terms of design, the Persona is very
clearly based on the Iriz hatchback, but with a few small revisions. The
headlamps and grille are slimmer on the sedan, while the lower grille features
a redesigned number plate holder section. On models with front fog lamps, they
are circular in shape as well. With the extension at the rear, the Persona also
gets its own tail lamp design separate from the ones on the Iriz.
Inside, most of the Iriz’
interior panels have been carried over, including the “stitched dashboard, the
pod-like centre console and instrument binnacle, three-spoke steering wheel and
door cards. However, much like the exterior, there are a few differences to
note.
Performance wise, the Persona comes with
only a single petrol engine choice – the 1.6 litre DOHC four-cylinder VVT unit
lifted from the Iriz, which produces 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000
rpm. Drive is sent to front wheels via a five-speed manual (Standard only) or a
CVT. Although mechanically similar, Proton has done a few changes for the
engine’s application on the Persona.
Following the car’s ECO Drive Assist
indicator (standard on all trims), the Persona is capable of consuming up to
5.6 litres per 100 km with the manual transmission and up to 6.1 litres per 100
km with the CVT, at a constant speed of 90 km/h.
The high-spec Premium trim will set you
back just under RM 60k, and comes with all the bells and whistles, including
steering-mounted audio controls, front fog lamps, two rear USB charging ports,
remote trunk release, leather upholstery and a 2-DIN touchscreen infotainment
unit. The latter comes with DVD playback capabilities, GPS navigation,
Bluetooth connectivity and accepts USB, AUX inputs.
In terms of safety, all variants of the
Persona come with ABS (with EBD and brake assist), electronic stability control
(ESC), traction control, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors (with
top tether). The airbag count stands at six for the Premium, while the
Executive and Standard will have just two.
There are six colours to choose from –
Midnight Black, Sterling Silver, Cotton White, Graphite Grey, Fire Red and a
new Carnelian Brown. Prices for the three trim levels, on-the-road including
insurance, are as follows:
- 1.6 Standard 5MT – RM 46,350 (solid), RM 46,800 (metallic)
- 1.6 Standard CVT – RM 49,350 (solid), RM 49,800 (metallic)
- 1.6 Executive CVT – RM 55,350 (solid), RM 55,800 (metallic)
- 1.6 Premium CVT – RM 59,350 (solid), RM 59,800 (metallic)
Source : Paultan
