Proton’s run of product updates continues with the
preview of the facelifted Proton Persona today. Set to be launched later this
month the Persona will be open
for booking starting tomorrow, March 12. As with its hatchback sibling, there
will be an online flash booking for the car until March 22, with a fee of
RM 9.99.
The sweeping chrome trim, which spans across the entire
width of the car, incorporates what Proton calls the “Ethereal Bow” design, now
wrapping under the grille. This grille, by the way, features the new “Infinite
Weave” pattern first seen on the X70 SUV.
The outgoing model’s massive lower grille has also
been slimmed down, while the air intakes flanking it (with LED daytime
running lights) have been made larger; a slim gloss black strip ties it all
together. At the rear sits a revised rear bumper with a chrome strip, plus a
new rear bootlid garnish with the Proton script. New 15-inch two-tone
multi-spoke alloy wheels complete the look.
Inside, the Persona keeps its black and beige colour
scheme but gains a frameless rear-view mirror, new part-leather upholstery and
a gearknob from the X70, complete with a leather boot. You also now get
features such as automatic headlights and an auto up/down driver’s side window
(previously only auto down), and like the Iriz, the Persona has a new
instrument cluster with cleaner dials and a large colour multi-info display.
You’ll also find a new infotainment system – a
version of the Geely Smart Ecosystem (GKUI) developed in collaboration with
ECARX – with a seven-inch touchscreen and the same “Hi Proton” voice control
function as the X70 (minus a few commands for some of the vehicle features). As
with the X70 and Iriz, the Persona gets internet connectivity via a built-in
eSIM, which Proton says is a first for the segment.
The powertrain remains unchanged – there’s a 1.6
litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150
Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a
CVT. Proton says that the CVT has been recalibrated to reduce fuel consumption
by around three to four percent, and changes have also been made to achieve
improved braking performance and refinement.
There are three variants – Standard,
Executive and Premium. Five colours will be offered, including
Jet Grey, Snow White, Ruby Red, Rosewood Maroon and Armour Silver. All colours
are new for the Persona and come from Geely’s colour palette, except from Ruby
Red which is a Proton hue.
