Proton Persona

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This article is about the 2007 car model by Proton. For the previous car model sold in Europe and Australia, see Proton Wira.
Proton Persona

The Proton Persona is largely similar to the Proton Gen-2 hatchback, with an added boot, slightly extended roof-line and higher profile tyres.
Manufacturer Proton
Also called Proton Gen-2 Persona (UK)
Production 2007–present
Predecessor Proton Wira
Class Compact
Body style(s) 4-door saloon
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 1.6 L Proton Campro engine I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Curb weight 1,243 kg (2,740 lb)
Related Proton Gen-2
Proton Waja

The Proton Persona (known as the Proton Gen-2 Persona in the UK) is a small family car manufactured by Malaysian national carmaker Proton since August 2007 and is the successor to the Proton Wira.

Contents

[edit] Design

[edit] Body

The Proton Persona is essentially a saloon based on the Gen-2 hatchback introduced in 2004, and inherits the Persona name from rebadged Wiras sold in certain countries. It addresses several main flaws of the Gen-2, although the Gen-2 itself remains in sale.

The most noticeable difference of the Persona from the Gen-2 is the a separate, larger boot, making it better suited to the local market, as Malaysians prefer saloons (an obvious fact overlooked by Proton's former management).[citation needed] More importantly, the roofline slopes less, addressing the many complaints on the lack of rear headroom.

[edit] Interior

The interior was redesigned to incorporate a glovebox at the dashboard, an accessory that was not available in the Gen-2. The obtrusive analog clock present in the Gen-2's dashboard has also been replaced by a digital one that now resides in the digital display on the instrument panel. In addition, the door trims and panels were modified to feature more ergonomic window switches and door handles, and the pseudo-racing seats were replaced by more conventional and comfortable ones. Fit and finish is noticeably improved a lot and so are the suspension setting as well because it is tuned more to comfort.

A revised version of the Gen-2 launched on March 3, 2008 also incorporates the interior trims of the Persona.

[edit] Engine

The 1.6 liter Campro engine in the Persona is the same 82 kW (110 hp) unit used in other Proton models but with an improved cast aluminum oil pan design that reduces the chances of damage. A transmission control unit re-calibration on models with automatic transmissions reduces the hunting of gears and improves gear changes in an attempt to mask the dip in the torque curve in the lower and middle rev ranges. It has been announced that in early 2008 the Persona will be equipped with new Campro engines that incorporate a new variable-geometry intake manifold module (Campro IAFM engine) which improves low-end torque and high-rev breathing.

[edit] Reception

With a more attractive price tag that ranges from RM44,999 to RM55,800 (about RM10,000 cheaper than the equivalent Gen-2), demand of the Persona continues to outstrip supply. Over 2,000 pre-launch bookings were made.[1] Within two weeks after launch, the figure increased to 11,000 bookings. Demand hit close to 19,000 bookings barely 2 weeks later. Originally intending to produce Personas at a rate of 4,000 cars per month, Proton has pledged to ramp up the production to 8,000 units per month to meet the unforeseen demand.

As a result of the Persona's debut, sales for the Proton Waja and the Proton Gen-2 significantly slowed down, causing Proton dealers to offer large amounts of discounts up to RM 9,000 to sell off the remaining models of Waja and Gen-2. This has been somewhat offset by the release of the new CPS engine in the Waja and Gen-2, which attempts to place the latter two models in a slightly higher market segment.

[edit] Export market

On 10 March 2008, Proton UK announced the new addition of the Proton Persona sedan to the British market, which is known as the Proton Gen-2 Persona,[2] while the Personas sold in other countries (such as Singapore and Australia) retain the name Persona.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Persona kembalikan gemilang Utusan Malaysia, 16 August 2007.
  2. ^ Proton Cars (UK) announce new addition to GEN-2 range - from Proton UK official website.

[edit] External links

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Proton road car timeline, 1985–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Supermini Tiara Savvy
Subcompact Satria Satria Neo
Compact
Sedan		 Saga / MPi / Knight / Saga Iswara Saga
Wira / Persona / 400 series
Waja / Impian
Gen-2
Persona / Gen-2 Persona
Mid-size Perdana
Coupe Putra
Pick-up Arena / Jumbuck
Microvan Juara
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