New Proton Persona

Malaysian car company Proton, launched a new model yesterday - the Proton Persona.

The new 1.6-litre Persona sedan will replace the Proton Wira (sold as the Proton Persona in the UK). the Wira has been the cash cow for Proton since it's launch 14 years ago.

Their site was down yesterday as well as today morning and was only able to get in just now. I still can't get into the Proton Edar site still.

When I first saw the spy shot pictures sometime back, to me it looked almost identical to their Gen 2- an elongated Gen 2 but I slowly noticed the differences.

Featuring the 1.6L 82kw (110bhp) Campro engine, the Persona is available in 5 variations, that will be available in five-speed manual (MT) or four-speed automatic transmission (AT) versions:
- 1.6 Base Line Model - 2 variants (AT and MT).
This variant is a Base model with 4 power windows, CD player and basic features.
- 1.6 Medium Line Model - 2 variants (AT and MT).
This variant is the Medium range model and has additional features from the Base Line variant, such as driver's airbag, alloy rims, foldable rear seats, MP3 player and electric door mirror.
- 1.6 High Line Model – (Only available in AT).
This variant is an extension of the Medium range variant, with features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD and standard Captor alarm.

Customers will have a choice of seven colours, namely, Solid Red, Light Gold, Metal Grey, Tranquility Black, Iridescent White and Blueberry Tea. Solid white will be available from September this year.

Dimensions:
Overall Length: 4477mm
Overall Width: 1725mm
Overall Height: 1438mm
Fuel Capacity: 50 L
Luggage Volume: 430 L
Weight: 1180 - 1210 KG

I also learnt that one of the major complaints - the low headroom at the rear have been addressed.

Company Chairman Mohammed Azlan Hashim, forecasts sales of the Persona to reach between 30,000 and 40,000 units in the next 12 months.

I don't have more details or pictures at the moment. Will post them up when I do. I would really appreciate it if any one back in Malaysia could send me some pictures.

In the meantime, you can read what Paul Tan has to say about the car.