Proton Persona - 10 things prospective buyers should know

Proton Persona needs no introduction in the Malaysian auto market. This B-segment sedan can be frequently seen trolling up and down the city roads. It’s considered as one of the first choices in the affordable compact sedan category. But despite being so popular there are certain attributes that many are not aware of.

It doesn’t matter whether you already have a Persona or are soon planning to buy one, read on and know this Proton sedan in-depth. After all, there’s no harm in knowing your four-wheels companion better.

Here are ten things you should know about the Proton Persona -

1.It’s an all-new car 

Compared to the previous-generation Persona, the one that’s around is built on the Iriz platform. And that’s the reason why the ongoing Persona looks nothing like the old version. It’s all new and fresh.

2. Offered in three trims 

Proton's compact sedan is offered in three variants - Standard, Executive, and Premium. While all three offer same performance, the difference lies in the exterior, interior, and safety specs.

3. Provision of essential features in all variants -

All the three Persona variants display a common essential feature list. Thus making even the stndard trim a good buy option, enabling every buyer to enjoy the sedan fully. In the list of features are included - ECO Drive Assist, all-around sensors, electric headlamps leveling, Bluetooth connectivity, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction System, and Hill-hold Assist.

4. ECU calibration tuned engine

Powering the Persona is a 1.6-litre 4 Cylinder DOHC VVT engine. The mill comes with ECU calibration that is specially designed for the sedan. The said mill develops a maximum power output of 108 PS along with a peak torque of 150 Nm.

5. Linear acceleration

The 1.6-litre engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission system, the same used in the Proton Iriz. This CVT system is tuned to give the sedan a more uniform acceleration

6. Tweaked chassis

Despite being built on the same platform used in the Iriz hatch, Proton Persona carries a revised set of chassis. The sedan features a tweaked suspension unit that effortlessly copes with the added kerb weight due to the sedan body style.

7. Smart and efficient design

The Persona displays a new design language called the Slippery. This new fluid design boots Persona's fuel economy and reduces its drag coefficient. The sedan gives away a fuel economy figure of 18 kmpl with CVT option and 16 kmpl with the manual option.

8. Improved NVH levels

Proton claims to offer a quieter cabin in the new Persona. The noise, vibration, and harshness level is now reduced by 2 decibels. So, now when you’ll be able to cruise around in the sedan with the outside noise rarely affecting the calm.

9. Improved braking

Thanks to low kerb weight and superior braking system, the Persona delivers a seemless and confident drive. The sedan now sports four disc brakes at the front and two rear drum brakes, all enabling the car to offer a better braking stance.

10. Improved acceleration

When compared with the previous-generation model, the new Persona can touch the 100 kmph mark in 10 seconds, a second earlier than the old-being.

As can be seen, the Proton Persona borrowed all the good things that Iriz has to offer and worked on the flaws of the previous version.
Tell us, what you think about the improved Proton sedan.