Proton's new Persona is first of the three models to be launched in the coming three months starting from August. It will then be followed by the new Saga sedan and the new Ertiga MPV on September and October respectively.
Fresh from Proton's product presentation of the upcoming Persona, here are 11 things you need to know about Proton's new B-segment sedan:
1. Developed from the Iriz platform - The new Persona is built based on the Iriz platform, but compared to the previous Persona, this is an all-new car.
2. Three variants - The new Persona will come in three variants; Standard (5MT/CVT), Executive (CVT) and Premium (CVT).
3. 1.6 VVT - Unlike the Iriz which was offered with two engine choices, 1.3 and 1.6, the Persona will only be available with the more powerful mill, capable of 107hp and 150Nm of torque. The engine also comes with new ECU calibration, specially developed for the new sedan.
4. Tuned CVT transmission - The same CVT transmission from Proton's B-segment hatchback has been tuned to give the Persona a more linear acceleration.
5. Receives chassis tweaks - Despite being developed based on the Iriz platform (same track width and wheelbase), the new Persona however receives chassis tweaks on its suspension to cope with its new bodystyle and weight distribution.
6. Sleek design - The new Persona boasts what the designer call, 'slippery' design, fluid and is said to have a low drag coefficient (Cd), thus improving fuel economy.
7. Improved NVH level - With the new Persona, Proton claims they have improved the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) level, by 2 decibel (dB) lower in noise, measured in the cabin at cruising speed.
8. Improved acceleration - Proton claims that the new Persona is quicker at
Zerotohundred by nearly a second when compared to previous Persona's 11.5 seconds sprint time.
9. Improved braking - While sporting 2 disc brakes up front and 2 drum brakes at the rear, the new Persona only need 41.4m to stop from 100km/h, which is 3.2m less in distance as opposed to the previous Persona with 4 discs all around, thanks to the more superior braking system and lighter kerb weight of the new car.
10. Improved fuel economy - Fuel economy figure is claimed to hover 5.6 l/100km at a constant rate of 90km/h driving for the CVT (10% improvement), whilst the manual gearbox is claimed at 6.1 l/100km (13% improvement) driven in the same manner. The Persona also comes with Eco Drive Assist indicator that lights up when the car detects you're driving economically.
11. Packed with safety features - The new Persona is equipped with 2 airbags in the Standard variant, and 6 airbags on the Executive and Premium guises. However, equipment like ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-hold assist and 2 ISOFIX child seat anchors with top tether come as standard across all variants.
We can see how the new Persona carried over all of the Iriz's best aspects and improved the flaws of the said donor car.
What do you think? Can the new Persona change the public perception towards Proton?
Stay tuned as the Persona will be launched on Aug 23 and with prices to be announced even later. The car is expected to be a pretty decent contender in its segment.
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