SUBANG JAYA: The new Proton Persona B-segment sedan is more fuel efficient, and comes with better safety features and cabin refinement.

Safety features like ABS (anti-lock braking system) and ESC (electronic stability control) are in all three variants namely Standard, Executive and Premium.

The new Persona uses the same platform as the Iriz hatchback, and also has a 1.6—litre VVT (variable valve timing) engine and CVT (continuously variable transmission).



"It has the same hardware as the Iriz, but we have re-calibrated the engine and transmission for more refinement and smoother power delivery," said Proton chief technical officer Abdul Rashid Musa.

Compared with the previous Persona, the new car's kerb weight is lower by some 50kg. The new Persona has a kerb weight starting from 1,100kg. All variants get 185/55 R15 tyre size.

Stopping distance (from 100kph to standstill) has improved to 41.4 metres. "This is with the new Persona having rear drum brakes, compared with 44.6 metres for the previous Persona with rear disc brakes," said Abdul Rashid.




At a constant 90kph, the new Persona is 10% (automatic transmission) and 13% (manual transmission) more fuel efficient compared with its predecessor.

The Premium variant gets extras like six airbags, leather seats, front seatback pockets, engine start-stop button and keyless entry (via button on driver's door), and a touchscreen display with navigation. It has a cavernous boot at 510 litres.



Persona test drive

We drove the Premium variant with a CVT, and where ride and handling are concerned, the new Persona performed well at Proton's test track in Subang Jaya.

The steep banking or slope of the track turns, allowed thrilling high-speed drives of the Persona.
Wind and engine noise intrusion in the cabin is low at speeds below 110kph, and the refinement level is more than adequate. At 110kph, we noted engine speed was at around 3,000rpm.

However, there is some rough engine roar under hard acceleration and at engine speeds above 5,000rpm. We don't think this is a deal-breaker, as overall, the new Persona has a refined cabin quality that impresses.

The ESC works efficiently, and this was demonstrated by Proton track drivers in simulated emergency manoeuvres on the test track.



There is plenty of leg and head room, with more than an inch of gap between our heads and the rear roof line, when we leaned back in the rear seats (we are 1.73 metre in height).

It is a well-put together product, and based on our brief test drive, we are impressed with the new sporty and stylish design, and the level of refinement Proton has injected here. Booking are now open and the first buyers will receive a 3-year free maintenance package.

Prices will be announced at the Persona's launch on Aug 23.

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