Proton launched the all-new Proton Persona to an eagerly awaiting bunch of people earlier today. One of them was Yours Truly. The event was attended by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, The Honourable Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed. This is the second generation Persona and replaces the first one which had been on sale since 2007.
This all new Persona also gets a segment of its own these days. It moves a segment down from the original C-segment sized car. Prior to this the Persona shared its C-segment slot with the Preve and the Suprima S and at one time, the Proton Inspira too. Which made things a little bit complicated in terms of trying to sell the other cars as the Persona was the most affordable of them all. Now it sits in the B-segment and is also the most affordable sedan in that category. However, it is still powered by a 1.6liter engine which actually makes it one of the most powerful it its class too. 107hp and 150Nm to play with in either 5 speed manual or CVT automatic form.
It has a 5-star NCAP rating as it has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-hold Assist, ISOFIX and top tether, as well as 6 airbags for the Premium variant to ensure optimal protection for both the driver and passengers. The all-new Proton Persona also comes with 510 litres of luggage space without compromising cabin comfort. Note how many people you can carry in there (alive or otherwise - as you can see below).
Speaking of cabin comfort, equipment includes 2 rear USB chargers, leather upholstery, compartments, super-flex frameless wiper, 7 cup holders, sunvisor extension, foldable rear seat and driver seat height adjuster for added comfort and convenience. Space inside is good. The rear passengers will not complain about a lack of rear headroom at all.
Design wise, the car sports a two and a half box design. Very contemporary in its cab-forward styling. It does look awkward from the rear three quarter angle but that's about it. The rest seems to be quite decent actually. Overall silhouette reminds you of a Toyota Vios in some aspects but with a more angular front end. Of course, the styling is still so much better than the car whose name rhymes with 'Almari'. However, at the price Proton is asking for the Persona, it is good enough.
This Persona is based on the Proton Iriz hatchback but it has evolved (the word that Proton likes to use for the car). It has. Really. The car drives very well for what it is and is so much better than the hatchback it was derived from. The NVH levels are quite good and it has pretty good high speed stability when I drove it on the Proton test track. Even at speeds in excess of the national speed limits it felt calm inside. Not many Japanese cars in the B segment category drive this well. I actually cannot wait to have a longer go at it.
Available in 3 variants - Standard (MT and AT) , Executive and Premium - you can differentiate the Premium from the others as it gets painted side mirrors (with or without bodykit), the prices of the all-new Proton Persona starts from RM46,800 to RM59,800 in the Peninsular Malaysia.
Proton also presented the car to the its first buyer too!
PRESS RELEASE
PROTON OFFICIALLY UNVEILS THE SECOND GENERATION PROTON PERSONA 2016
Posted on Aug 23, 2016
SHAH ALAM, 23 August 2016 - After teasing the public with glimpses of the all-new Proton Persona, PROTON Holdings Bhd ("PROTON" or "the Company") officially launched the car today at the Setia City Convention Centre. The event was graced by YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry.
Dato' Fuuad and Dato' Radzaif introducing the Persona to the guest
First introduced in 2007, the all-new Proton Persona is the 2nd generation Persona. The all-new Proton Persona is powered by a more efficient 1.6L VVT engine and is the first Proton car that is supported by ECO Drive Assist. Capable of achieving 5.6L/100km, the indicator will light up when optimum driving is achieved.
The all-new Proton Persona is eye-catching from every angle such as its bold and attractive face with smart headlamps and refreshingly modern rear view that is dominated by trendy rear lamps and aggressive looking lower diffuser.
Its interior, with ergonomically designed seats and console layout, provides a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. The all-new Proton Persona also comes with 510 litres of luggage space without compromising cabin comfort.
Furthermore, there are many additional features such as 2 rear USB chargers, leather upholstery, compartments, super-flex frameless wiper, 7 cup holders, sunvisor extension, foldable rear seat and driver seat height adjuster for added comfort and convenience.
The all-new Proton Persona is engineered with safety in mind. It is well-equipped with advanced safety features to complement PROTON's signature ride and handling. With a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating across all variants, it provides comprehensive active and passive safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-hold Assist, ISOFIX and top tether, as well as 6 airbags for the Premium variant to ensure optimal protection for both the driver and passengers.
"We would like everyone to Experience the Evolution of the all-new Proton Persona. The all-new Persona has evolved significantly in terms of the features, advanced technology, design and built including a more refined ride and handling as well as reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH). For its class, it is really a pleasure to drive the all-new Persona." said Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.
PROTON OFFICIALLY UNVEILS THE SECOND GENERATION PROTON PERSONA 2016
Dato' Fuaad added further that, "The car is targeted for the young and trendy segment in mind and would appeal to those who are looking for a car which is stylish with many attractive features to provide pleasurable drive but at the same time affordable and highly rated in terms of safety. Based on the recent media preview, the feedback has been very positive. But don’t take our word for it, test drive the all-new Persona yourself today. You will be truly impressed."
Available in 3 variants - Standard (MT and AT), Executive and Premium (with or without bodykit), the prices of the all-new Proton Persona starts from RM46,800 to RM59,800 in the Peninsular Malaysia. Detailed prices are as disclosed in the attachment.
Customers also get to enjoy a 3-year free service (parts and labour included) as the introductory offer for bookings made by 30 September 2016, as part of the Merdeka and Malaysia months celebration.
The all-new Proton Persona cars are available for test drive and booking at all Proton Edar outlets nationwide. Experience the Evolution of the all-new Proton Persona. Visit our showrooms to test drive the car.
For more information, customers can contact PROTON Customer Care at 1800 888 398 or email to us at customercare@proton.com. Customers also can visit www.proton.com or our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial. For added convenience, customers can also download the official MyProton mobile app, available via Google Play and Appstore.
1 comment:
both that Dato' really earn like a lot. Just spend some money to get a tailor suit with the right fitting. haha
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