Proton Persona Details

Proton has posted more information on it’s teaser page’s FAQ section. They’ve revealed the exterior dimensions of the new sedan. Let’s compare it to the GEN2 and the Waja.

	New Sedan	GEN2	Waja
Overall Length	4477mm	4310mm	4465mm
Overall Width	1725mm	1725mm	1740mm
Overall Height	1438mm	1435mm	1420mm
Fuel Capacity	50 L	50 L	60 L
Luggage Volume	430 L	415 L	415 L
Weight	1180 - 1210kg	1175 - 1195kg	1175 - 1205kg*

*Not sure about the Waja’s weight range

Engine

As for the Campro engine, it is pretty much the same as previous units. Still the same 110 (82kW) horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. There is still a general lethargy with the throttle at low to mid engine speeds, but the engine shines at high revs. This engine still does not have the Bosch Variable Intake Manifold system yet, but the automatic model does have an improved TCU. The improved TCU or Transmission Control Unit seems more intelligent now, making up for the Campro’s unfortunately torque curve shape by having no qualms about downshifting when needed with reduced delay, and the shifts are rather smooth.

There is nothing new about the Campro engine in this car really in terms of performance; it’s just that improved sound dampening have managed to make the car in a whole appear more refined. But there are some design enhancements over the original GEN2 Campro engines that have served to make the engine more reliable.

For one, the oil pan has been redesigned to be more crack-resistant. The drain plug has been moved to the side instead of it’s previous position at the bottom, and large ribs have been added on the bottom for protection. The oil pan in general has been moved higher up in the engine bay, but the volume remains the same.

Interior

I can see what Proton is trying to do with the new Proton Persona sedan. Families want refinement and general quietness in their drive. They don’t want anything trashy or noisy. That explains the choice of tyres. The NVH is also significantly improved over the Satria Neo especially - and better than the GEN2 of course. There is minimal loud and boomy engine noise towards the redline. It sounds rather refined really. The Campro engine had an appealing sound in the manual transmission car. It had a pleasant growl that was not overpowered by vibration or metallic notes, and despite going way over the 6,500rpm redline it felt like it could still go – rev cut off was a little more than 7,000rpm.

We drove two automatic transmission cars, and one of it had a little irritating zingy noise towards the redline, while the other was as aurally smooth as the manual. Upon checking with Proton later, they took note of it and said the noise could be coming from the headshield – so if you buy this car and get this problem, you can give the service center guys a hint on where to look for the source.

Pricing
Pricing for the Persona is as follows (all on-the-road, with insurance):

Peninsular Malaysia

Base Line 1.6MT manual - RM44,999 (solid), RM45,449 (metallic)
Base Line 1.6AT auto - RM47,999 (solid), RM48,449 (metallic).
Medium Line 1.6MT manual - RM49,800 (metallic)
Medium Line 1.6AT auto - RM52,800 (metallic)
High Line 1.6AT - RM55,800 (metallic).

East Malaysia

Base Line 1.6MT manual - RM47,559.10 (solid), RM48,009.10 (metallic)
Base Line 1.6AT auto - RM50,542 (solid), RM50,992 (metallic)
Medium Line 1.6MT manual - RM52,331.60 (metallic)
Medium Line 1.6AT auto - RM55,314.50 (metallic)
High Line 1.6AT auto - RM57,241.10 (metallic)

All prices are on the road with insurance for Peninsular Malaysia. The prices have changed slightly since the teaser prices were announced last month – the Base-Line models are now slightly cheaper. While it won’t really reflect much in your monthly instalment amount, breaching the RM45,000 barrier by RM1 ringgit serves as a psychological encouragement to buy the car. Proton has negotiated with all banks for them to offer an interest rate of 3.88% for the Proton Persona.