2016 Proton Persona Officially Launched. From RM46,800 to RM59,800

After countless amounts of spyshots, teasers, and promo videos, national carmaker Proton has finally taken the wraps off the new Persona.

As we mentioned in an earlier report, the new Persona is offered in four variants:

• Persona Standard MT - RM46,800
• Persona Standard CVT - RM49,800
• Persona Executive CVT - RM55,800
• Persona Premium CVT - RM59,800

*All prices are on the road with insurance

Six colours are available at the outset - Cotton White, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Quartz Black and a new colour, Carnelian Brown.

Powering the Persona is the same 1.6-litre VVT engine offered in the Iriz, but the Persona gets a more refined CVT gearbox, making the car much quieter than the Iriz. There is also a 5-speed manual gearbox for the Standard MT variant. Plus, the Persona is the first Proton to be offered with an ECO Driving Indicator.

In terms of fuel consumption, Proton claims that the new Persona is capable of achieving 5.6L/100km for the manual, while the CVT variants are capable of clocking 6.1L/100km.  

The second-generation Persona also comes with comprehensive suite of active and passive safety systems such as:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control 
• Hill-hold Assist
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) 

Thanks to these features, the car has garnered 5-Star Asean NCAP rating across all variants.

Like its predecessor, the new Persona is derived from a hatchback - the Iriz. As a result, it has slab-sided proportions mildly reminiscent of sedan variants of the previous-generation Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta. 

Design wise, the car's design will remind you of its Iriz origins, but Proton's chief designer Azlan Othman tells us that only the front door, front windscreen, side mirror, and front three quarter glass panels are interchangeable between the two vehicles.

Measuring at 4,387mm long, 1,722mm wide, 1,554mm tall with a wheelbase length of 2,555mm, the new Persona is 60mm shorter, 3mm narrower, 116mm taller, and has the wheelbase shorter by 45mm compared to the first-gen model. However, the boot space has grown by 40-litres from 470-litres to 510.  

Interior also immediately reveals the identity of its donor car. The dashboard, as far as we can see, is carried over wholesale, but the cabin sports a more upmarket dual-tone colour scheme. 

Here to take on the Honda City, Nissan Almera, Toyota Vios and the rest of the horde in the B-segment, features in the new Persona Standard MT and CVT include:

• Dual-tone dashboard
• 10 storage compartments and 7 cupholders
• all-round sensors
• 510L luggage space
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Electric headlight levelling
• Single din head unit with radio/CD/MP3/USB/Wifi Enabled/Bluetooth 
• ECO Drive Assist
• ABS with EBD
• ESC
• Hill-hold Assist
• 2 Airbags
• Isofix mounts
• Dual-tone matt black finish
• 2 speakers

The Executive CVT and Premium CVT variants on the other hand get additional goodies like:

• Follow Me Home Lamp
• Rear spoiler
• Dual-tone Titanium Chrome 
• Steering Audio Switches
• Rear USB Charger
• Rear seat 60:40 split folding
• Remote Trunk Release
• 4 Speakers
• Double din head unit with touch-screen

Last but not least, features that are exclusive only to the Premium CVT variant are:

• Auto On/Off Headlamps
• Bodykit (optional)
• Electric-fold side-mirrors
• Leather upholstery
• Push-start button
• Keyless entry
• DVD Player
• GPS Navigation
• 6 Airbags
• Reverse Camera

Available for test drive at all Proton Edar showrooms nationwide, the new Persona is offered with a 3-year free service (parts and labour included) as the introductory offer for bookings made by 30 September 2016.

Looking for a Proton? Find one now at Carlist.my

Read also:

• First Impressions: 2016 Proton Persona – Last Chance Saloon
• New Vs Old: Proton Persona – What’s Better, What Will We Miss?
• 2016 Proton Persona Receives 5-Stars From ASEAN NCAP