Proton Persona launched: Proton’s new sedan

Proton Persona

I guess today is the day that most of you have been waiting for the day that the car that promises to set off a snowball effect of recovery at Proton. First sightings of the new Proton sedan were early this year in April, but we actually got to see 3D renderings of it in March. Little did we know that it was a real car to be put into production.

UPDATE: Proton Persona SE now on sale for RM59,800!

As most of you have known by now thanks to a tip off by The Edge, the new Proton sedan is called the Proton Persona. The name is not unfamiliar as it has been used before for the UK market Proton Wira. This makes the name somewhat apt, as it is finally the car that will replace the Wira, something the GEN2 did not do when it was introduced a few years ago.

Proton has taken steps to ensure the Proton Persona is what the customer wants, not what the management wants. Many models clinics and surveys have been conducted to ensure market acceptance. After my first impression of the car at the media preview earlier this week, I must say that Proton has done a relatively good job with this car!

Proton Persona

Most of you have an idea of what the exterior looks like already. Its basically a GEN2 with a boot. Other than the tail lamps, the entire car from the B-pillar onwards has been reworked. The new car is 167mm longer than the Proton GEN2, and 12mm longer than the Proton Waja. The boot is a respectable 430 litres in size, which is larger than the Toyota Vios at 400 litres. It also features a lock, something that was missing on the Proton GEN2. A 60:40 split rear bench folds flat in case you need more space.

Rear headroom has been improved by 43mm over the GEN2 thanks to a redesigned roof curve at the rear. It now measures at 980mm, compared to 950mm in the Vios and 970mm in the City! It only loses out to the Myvi which has a pretty tall roof at 995mm.

Proton Persona
Click to enlarge

The interior has been thoroughly reworked and I can tell you this – the interior plastics arent the best that Ive seen but it is better than some C-segment Japanese sedans Ive driven recently. The dashboard is based on the one from the GEN2 but it has had its quirkiness removed. Normal is the new black, I say. I think the public is fed up of Protons previous attempts to be all “sporty minimalist Lotus”.

Other than the twin-pod meter panel (which now features fully black meter faces instead of the black and white one on the GEN2), the GEN2s interior felt like the Wira replacement it should be. Even the Pirates of the Caribbean cutlass-style handbrake lever is gone now. One qualm I have is that the buttons in the center of the dash still feel very cheap, and they do not really have any obvious switched on or off feel when you press them – or you could say the buttons provide not much feedback to tell you you’ve pressed them.

Proton Persona

The door panels have been completely redesigned. The power window switches are now on the armrest which is the preferred location for many. There is some decent cloth trim on the panels. I dont know about you but I prefer my elbow touching some nice cloth or leather instead of bare plastic. The seats have a new design and now the front seats are more conventionally shaped and feature a headrest.

The little analog clock which no one could read has also been removed, so the dash lines flow a bit better now. But the best part of all would be a glovebox, although it is not a particularly cavernous one. With just a few minor changes, the functionality of the Proton Persona’s GEN2-based interior has improved. I hope this new dash carries on to the new GEN2 facelift as well.

Proton Persona

There is central locking and 4 power windows on all of the Persona models from the base line to the high line. You can control the central locking either from a button near the power window button cluster or a button on the dashboard which the passenger can use in case of an emergency. The dash button also doubles up as the alarm deactivation button in case you mistakenly trigger the alarm system. The doors automatically lock themselves once the system detects all doors are closed, the handbrake is released, and the brake pedal is pressed.

Rear legroom was not too bad, a testament to how the increased legroom measurements translate into real life application. That said, once someone tall sits in the driver’s seat, the rear passenger behind him will start to suffer a little, but it is typical of a sedan car in the B-segment size.

Proton PersonaNow on to how it drives. Proton allowed members of the media to drive the car around its test track in Shah Alam. At first impression, the Persona feels like it has a more comfort oriented setup unlike the GEN2, and this contributed more to body roll – you cannot have everything of course.

Proton included a 9-point Vehicle Dynamics Chart in the press kit and it shows that the Persona outperforms the GEN2 in terms of Ride Comfort and Roll Control but the GEN2 beats it in terms of lane change stability and cornering stability. The car generally understeers a lot under pressure but most of the time it is recoverable via throttle lift off.

If you want to toss the car around, it can be quite lively but the supplied Silverstone Kruizer 1 tyres are not exactly performance oriented. I would say its a case of the Satria Neo 1.3 with Sime tyres all over again. Do change them if you want to have some fun with the car and have the budget. But I am sure Proton has reasons for the Silverstone Kruizer 1 choice as they are generally known to be one of the quietest tyres around within their price range and by far the best tyres to come out of the Silverstone labs to date.

Proton Persona

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 dont 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. The rev cut off was a little over 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 heat shield, 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.

Proton Persona
Click to enlarge

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 Campros 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; its 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.

Proton Persona

Now on to some specs. The base-line model will have 15 inch steel wheels and wheel covers with 195/60/R15 tyres, central locking, 4 power windows, alarm with immobilizer, front disc and rear drum brakes, reverse sensors, fixed rear seats, and a normal CD player with 2 speakers.

The medium-line model is further enhanced with alloy sports rims and 195/60/R15 tyres, a drivers SRS airbag, a foldable split rear seat bench, steering wheel audio controls, an MP3-capable CD player with 4 speakers, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, and foglamps.

The top of the range high-line model gains additional features over the medium-line model – antilock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, disc brakes on all four wheels, both driver and passenger airbags, and remote trunk opening.

Proton Persona
Click to enlarge

Proton Persona Prices

Proton Persona 1.6AT H-Line Metallic – RM55,800
Proton Persona 1.6AT M-Line Metallic – RM52,800
Proton Persona 1.6MT M-Line Metallic – RM49,800
Proton Persona 1.6AT B-Line Metallic – RM48,449
Proton Persona 1.6AT B-Line Solid – RM47,999
Proton Persona 1.6MT B-Line Metallic – RM45,449
Proton Persona 1.6MT B-Line Solid – RM44,999

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 wont really reflect much in your monthly installment 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.

At first impression, the Proton Persona is a worthy successor to the Proton Wira. It is improved in almost all areas compared to the Wira and even the GEN2. However there were still some build issues here and there, for example some wiring was left exposed, like the lock for the rear boot as well as some wiring in the footwell of the dashboard. The steering boss assembly in one of the cars I drove was also not up to standards.

These are normal quality issues with the early production batches of any car from any manufacturer. The true test of whether Proton has changed or not will be the test of time, and whether its service networks have been improved or not. It will be up to early adopters of this car to tell us of their experiences.

Anyway, for those who have the intention of buying this car and want to do something to it aesthetically to keep it a little different from the rest of the Persona crowd, this post might give you some ideas.

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona
Blueberry Tea – exclusive for the H-Line models. Click to enlarge

Proton Persona
Click to enlarge

Proton Persona
Click to enlarge

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona

Proton Persona Rear Seat Bench
Click to enlarge

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • wookie00 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:30 pm

    Definitely a great improvement with all the quirkiness wannabes removed. This model should pose quite a competition against the basic Japanese models. Haven’t feel the seat yet though… you can tell the quality if when you are in the driver’s seat and fiddling with all the knobs and cracks. We’ll see. ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ganz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:31 pm

    mmm… pray for proton… and continuous bashing from this thread.. from the spec it seems that persona may capture buyer.. few friend already ask me (since i’m using gen2) what the possibilities of similarity of this car from gen2 ..

    all i can advice to my friend is:-
    1. wait till it fully launch.. feel it..
    2. give first batch customer to give feedback .. there will be group of Persona (like prohatch, gen2club, V6sixxer, etc)..
    3. don’t bash if u don’t have any interest in buying this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Infinitt (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    Wishing all the best to proton of new born baby..Persona.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • longdongsilver (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:42 pm

    Paul, great article. Please do a tech article on the improvements. It looks like Proton have started to get with the program. The Persona actually looks normal!!!
    Hope they get rid of all that crappy Lotus DNA. “Handling by Lotus” is all they are worth. Have a regular car for the masses. Black/ grey interior is definately a good and classy choice.
    If the quality and service network can cope with the customers, I am sure the Proton Persona would give the Honda City and Toyota Vios a run for their money (never thought I would say that). They certainly got the prices competitive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • bestofamat (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:45 pm

    haiyaa… i want to change my car…. who want to buy my kelisa?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • revive (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:45 pm

    Nice review Paul, let’s see Proton will revive after this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mutt (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 12:59 pm

    thanks for the review Paul. like it very much. hope Persona will stop all Proton bashers mouth.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • satun (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    aiseyman 56k already dapat kereta with ebd,airbag,abs… rugi loo beli waja tahun lepas….

    What to do…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:02 pm

    nice nice nice…This is good….as i hope in the previous post…YES

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ab (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:13 pm

    a direct competition with the waja 1.6 if u ask me

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • blunt (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:15 pm

    Paul,
    During the media preview, Did somebody ask why ‘persona’ insist on using the same crop design tail lamp.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Paul Tan on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    I did ask. The answer made sense somewhat. It is a supply issue. The previous management overestimated by a large margin how many GEN2 cars they were going to sell. So certain commitments have been given to suppliers to enjoy a certain price for a certain amount. As usual in business larger quantity means lower price. Now Proton has to continue with that amount of rear taillamp orders, so they have to use them on the Persona. Hopefully with a facelift later the design will be changed.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • blackcipan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:21 pm

    Wow!!This is what Gen2 should have been right from the day one.This car surely is more practical,a bit more spacious and less-challenging to be accepted by the market.Judging by the amount of things changed on car (higher roofline at the rear,a proper trunk with clearer visibility,a totally new and more quality looking door trim, availability of glovebox),it really justifies a new name to dis-associate it from current Gen2 hatchback.

    The price is definitely competitive,especially the low-line variant doesn’t seems to give away too much of the equipment from higher end variant. RM45k might draw the sales away from the smaller hatchback that is available on the market now.

    All in all,I hope this car stays to its promise-that it has a higher quality.Let see how the sales shape up and see whether this car can end the dark days of Proton.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • F430CS (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    Success or failure. Now all depends on marketing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:23 pm

    So PAUL, Any Star from YourSelf? How many? So when the launch by PM ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • rosdi (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:24 pm

    No manual for the H-Line model?? Aiyoh!… I want manual car but I also want airbag for both driver and passenger!

    Only H-Line model has two airbags.. but it is Auto only!! Damn! damn!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:27 pm

    I found here that there is no detail on the back seat….hemmm, would to see more PAUL

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • neo2 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:27 pm

    I m not here to bash P1, after carefully reading through Paul’s review, I find refinement and improvement to Persona. I also have computed the monthly instalment as follows:
    Persona Car 7 year 9 year
    Model Loan (RM) Interest Interest
    1.6 HL (M) AT 55,300 15,019.48 19,310.76
    1.6 ML (M) AT 52,300 14,204.68 18,263.16
    1.6 ML (M) MT 49,300 13,389.88 17,215.56
    1.6 BL (M) AT 47,949 13,022.95 16,743.79
    1.6 BL (M) MT 44,949 12,208.15 15,696.19
    1.6 BL (S) AT 47,449 12,887.15 16,569.19
    1.6 BL (S) MT 44,499 12,085.93 15,539.05
    Total Total Total
    1.6 HL (M) AT 55,300 70,319.48 74,610.76
    1.6 ML (M) AT 52,300 66,504.68 70,563.16
    1.6 ML (M) MT 49,300 62,689.88 66,515.56
    1.6 BL (M) AT 47,949 60,971.95 64,692.79
    1.6 BL (M) MT 44,949 57,157.15 60,645.19
    1.6 BL (S) AT 47,449 60,336.15 64,018.19
    1.6 BL (S) MT 44,499 56,584.93 60,038.05
    Instalment Instalment Instalment
    1.6 HL (M) AT 55,300 837.14 690.84
    1.6 ML (M) AT 52,300 791.72 653.36
    1.6 ML (M) MT 49,300 746.31 615.88
    1.6 BL (M) AT 47,949 725.86 599.01
    1.6 BL (M) MT 44,949 680.44 561.53
    1.6 BL (S) AT 47,449 718.29 592.76
    1.6 BL (S) MT 44,499 673.63 555.91

    Assumption: Downpayment RM500.00 only, the rest financed by loan. Annual interest charged at 3.88%.
    I also check the controversial “tax-free” price for the following car:
    Toyota Vios 1.5E RM47,281.62 1.5G RM54,325.70
    Source: http://www.toyota.com.my
    Honda City 1.5 i-DSI RM53,800.00 1.5 V-TEC RM56,800.00
    Source: http://www.honda.com.my
    All prices are based on Langkawi selling price.
    I believe with the improved technology in engine, built quality and achieving economy of scale, P1 will be able to emerge as global reknown automaker, EVEN AND ESPECIALLY WITHOUT EXCESSIVE PROTECTION FROM G.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:29 pm

    Thats a good start. Hopefully it will carry though the rest of the range.

    Wonder if they went through all that trouble with the interior, why didn;t they improve the feel of the steering wheel.

    Nice split/lift rear seats. Dont see seats that fold this flat (which is even better than the satria Neo) very often. Definately useful.

    Whats with that fender gap though…?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • xstan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:29 pm

    Just got back from the shoowroom. Didnt get to test drive , just see-see, look-look, feel-feel & hear. Many of the observers are rather impressed with it. I tot it will be drastic change in the dash, but still same only quality improvised. Solid feel door when u slam or close the door. Indeed spacious for such segment. I actually like the front grill, its soooo very nice. I like the addition centre crome grill that go accross the logo. Side view is indeed better than my expectation. Obviously soooo much better than Gen2. The interior feel present a comfy seating. Overall its a good car for such price range & definately it will beat Viva or maybe Myvi in sales segment & market. Its a car for a family of 5 & unless u r timid driver & of lady gender , student, then I understand Myvi suits u.

    Proton certainly deliver on quality improvisation. Good work.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:35 pm

    No changes to the engine improment…Only TCU for Auto……So, conclusion is this car only my dream, I will move to Waja…:(

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  • drebar (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:36 pm

    double thumbs up to proton if this persona is as good as we read here and saw on picture.

    will go check it out tonight…

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  • szw (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:37 pm

    very nice.
    but if they would debut the CPS here , then proton just hit the right spot .
    in the mean time , just wait for the CPS to come out .
    all the best proton !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • haroldz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:42 pm

    As usual Proton basher, i would like to start bashing them.
    so far i can only find these:

    1. the aircond controller is similar to saga/iswara
    2. no LED indicator at d side mirror?
    3. tail lamp similar to gen.2 (then again paul tan oredi explain why)
    -hope 2 c a different design
    4. no improve over d engine
    -is persona heavier than gen.2?
    5. similar bodykit wit gen.2

    overall: Not original design (adopted from gen.2).
    Same engine but bigger cabin/ rear boots.
    Improved safety feature
    Another reason to trade ur aging saga/iswara

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • edwindudley2003 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    The door trims looks way better …looks like it doesnt have that cheap plasticky feeling on it anymore..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • e-nabilll (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:46 pm

    paul , ur driving impressions are so different from the one chris yap wrote on motor trader ! bt it loks nice.large rear makes the car looks grown up….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    This price will a bit up when CPS + VIM introduce.. next year

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  • timber8115 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:57 pm

    hi paultan,

    let me give you a round of applause for the good article review as i always like the way you do it. Bravo paultan.. keep up the good work…

    As for proton, i would like to wish them all the best as this is the real car we are waiting for although it is not perfect but yet it is what the rakyat wanted.
    Keep up the good work as the rakyat is proud of you…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • badsoulfly (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:58 pm

    first time in my life this is the first time i’m really really proud with PROTON..
    even they only add the butt of Gen2..and then becoming as Persona..this is the most beautiful 100% made in Malaysia..lot of improvement air bags and new transmission like imported cars..but just only RM50,000something…better peoples take this chance to have one… look like new Lancer GT from the side

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  • silverfish (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:59 pm

    Well, it looks like a whole hearted effort to improve and make a more wholesome product. For that I give one thumbs up. I would have given another half if they had specced it higher or priced it lower. And simplify things. Just offer a premium version with everything in AT and MT and a basic version with AT/MT. And stay away from the Waja’s price range.

    That said, if you didn’t need the extra boot space, save the extra dough and go for the Myvi. I would.

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  • Apathy (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:01 pm

    If what Mr.Paul’s review is true, kudos to protonG top ppl. i know it’s hard to change rakyats perception towards protonG. Let’s wait 1 year after launching this model, then ppl who bought it can share with us your experience. Hehehehe you all jadi protonG’s lab rat ler. Hohoho. Then baru we all can bash/defend this model. Viel Glück protonG.

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  • timber8115 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:02 pm

    but the meter cluster on the rpm side look crowded with the fuel, door ajar etc…. should share with the other jiran… hahahaha

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  • Apathy (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:07 pm

    Finally…..a boss who listens. Congratulation from the bottom of my heart.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • zanggief (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:09 pm

    Woo..!it looks like the quality has better improvement. It can give some of the imported model a challenge…good work for proton…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • acbc (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    No improvement on the engine? Still suffering from poor low-end torque? No way… I’ll pass.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nescartel (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:13 pm

    vielen dank proton!!! :D i’m gonna get one!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:14 pm

    silverfish

    If this model got premium version, it will kill Waja production…..Marketing man…. :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • piston (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:23 pm

    Its a Sedan hope the best for Proton.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kei9 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:23 pm

    Dat iridicescent black purple is awesome! totally luxurious colour…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • narrowband (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:25 pm

    Well done.

    Like the Gen.2, I really love the design of the car.

    Other than that, very minor – if any ‘considerably’ notable – improvements.

    It’s a step forward nonetheless therefore I’m optimistic of Proton’s future again.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:29 pm

    Have improvement on the engine power.. I love it !!
    Paul,
    Any Persona R3 pic?

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  • ob8 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:35 pm

    the ribena colour is cool, remids me of the old putra. its definitely a balik kampung car. better nvh, big trunk and just in time too. i would wish for a diffrent rear lights though. myvi and viva is not a balik kampung car, its more of a go to 24hr mamak stall car. go go proton powerangers..

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  • umarss (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:36 pm

    i wonder how close the photoshop pic that was featured in the blog few months ago with the REAL Persona?…from what i remember..it seems quite close…nice job whoever did the photoshop thing…(dont remember his name..sorry)

    anyway, i think this is a sure hit for msian market,give it some time to be somewhat more ‘matured’ though..kudos to proton!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • offroader manix (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    Mind you..this could be a dangerous car when you step on it.

    The rear of the car is too high……so when you brake hard into a corner or any E brake situation.the car rear might wants to come around……this car got weight distribution problem.

    Just like the previous Camry model which is a disaster in weight distribution…..which is dangerous.

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  • gow8 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    Still an ugly looking car. Will not be seen in one. We have better choice from other car manufactures. Better to have a good partner like VW and we get to see better products from Proton. This car will not sell.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ali38hak (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:44 pm

    nice job, but i am still waiting the estate (wagon) modell from proton and with diesel engine…
    i contacted the proton and they answeared that is in process.. :)))
    i wish all a happy day… hallo from Türkey

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Vegatron (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:49 pm

    PLEASE no estate with diesel engine!!!

    I only have 2 questions not answered, maybe those who viewed and test driven the car can tell:-

    1. Is the power window still auto down only? or have they finally given it auto up as well.

    2. Why don’t have H-line M/T? Manual drivers don’t need ABS EBD????

    my 2 sushis worth

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 2:49 pm

    Boy..there still so call BLIND BASHER. Never see one but just simply bashed. Well cant blame…this blind basher must be an UGLY chap so would not one to sit in one, right?? It’s not sellable only to this UGLY CHAP.

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  • bmx (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:04 pm

    Is the ABS here stands for Anti-Lock Braking System or Advanced Braking System?
    Heard from mechanics that both are different, as Anti-Lock Braking is the ‘real’ thing.

    Have they improved the CAPTOR? sucking too much battery power?

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  • Ricc (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:07 pm

    This new Persona really impressed me.. The price is very competitive.. Good move from Proton.. Lets see if this will change our mind towards Proton… But I personally not really like the dashboard design.. If like Waja.. then yes.. this car is near perfect liao..

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  • engtaokia (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:07 pm

    basically there is major improvement from Proton. good luck lah…

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  • leongylun (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:11 pm

    this is new car?? haha..it sounds funny..it’s just a long version GEN2 and no much differences between the GEN2 and Persona..and this car will replace the best selling Wira? But GEN2 was already replaced Wira wat? then this car will replace GEN2 lo? haha!! P1 pls dun waste money in developing something useless stuff, what we wan is totally new car model…
    And i personally think that the current GEN2 owners why they pay higher price for hatchback and now the long GEN2 only cost 46k..not fair la…

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  • david_loves_cars (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:14 pm

    In any fair society, and this is one I believe, credit where credit is due. congrats Proton.

    clearly the Proton team has been listening and has re-doubled their efforts to get it right.

    hey, it will not be a perfect car – none of these modern day production cars are problem free – hence all the recalls across the world from the big guys – but it is now up to world standards. No small effort lah

    so well done Proton, coz it appears to be great car and the start of a real turn-around.

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  • moha774 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:14 pm

    To Proton, thanks for a well priced and specced car. I t should be like this from the beginning, more proactive and listen to their costumers… by the way that manual gearknob will rattled in due time since it is a 2 piece construction just like Savvy…. better make sure the vendor screw in 3/4″ screw to keep them together to avoid rattling…

    By the way I’m impressed by Offroader manix… we dont need a state of the art design tools to know the handling and stability of the car, just ask him he will tell you by looking at it…. no need to do test drive also…

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  • silverfish (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:15 pm

    Aril said,

    silverfish

    If this model got premium version, it will kill Waja production…..Marketing man….

    ———————–

    This just tells me you don’t know what I’m saying. Premium ie highline lor.

    Speaking of which, its already going to steal part of the Waja’s customers anyway.

    This is an age where cars overlap segments. Like the Latio which competes with both the B and C segment. Consumers don’t just look at the size of the engine anymore. For people of the more cynical kind, like me, They’ve got to have something extra to convince to pay the extra dough over a top spec Myvi for example. Just the 1.6 vs 1.3 don’t cut it. Its not like you’re going anywhere much faster with a slightly bigger engine. In fact, fuel economy seems to be the bigger draw these days. Right now, the only really obvious thing the Persona has over a supermini like the Myvi is a proper boot. And if I don’t need that, why spend the extra cash?

    Not so much a criticism, more thinking out loud. I still think they could price it more competitively. I don’t really get the M line. Skip that and just have the B line and the H line (with manual option) and price the H Line manual right smack into Myvi territory. Now that’s going to get people going.

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  • mr42 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:16 pm

    Hiii…no time yet to see the car in flesh…I’ll give my congrats and wish Proton good luck…

    BTW, does the H line version come with full leather seatings?

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  • fairozee (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:22 pm

    leongylun said :-
    “And i personally think that the current GEN2 owners why they pay higher price for hatchback and now the long GEN2 only cost 46k..not fair la…”

    The hacthback always priced higher than the sedan. So wut are you talking about?

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  • lowprofile (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:24 pm

    i’ve seen it, touched it, felt it and it’s miles better than the g2. i think i’ll stop being a proton basher… may even consider it. overall, for the price, it is good value for money. quality is almost a quantum leap over the g2. all that remains is the achilles heel – the power windows!! this remains to be seen if it is as good as the proton ceo says.

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  • jDheng (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:25 pm

    Hi Paul,

    What about fuel consumption ? With full tank of fuel, how far can you go ? I mean for average/normal driving condition.

    Full tank = little ?

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  • zack_keyme988 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:26 pm

    HOHO…THATS THE IMPRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT FROM PROTON…THE

    INTERIOR HAVE SOME IMPROVEMENT LIKE GLOVEBOX AND THE DOOR

    TRIM…LOOK NICER AND CONVINIENCE THAN THE PREVIOUS GEN.2… ALSO

    GOT NICER N BETTER LEGROOM AND HEADROOM… THE GEAR KNOB ALSO

    SEEMS LIKE USING IN WAJA… MAYBE CUT COST…..

    GOOD JOB PROTON…..

    TRULY MEM’PERSONA’KAN….

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  • jehutyz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:29 pm

    Not yet go n check it out.
    Actually i feel this one is nice enough. With the spec and price is not bad at all.

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  • Dogster (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:31 pm

    There are 3 things I just cant understand about this new car. Why cant they redesign:
    1) a better looking steering wheel?
    2) a better rear light?
    3) the air-cond controls?

    Other than that, everything seems better. :) Removed the clock, relocate the window controls, changed interior colors and looks aggressive from the front …..

    Hmm maybe the long logo on the boot should be shifted abit lower?

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  • panzer (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:33 pm

    test

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  • panzer (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:35 pm

    I dont think this model will bring proton back to profit.People are fed up with the quality and after sales service.As usual,all proton are overhyped during their launch.

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  • leongylun (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:36 pm

    fairozee
    The hacthback always priced higher than the sedan. So wut are you talking about?

    then how about the proton 27k proton saga vs the proton saga iswara taxi model( the long type one) with 34k. 27k car is the newer model while the taxi model priced 35k currently with 15 years old designs. Proton always sell the new or facelifted cars with lower price la…go to check it out….

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  • AMG (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    Ok, that the real proton…
    Better car…..

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  • ys (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:43 pm

    i just wonder this new long ass Gen2 still giving the low roof line problem as compare to Gen2. i still remember when i sit in Gen2. i hardly can sit up straight at behind. i am a 6 footer and there are sure more of malaysian taller than me.

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  • malimkundang (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:44 pm

    One thing that I always don’t like the way proton build the car is that seems they neglected the aesthetic and functional look of the car. The design of the headlamp and the tail lamp looks appropriate and aesthetically good for Gen-2. But I don’t see it works for the sedan. I think Proton designer need to look at that first. Nowdays buyers don’t look at the price only when they want to buy a car but design is under their consideration too. The centre panel for the dashboard seems out of place for the sedan. It works on the Gen-2 because of the sporty theme. I expect more conventional centre cluster which run down towards the arm rest. The front end (nose) is totally not harmony with the rest of the car shape.

    I think more conventional and functional front end would be better. The interior in general doesn’t look solid enough. I prefer something that is more thick in terms of the lining and solid dashboard. I wonder how the sound of the door when it close.

    Actually I am in a middle of buying a new car, but at this point of time I didn’t put Persona in my list. Not because I am prejudice towards Proton, but some of it details is just not of my liking especially the headlamp, the tail lamp, the side mirror, the dashboard, the interior lining is not solid enough.

    This is just my personal view and it didn’t reflect the others. There might be someone who like the design.

    For the price range I think it is reasonable because of the national car title.

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  • garend (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:45 pm

    Hi Hi Paul..

    I am a newbie.. I just started work recently… I was actually planned to buy the Wira Special Edition… until I saw this… both is within my budget.

    Wira Special Edition is cheaper.. but it is of old technology.

    Please help by giving some advice as which are is more suitable? I am travelling around 80 to 90KM a day because my job is in Cyber…

    Please HELP… !!!!…

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  • gonggok (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:50 pm

    Low roofline?

    Come on la…read Paul’s post. The Persona has more rear headroom than the Vios & City!

    Went to the showroom the car looks good and that base line price is tempting. I’m sure many Myvi salesman are busy thinking up ways to bad mouth the Persona.

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  • lowprofile (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 3:55 pm

    yes, rear headroom much much better thanks to the higher rear roofline.

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:02 pm

    In order for Proton to sustain profit is not to entirely produce a new model, changing all its design or whatsoever. So, financially smart they just enhanced the existing unit so u still see similar dashboard, stering or the rear lights etc. Anyway, they just cant please everyone. I too doent like the steering wheel but other features is really a boost to the entire enterior.But…I kinda like the rear lights. Its unique right??? Different from other car designs…at least its original design. As said…it just cant please everyone. But judging from teh response, this car will certainly sell.

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  • ariff (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:03 pm

    why persona aa??
    why not Gen.2 sedan..
    anyway..thumbs up proton but thumbs down again bcoz no CPS

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  • timber8115 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:04 pm

    hi ys,

    i am a six footer also… let me go and have a try and i will post comment tomorrow…hehe

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  • ilmondo (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:05 pm

    yea it surely is tempting at tat price.. thinking back those days wher 1.5 wiras r around dis price.. so far it seems really +ve.. think dis is proton’s rakyat’s car.. hope dis car is ‘big’ enuf 2 save proton.. really hope so.. n also hope tat gen2 facelift will receive similar treatment on its refinement.. i think waja has d potential 2 grow too.. cant wait 2 c waja cps.. hopefully they tackle owner’s feedback..

    back 2 persona.. those 15 inch rims looks small on dis! surprising! hmm.. dis wil surely look sweet wit some nice but no overstyled bodykit.. cant wait 2 go n check it out.. test drive maybe.. well done proton.. really do hope its well enuf! PROTON..

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  • fairozee (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:09 pm

    leongylun,

    I’m talking bout hatchback and sedan in term of pricing in generic term. It is a common practice by any manufacturer to priced their hatchback slightly higher than the sedan model.

    Yes it not fair for current Gen2 owner coz sedan is more value for your money imo, but what can you about it?

    About the cheaper Saga, well they are selling it cheap becoz the replacement is coming out next year. You can’t expect lower cheaper every time they launch a new model even though, it would be great to do that.I think that only will happen in the next future when they already have replacement for gen2/persona in line.

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  • bobdbilder (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:16 pm

    Dudes

    Everything is uberhyped. Hype makes a salesmen job easier. We thrive on hype! Remember the Ce’ed? City’s elastic 7 shifter. Constant Variable Transmission. Chris Bangle.

    However, I do not think the Persona was an overhyped campaign. It was subtle. And it did not need to be overhyped. The campaign may be understated and rightfully so. Haven’t seen the TV ad yet. Everybody knew it was going to be based on the Gen 2 plus the cellulite. Its designed to be practical. Toyota did preach the benefit of small constant changes. Looks like Proton’s on the right track. Very refreshing that they did not stop while the VW talks are still on. THAT takes a lot of guts.

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  • khimfoh (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:30 pm

    Overall the exterior looks decent not ‘ground-breaking’ but just enough to satisfy those who want a decent looking sedan.

    The glove-box compartment honestly though, looks like an after-thought. It doesn’t seem to blend in with the entire dashboard.

    Good that the power-window controllers have been reposition to the doors for easier access. The seat fabrics looks inviting.

    I kinda agree with one of the post that Proton should do away with the M-line model and just have a Basic and High-line model.

    However at this day-in-age, dual SRS airbags and ABS should be standard feature irregardless whether the car is a lower spec or higher spec.

    Perhaps the High-line model should have leather seats to differentiate it from the base line model.

    Whether the Persona will bring back Proton to its ‘glory’ days is another story all together. Personally Proton cars a good, is just that the service centers doesn’t do a good job of providing car servicing.

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  • iamamonkey (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:36 pm

    I have a gripe.

    Why the hell the highline only have 15 inch wheels. Wheels are like shoes. A nice suit/dress requires nice shoes, not flip-flops.

    The Proton Persona is a nice car. Rather bulky in the rear, but with 15 inch wheels, it looks soft and un-garang. 16s or 17s will do the job. But then again the R&H might be affected……harsher ride, compared to the softer ride that they are trying to go for……

    Looks nice in the pictures, but then again, so did Gen.2.

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:41 pm

    i think they ll about stopping the waja,
    and prepare for MPV,

    and a small hot hatch LOTUS, (high performance satria neo)

    bad idea?,, no
    last time there were Cortina, Carlton,
    this is the major event that change the whole perception of proton brand name

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:47 pm

    I bought perodua MYVI 4 month ago.. Today i book Proton persona for my second car.. because it so much better than MYVI… Thanks proton.. Your interior very nice.. Quality great.. Love the persona door slam sound.. sooo much better than myVI.. For me as a student.. this car is a must have..

    p/s- Who said p2 make a great car???

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  • xsi (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:47 pm

    (quote) neo2 said,
    August 15, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
    Assumption: Downpayment RM500.00 only, the rest financed by loan. Annual interest charged at 3.88%.
    I also check the controversial “tax-free” price for the following car:
    Toyota Vios 1.5E RM47,281.62 1.5G RM54,325.70
    Source: http://www.toyota.com.my
    Honda City 1.5 i-DSI RM53,800.00 1.5 V-TEC RM56,800.00
    Source: http://www.honda.com.my
    All prices are based on Langkawi selling price.
    I believe with the improved technology in engine, built quality and achieving economy of scale, P1 will be able to emerge as global reknown automaker, EVEN AND ESPECIALLY WITHOUT EXCESSIVE PROTECTION FROM G.
    (quote)

    this guy must be kidding, comparing a gen2S penisular malaysia price with vios/city price in langkawi…hehehehe….not a proton basher? yeah right…

    but surprisingly, this sedan base model price about the same with myvi….and myvi is at then end of the day, is still only a smaller car that looks better. Power wise, ride wise and handling wise, even crappier than a kelisa….

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  • itstime (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:49 pm

    Silverfish said:
    “Just the 1.6 vs 1.3 don’t cut it.”

    Not quite true. Those whose mileage claims depend on the cc of the car will go for bigger engine. A good example are the civil servants. It used to be a difference of about 15cents per km. Not sure about it now though.

    Anyhow went to see the car just now. Perfect car for couples with small kids especilly the balik kampung type. Better finishing than gen 2. Those who wished for a bigger space and a sedan will probably opt for waja and others.

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  • razor_clawzz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:50 pm

    The only factor that drives the sales is the price. And that’s it. Anyway Proton will always sell well in Malaysia. The only thing that can take that advantage away from Proton/P2 is AFTA.

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  • e-nabilll (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:54 pm

    i jus saw it in showrrom , only highline have 4 disc brake,others only disk/drum…..rear is alot of headroom compare to my gen2…overall is a nice and sensible purchase,bt ya as some ppl mentioned above…y wd anyone buy a waja now….almost 7k more,bt doesnt offer anyting more than the persona has….or maybe its an indication a new refreshed waja is on the way?? othr diferences is the higher tyre profile,60 rather than 55….

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  • ganz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 4:55 pm

    well already see THEM..but no test drive.. the sales person do not entertain me as i just using old cup cai today..

    my view.. far better than gen2.. esp on interior… dark look kewl.. with glove box and also with central lock..door trim also look far better than my gen2..

    if only i want to comment (without discussing about engine performance) is driver and co-pilot seat.. look cheap.

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  • e-nabilll (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:00 pm

    another two info , persona doesnt come with captor like the gen2,and althought the rear boot hav alot of space and very deep,the opening is pretty small….

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  • brusli (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:01 pm

    Well….after seeing the car, feel it, touch it, and sit in it, my conclusion is that its just a normal sedan car….and a normal sedan car that actually the market wants. I dont fancy the exterior look, but I believe this is what most customer prefers, comparing against the Gen2.

    On the interior, I can see and feel a lot of improvement. The seat feels more comfortable and the seating position is better than Gen2. The door interior panels have been redesigned and better materials have been used.

    Overall, as a budget car, I consider the Persona as worth buying. But if you have extra fund, then Waja is definitely a better choice.

    Good luck proton.

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  • hughie522 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:12 pm

    From the rear, the Persona looks quite good, but it looks awkward from the side and ‘stock Gen.2’ from the front. A revised front end would most likely help sales on the international market.

    I’ve seen a handful of Gen.2’s driving around (Brisbane, Australia), and the occasional Savvy. However, Proton is still very much an ‘unknown quantity’ down under, and I doubt this new sedan will help sales on the international front.

    The interior is a vast improvement, but why the tacky steering wheel? Is this too a pre-ordered stock problem like the tail-lights? It works well with the Savvy’s low-cost interior but in a car that’s set to compete with the Nissan Tiida and Suzuki Swift it seems cheap. Also, there doesn’t seem to be enough to differentiate it from the Gen.2 hatch (aeroback); I doubt it’ll attract new buyers in Oz or the U.K. The Satria Neo was a step in the right direction, but this seems almost like a step backwards.

    Sorry to be a P.B., but it really is a disappointment…

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  • schdmitz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:13 pm

    congrat! P1 for introducing the old new car….its looked nice and stylish….how about the FUEL? tats the thing we concern these days…..Looking forward to hear from those owners….i’m not bashing but saying the real thing….

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:21 pm

    Silverfish
    =============================

    Yeah..just an opinion. But basically if you study marketing…then you will no.. but i respect that..

    BTW, HL and Premium is different…even both got ABS, EBD, and so on.
    Premium at Waja is traditon and suppose limited, even in 2002, 2003, 2004 all got premium version same like 2007. As i said, if both segment got premium, Waja will dead. And i think Premium only for Waja dude

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:24 pm

    good to hear Paul tan say theres improvement overall..the steering wheel looks similar to my Neo..dont like it at first, but its okay once i got used to it

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:26 pm

    BTW, anyone remember this chap who promised to be back with Bashing or Critic by on 15th August. Neo or something…just expecting his comments.

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:30 pm

    yeah…his name NEO2…..I think he go and book this car..hehehehehe

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  • pipzs (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    yeahh… i went to the mutiara d’sara branch… overall it was ok for family car, bigger boots… confirm booked!!! but one thing, the seats looks cheap, the persona font on the back looking a lil bit funny.. im ok with the rest… oh yeah paul, i think for all comment on ur page, it’s better u place the latest comment on the top so we dont have to scroll all the way down to place a comment =) anyway, thts just a suggestion frm me…. proton here i come.. mempersonakan….

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  • xylencia (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:45 pm

    this is just to answer garend who asked if he should go for this or the Wira SE.

    Go for the Persona, do not be taken in by people who say that the Wira is “proven technology” bla bla bla.

    These ppl will still buy the Wira, knowing that things will break down and they will start shouting and complaining later. For their own MISTAKE!

    I was at the launch at COE. and I must say the Persona thoroughly impressed me. For the price, this is a real winner.

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:50 pm

    I think let this guy neo2 give his opinion…

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  • encikwan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:55 pm

    If the price is the range of USD 10k, I will consider.

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  • xylencia (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:56 pm

    ariff said,
    August 15, 2007 @ 4:03 pm

    why persona aa??
    why not Gen.2 sedan..

    ——————————————————–

    A good question. I asked a corporate comm guy the exact same thing. He said it was to show a progression. Of how the Persona brand has improved. This is not for the benefit of Malaysians however. But for overseas countries who have been exposed to the Persona brand for a decade. So what they are doing here is like what car manufacturers always been doing. Use the same name but show how the brand has improved.

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  • tHe CuLpRit (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 5:59 pm

    im not getting a car anytime soon or anything, but i still dont understand proton’s decision not to offer a manual high-line option…

    but since this is targetted at budget buyers, proton probably assumed that those wanting to pay more will want an auto anyway (lotsa kl-ites prefer autos these days, esp due to jam), and the manuals are just there to give option for those wanting even more cheaper Persona…

    i guess if u want a stick shift, have to go for the “sportier” Gen2..

    speaking of Gen2, i had kinda half expected the facelift to be launced together, but looks like that aint happening…. any ideas when this will be?

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  • mockviper (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:15 pm

    i think the manual H-Line will be available soon with CPS… just maybe. to make it the top of line Persona.

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:22 pm

    Yeah…we want manual HL….manual..manual…..

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  • kerelbort (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:25 pm

    Good job Proton… guessing this can compete with like of City or Vios outside Malaysia.

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  • sobri (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:29 pm

    Paul Tan, Gen 2 has copied a lot from Mazda 3 exterior styling, if I may say so. However, the interior and drive are definitely inferior.

    How would you compare Persona to Mazda 3, in terms of quality and drive?

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:33 pm

    sobri: the gen2 and the mazda3 was launched only about 6-8 months away from each other. if proton can restyle the gen2 to copy the mazda3 in such a short time we are giving them far too little credit than they deserve. in other words, i dont think the gen2 copied from the mazda3.

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  • pipzs (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:35 pm

    when i was at the showroom, there’s one “leng-lui” who wants to explain me bout the car and she said “this car arr, got auto-break” and i was like laughing and i said “u mean, auto door lock?” and she said “aiya soli soli soli ya yah, auto door lock, soli ar boss”… and i continued laughing…. she’s definitely want the comissions…pity…

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  • ASIMOtypeR (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:36 pm

    remote boot opening (h-line only), good move proton.
    I still worry about fuel consumption..

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:37 pm

    agree…also we can check PROTON design at intellectual property for trademark purpose…..

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  • pipzs (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:38 pm

    if im not mistaken, full tank u can fill is about RM90…think so..

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:40 pm

    all salesman and girl should study properly on the new launch product…..this is must for consumer for better understanding…

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  • faizulamin (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 6:43 pm

    hi all..

    it’s only that i’ve owned Savvy. if not, definitely i’ll buy this car!
    and “berlagak-berlagak” during this coming hari raya! hahahaha…

    p/s: just wondering, who is the head design engineer for waja, savvy, satria neo and gen2/person…

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:04 pm

    subtle side skirt there

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  • sylkhannaz (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:04 pm

    Nice effort by proton.

    Proton may also benefit feedbacks from internet media such as yours, Paul, and some other. As seen from posts above, there are a lot of positive feedbacks but as we can see, most of them demand engine upgrades. Well, as we know, Proton is currently working on that as well, the CPS.

    However, those who actually leaves comments here are mostly motorheads/enthusiasts so their comment might not align with general public or target customers.

    In my opinion, Gen2 doesnt look that bad, and to use it as a base is actually not a bad idea. Should Proton used Neo as a base, I guess it would be even more appealing especially to typical 4-door loving users.

    Anyway, i think they should lose the long Chrysler-like chrome.

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  • J (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:09 pm

    I think this is great from Proton !

    Is this the one which will be exported to China (30,000 units) ?

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  • cbljkkj (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:11 pm

    Wheels still look far too small, disproportionate to the overall size of the body. The interior looks like a Gen2 made love to a Neo. Styling cues such as the air-conditioner dials, steering wheel and the gear box looks to be a direct port from the Neo

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  • hyundai (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:22 pm

    proton is so funny to let persona fight wif waja! persona is the latest model and size is about wif waja but cheaper than waja…

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  • happymeal (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:32 pm

    wishlist for the car.

    1. higher rear seat bench please. its so low, as if sitting in the old iswara. once seated, your knees are forced to either place high up, or spread your legs to the side. a myvi wins on the rear seat accommodation.
    same goes for the front seats. it really reminds me of the wira, positioned low and thin cushion.
    2. door panels quite impressive. but the door locking mechanism sounds abit loud each time it goes up n down…maybe needs some refinement.
    3. centre array of switches. someone mentioned its not “informative” enough ie. dunno if its on or off. needs a more solid feel.
    4. steering wheel still not as comfy as waja with the thumbrest and curved/rounded 9-3 position spoke.

    improved stuff –
    1. instruments stalks and a/c controls have good weight to it. not loose and plasticky like the waja.
    2. aircon vents not as tacky as Neo. Full closure mechanism (pushing the left-right fins shuts the airflow) feels solid and works well.
    3. interior door lever has a good weight to it, not loose and flimsy like waja.

    still prefer the gen2 design as this car seems out of proportion. probably like all car shapes, need time to grow fond of it.

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  • tech.titan (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:36 pm

    paul, great coverage on proton persona. i’ve been reading your articles for a while and today i’ve decided to sign-up and give some comments.

    proton persona definitely will meet the needs of family oriented buyers. proton certainly moving towards the right direction. it will probably help the company to boost its sales. i’ll buy my persona once its fitted with cps & vim.

    however imho proton still need to restructure its product offering. i’m no marketing expert but for malaysian market, 8 models ( with variant like baseline, medium line, high line and premium for each model) are not going to do any good in terms of achieving the economic scale for each production.

    all in all, kudos to proton.

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:39 pm

    if anyone asking which one to choose gen 2 or this persona.. i go for this new sedan.. see for your self the quality and the interior..

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  • rhinodatum (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:54 pm

    Still there’s one thing i don’t like- the steering wheel. Gosh it looks like those go-cart steering wheel yaks!!. The Waja steering is far better and classier.

    Well at least now they changed the door panel and removed the center pop-up clock which is a good thing!

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    manage to see this model,I would say theres real improvement, dashboard looks more solid,steering wheels looks like Neo,s, but better ‘feel’, spacious boot, sit inside and the family car ‘feel’ is there..very different than Neo..good work Proton..

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  • topgunthang (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 8:10 pm

    ok. proton is so successful with this launch. lets drop all anti-competitive taxes on foreign cars.

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  • nmh (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 8:16 pm

    i second that topgunthang

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  • chanel (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 8:21 pm

    hey i think everbody miss out something……

    the boot no longer using old type method….now Proton put in a pair of absober to support the trunk….hence making the boot space more bigger

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 8:23 pm

    ha!! funny…
    50k for a old looking car…just redesign something and sell off at that price.
    please dun waste rakyat money.

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 8:43 pm

    Good review Paul. However, hope more photos you can put in such as the door opener, rear seat, over internal view of front and rear panel and others. Anyway, good work.

    Until now, there are more than 2200 booking of Proton Persona since the soft launch back in 21 July 2007 – if not mistaken about the date. So less than a month I personally think it is a good starts.

    Still have no time to check out Persona closer but passed by two showrooms after work just now seems there are quite many people inside and saw one car outside the showroom for the test drive purpose.

    Based on Paul’s review, Proton Persona really much better compare to the older model especially the Waja, Gen2 and Savvy. For Satria Neo, still have room for improvements.

    That’s all I can say and will post again after I really seeing the car nearer.

    All the best to Proton and weird there are few Blind Bashers here talking something without facts.

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 8:45 pm

    there is 1 thing which i very hate about it.
    only HL got disk brake. come on la. what century oledi.
    dun give a $H!# on this car
    better save a few k. go and buy myvi
    more spacious

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  • hcgui (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:01 pm

    A Hi-Line Proton Persona complete with CPS and VIM selling around RM58K will surely kick new Vios, City and Latio’s arse REAL HARD!

    come on Proton, give us the CPS and VIM in Persona! Waja will get CPS very soon so we know basically it’s ready! i understand from the marketing point of view tat this will surely hurt the sales of ur new Waja and new Gen2 but this is the BEST way for u to turn everything around!

    Cheers and Happy 50th Merdeka! Persona launch is just so perfectly timed! Malaysia Boleh for once!

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    PTAllTheBest, ur myvi also have front disc brake in all range, stop putting out nonconstructive words!

    Personally driving satria neo, when i went to show room, i really can see a lot of improvement in persona, i definitely want the door panel on my neo ;) and the dashboard plastic is much better than neo’s even the instrument knobs are solid, more solid than neo’s! and now u can easily close doors! for boot space, u can imagine put in 3 golf bag in there, 2 at the bottom, 1 on top

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  • hush (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    wow… a great leap forward… keep it up proton…. they seem to have answered to what the public want… the interior looks good… glovebox, black interior and many tiny details… well done… but exterior wise, i think the front looks okay but the chrome finish on the rear looks ugly… i think it will be better without that…

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:07 pm

    Nice review Paul. It helped prevent WWIII ;-)

    Hey, has anyone been in a Persona AND a Corolla? Can someone please comment on the size of the car? Specs wise, it should be bigger than the Vios/City. The Vios/City should be compared to the upcoming BLM.

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:09 pm

    1 more thing, neo’s steering isnt this, this is original gen2 design if any ever really saw gen2…

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:16 pm

    i notice for the rear they make the suspension setup higher might be for people who carry things in boot, n or carry 2~3 person at the back will make the car lower due to weight, with tis setup the tyre doesnt hit the inner wall so soon gua…just my guess as this is family car, it’s to carry people, so proton make it higher at the back

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:16 pm

    “First UK export specs” car selling locally by Proton! That should be the way for Proton to show they are patriotic and take pride of rakyat support.

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  • darren82my (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:18 pm

    WELL DONE!!! PROTON!!

    But i hope that it will be a replacement of Campro to CPS in nxt yr…

    for Persona, RM55k for H/Line. it is reasonable price and suitable for maket nowadays.

    for me, it is only my dream car also, i will take Waja since it has discount RM3k rite now…. and will be ard RM59k++…. jz more expensive than Persona RM4k.

    however, i will ask my friend to go and take a look for the Persona, i think they may be affortable for M.Line package.

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  • kevyeoh (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:19 pm

    just went to see the car…love the black interior…love the new side door panel, pretty huge boot space….

    some cheap looking gaps at side window bar….didn’t like the built in cd player… :)

    but overall, not bad…hehe…

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:19 pm

    Just now someone post link showing there are two petrol indicator in the RPM and speedometer! What is that? I will go to showroom to find out the truth!

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  • echun79 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:19 pm

    The pesona official website is congested!Luckily i able to get the review from the site. Is anybody know what colors are available for this pesona huh? Does it have the City’s light blue color?

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:34 pm

    that is truth..i also surprised when looked at the speedometer.i thought that car have a two petrol tank.huahahahaha……that showed the final control doesnt work at all…

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  • prometheus (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:36 pm

    The blueberry purple color is nice on the car..
    Looks like a great “starting out to work if you have some money” car

    But dunno why the tyre and the fender got so big gap? All cars like that ah? or is it more on the persona? my imagination?

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  • Dogster (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:48 pm

    “I bought perodua MYVI 4 month ago.. Today i book Proton persona for my second car.. because it so much better than MYVI… Thanks proton.. Your interior very nice.. Quality great.. Love the persona door slam sound.. sooo much better than myVI.. For me as a student.. this car is a must have..

    p/s- Who said p2 make a great car???”

    A saying: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch…

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  • calwinsingh (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:51 pm

    Give u guys credit for the improvements… The car looks nice… Lets pray the windows don’t get spoiled in the first few months… =) Good work and Good luck Proton…

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  • idiomanic (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:52 pm

    i hate mindless bashers… come on laa… grow up pls!

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  • prometheus (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 9:53 pm

    very rich student.. change car every 4 months.. when i was a student I ride moto also happy… then bought a 10000 ringgit car in the last 2 years.. Times are changing for the better..

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  • moto_moto (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:07 pm

    i went to the showroom this evening. i looked and feel the car already. i’m happy with the material quality..im happy with the back seat roof.. the dashboard + exterior design not bad..
    err..im a biiiiit not happy with the engine.
    i was not managed to get a test drive because the queue was so long. i will test drive it some other day. the base-line $48k for manual metallic. otr. kuching. not bad.

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  • moto_moto (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:14 pm

    later proton put CPS on this, dont jack up the price lahh..maintain.

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  • kingglim (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:16 pm

    Oh…sorry to say that I think this will be the nail on the coffin for Proton! The car looks like a poorly put-together rojak.

    First, it is very obviously a Gen2 with boot. Unfortunately, in bid to stretch the rear end and to raise the roof line for rear passangers, the beautiful smooth curveline of Gen2 hatchback is totally destroyed. The car now does not look sleek at all…in fact, the car got crooked line. Now, the car is neither sleek to attract young ah beng crowd, nor classy to attract conservative family uncles & aunties. The car has no more identity, no more soul.

    Second, the interior is also trying to do too much. People want glove box, so they finally put in the glove box. But, problem is, the Gen2 dashboard is designed w/o glovebox, so this Persona dashboard with glovebox looks very very forced. Too bad, it is good to have the glovebox but it is now also an eye sore. The interior has a lot of Gen2 and Satria Neo parts put together. Like bad rojak, neither classy nor sporty. I think it will be much better if Proton just put in entirely Satria Neo’s interior into Persona.

    Third, the price is not cheap at all. Starting at RM45k because Proton put in all the low-end cheap parts; fully-loaded at RM55k but no leather seats and no auto cruise, buyers have got short-changed by Proton.

    Last, Campro still the same old inferior Campro with no CPS nor VIM, and the the auto transmission is still the same old 4-speed (ok, with improved TCU lah). This car will remain so so on power but still a thirsty petrol drinker.

    Conclusion, most people will still rather pay RM30k more for a toyota vios or honda city (not to forget, new vios and new city will be coming this year and next year, rumored to be at lower prices some more). Most bean counters will likely keep spending their precious RM40-50k on MyVi.

    Of course, Persona will still sell, but unlikely at the volume needed to save Proton. Unlikely it can steal market shares, more likely will just cannibalize Gen2’s market share. Appreciate Proton’s desparate efforts to rescue itself…but i think this car is definitely not the ONE. Satria Neo was almost the ONE.

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  • raptorclans (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:22 pm

    I dun have to comment much on the positive stuff, cos I kinda like what I see… it’s a good car, but here are some stuff that could be improved…

    1. the door used to have grab handles to close it, u know, those modern, bar-type. the ones in the persona are a bit 80’s-like
    2. i liked the old handbrake lever much more
    3. the dash meter color is very dull… wonder if we could swap it with a GEN.2’s :)
    4. dash with twin tone would be nicer
    5. hope they have leather on the door panels :)
    6. i actually liked the clock (heehee)

    PS: I absolutely love the gas struts for the boot. a definite improvement fro a proton sedan… it’s just like my alfa’s boot :)

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  • tokmoh (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:28 pm

    hcgui said,

    August 15, 2007 @ 9:01 pm

    A Hi-Line Proton Persona complete with CPS and VIM selling around RM58K will surely kick new Vios, City and Latio’s arse REAL HARD!

    come on Proton, give us the CPS and VIM in Persona! Waja will get CPS very soon so we know basically it’s ready! i understand from the marketing point of view tat this will surely hurt the sales of ur new Waja and new Gen2 but this is the BEST way for u to turn everything around!

    Cheers and Happy 50th Merdeka! Persona launch is just so perfectly timed! Malaysia Boleh for once!
    ————
    >>>Patience, young Padawan. Addin CPS n VIM isn’t a Lego stuff, and I’m sure the engineers are working very hard now to test them to be completely bug-free when it’s ready. Although of course, realistically, they dun hv much time as the competition gets stiffer, they just need to work harder. Speakin of which, today’s Lego are more complex than 10 years ago…..

    When I came to the small dealer in front of Carrefour Subang aroun 12.30, they were still not ready, and told me it’s 1pm, so I came back at that time. IMHO, I think Persona is pretty much Gen.2 which get things right at most of its weak point. Gen.2 had some of the nastiest interior I’ve ever seen in a car, so much it made cycling sound exclusive, bt that’s pretty much ironed out fairly well in the Persona. The controls hv been moved to the door, there’s also cloth trims rather than some naked plastics from Mattel’s reject bin, the clock is digital, which I couldn’t see cuz it’s nt turned on (duh), there’s glove box…..FINALLY!! A lot more to say, bt in short, it was actually pretty normal. Nothing to make u like or hate the car tbh, but for its price, it could’ve been worse. So that said, Proton listened to its customers (and bashers as well), and did their homework. Congrats Proton, I hope you can keep up this gud job. Hooray…..

    Also, I saw a video in the showroom of Syed Zainal giving a message to all its dealer abt “it is nt just abt selling the car, but selling the customer service too. Customers should be treated from the moment they enter the showroom,” and dealers should have the “passion, pride and joy in their work, just as the new addition to the family is our source of pride and joy, it should be present” in all the dealers. Good message, Syed Zainal. You’ve impressed me as you have always do since you took over Proton as its MD. I wish you all the best then!!

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:28 pm

    where’s my comment b4???dun bash me.i just want to revealed the mistake that made by proton on the first day of launching…

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:35 pm

    just check this page….

    http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5635/1508071724sq9.jpg
    http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2384/1508071726hs8.jpg
    http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4313/1508071725jd5.jpg

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  • mits27 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:38 pm

    Not the best , but it is still the big improvement…it is good thing they have designed the normal car that accepted by most people…

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:50 pm

    this problem should not happen on the first day.they should check it first before delivery it to the dealer.now the dealer facing a problem.the need to answer the question.WHY THIS CAR HAVE A TWO FUEL GAUGE??????whoever buy this car,dun forget to check the meter panel…:)

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:06 pm

    haha frezzoed, thx for pointing out, i think its the supplier’s issue and just “luckily” proton QC’s random pick for checking didn’t pick tis car, and the dealer’s fault didn’t check the car before showing ;)

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  • nizam80 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:07 pm

    Paul, does the Base-Line Persona have rear seat headrests?

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  • Jake (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:07 pm

    ..i think i’ll buy the Waja..err.. or the PV6, it’s about RM90K now..but my wife wants the Civic..ahh.. damn!

    ..anyway good effort Proton, but Mr MD, still a lot more efforts needed to achieve “Proton Myvi”!!!

    ..as for me i still love my Gen.2, when the need to upgrade later, i’ll wait the Proton R3 version!

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  • Rolling8 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:08 pm

    I’ve just seen the car in Pandan Indah show room. The logo caps of both front wheels went missing and the door closing sound like this “BOOOMM” ! Cool.

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  • silverfish (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:12 pm

    Aril said,

    Yeah..just an opinion. But basically if you study marketing…then you will no.. but i respect that..

    BTW, HL and Premium is different…even both got ABS, EBD, and so on.
    Premium at Waja is traditon and suppose limited, even in 2002, 2003, 2004 all got premium version same like 2007. As i said, if both segment got premium, Waja will dead. And i think Premium only for Waja dude

    ———————-
    With all due respect, you still don’t get what I’m saying. BTW, I used the word “premium” in the general sense, meaning top of the range ie the equivalent of what they are calling H-line. I don’t know what Proton uses the word “premium” for and I don’t really care.

    PS: I don’t need to study marketing to know what common sense can tell me. Proton has a long history of screwups. They probably had a lot of people who studied marketing in there. Didn’t do them a lot of good did it?

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  • afroiq (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:16 pm

    huh?!..two oil gauge..where..in the picture or in the showroom…

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  • faizulamin (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:17 pm

    i just noticed
    the door panel has a Savvy door’s dna..
    hahaha..
    but, this one is prettier than my Savvy indded!

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  • mattyboy (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:22 pm

    Frezzoed – are you really so stupid to think the car has 2 fuel gauges, come on show some intelligence please!

    It has 1 fuel gauge and 1 water temp gauge

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  • Goniothalamus (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:23 pm

    As i said before, if u have 45k budget to grab a 1.6 family car, this base line is very reasonable. Yes, only for base line. If u want spend more later, just modify it, 16inchers, rockford fosgate, bride seat, Koni, R3 stuff, go on.. :p

    By the way, i wonder what will happen to the original Gen2. I thought rakyat very love this. The sake of the Gen2 will be cloudy man…

    Come on, do something. So the proton come out with Gen2 feat CPS, VIM, sporty bodykit, leather seat, 16inchers, more bhp, sport exhaust., bla..bla..
    target for ethusiast only. (“,)

    Just meaningless comment.

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  • nizam80 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:24 pm

    Anybody who’s been to the showroom who have checked out his car can tell me whether the Base-Line version has rear headrests or not?

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  • orangetribal (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:30 pm

    what’s a CPS and VIM???
    anyway good luck Proton in this new model

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  • denfire (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:55 pm

    Just go to see the car, overall it is a satisfactory view as the car looks nice and good, but there are three weakness of the car that might halt people from buying the car

    1. The rear seat head room got changes and that is a good thing, but the problem is the design of their seating, they push too much space to the bot, this has cause the rear seat become not that good.

    2. The quality is still not that good, just now i go showroom at Mutiara Damansara, i saw the rubber at the back door has been distract from the car, then i ask the salesman, why the rubber come out, he just told me 1 funny answer, he says too many people open the door and want to try to sit inside the back of the car, that cause the rubber to come out. Hahaha, i personally don’t think that will be a good reason.

    3. They are still using same engine which does not got improvement but just tuning by the engineer.

    Sorry if my words got offence anybody.

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  • dm010 (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:57 pm

    nizam80, I just got back from one Proton Edar and have checked the H-Line on display…The rear seat does have a headrest but I don’t think it’s supposed to be there…Even without it u can still sit comfortablly…

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  • nizam80 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:07 am

    But how bout the B-Line? Does the rear seats in the B-Line model have headrest?

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  • dcwhz83 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:15 am

    overall a very good car indeed… and good effort by Proton…
    but still has several flaws:
    1) steering wheel has the same feel (try Suzuki Swift and u know what a world of difference, i mean putting in a better steering wheel shdnt be tat difficult or expensive rite? coz its the thing that drivers are going to hold every minute while he is in the car!!! the driver is not holding the comfy door panels while he/she drives!!!)
    2) the armrest is positioned good, which is good for auto drivers… most cars like the waja, swift, vios sucks at armrests as they are too low to offer support… but the hard plastic on top of the armrest sucks… i feel my elbow could break if i am going thru a huge pothole… no complaints abt the elbow on the door panels though…
    3) the interior door handle material has improved but still not solid enough… i have the feeling it could break if i pulled it extremely hard to open the door.. no complaints abt the exterior door handle though… no complaints abt the door closing, but it requires quite a huge effort to close the door compared with vios/city/swift… 90 degrees door opening is good…
    4) the absorber mechanism on the boot is not properly done… if u put a bit too much pressure to close the boot, it closes automatically for u… and its quite fast too! it can cause injury to someone else sticking their head into the boot while u are just trying to play around wif the boot…
    5) rear tail lamps design sucks… well if i am to buy this car, i am going to go to Abang shop and change to the Taiwan LED design rear lamp even if it costs few hundreds and the LEDs could burn out easily… i cant bear my face to see my frenz with such “original” rear tail lamps… they are not going to laugh at Proton, but gonna laugh at me… lolz…

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  • king (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:19 am

    impressed with the interior built…..now better than cheap plastic myvi. just disappointed with the steering wheel. they should get rid of it at all cost. its the part where the driver/owner touches all the time.

    $44,999 for baseline. p2 really the blood sucker now selling tiny viva at 45k.

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  • dcwhz83 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:20 am

    fyi, for those complaining abt the seat height, i found it to be more comfy having a lower seat height like the wira…. especially for long distance ride… sitting upright for longer periods is not comfy at all… having to split ur legs a little or put ur legs higher actually is more comfy and gives more room for adjustment… its a more sporty oriented seating as sporty means low seats… high seats like the myvi doesnt feel nice for long distance especially if my elbows cant really touch the door panels to offer me support for long drives… maybe myvi seat position suits shorter ppl…

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  • Goniothalamus (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:36 am

    Aiyaaa nizam80, go see by yourself la.. Persona base line not only just for rear headrest available or not.

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  • king (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:51 am

    a agree with dcwhz83,

    which is more comfortable? sitting on a stool ( higher leg position) or sitting on a sofa? its just impossible to please everyone

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  • Javanese (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:57 am

    Although this new Persona is a nice effort from Proton, it still carry Gen2 single BIGGEST FLAW… That bloody plastic steering wheel. My god even Viva and wira got a better steering wheel. Dont they realise all the effort making the car more pleasant, comfortable blah blah can be spoiled just by touching the steering wheel (which feels like touching a stool). It’s car design 101 Proton!!!

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 1:06 am

    the ll be leather wrapped

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  • marnik (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 1:16 am

    Dear Paul, you make a good report.
    As far as i’m concern, proton already backrupt of idea to produce new model and i’m very sad that proton way of thinking is so bad.
    Gen2 already in the market for how many year they still think that the design still good and carry on to the new model ?
    Please don’t look things just around us or malaysia please go more beyond that, or at least see the latest model around the world and they must grap what is the future model i’m sure people will appreciate it.
    Simple thinking is that, is current Gen2 sales good enough now, so that just by make some face lift can boost the proton sale ? i don’t think so. the reality is that the market has no choice to buy it, i’m sure this can be seen through the sale of the car later when the sale will drop after few months introduce it to the market.

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  • topgunthang (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 1:30 am

    2 fuel gauges…
    maybe they wanted to make a hybrid petrol and hydroxene techonology. just forgot to install the hydroxene powerplant.

    oh wait, there is no hydroxene technology.

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  • gq (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:10 am

    anyone from bintulu. pls feel free to come to EON show room or contact thier sales team at 086-336000 for enquiries. They are very helpful and supportive.

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  • ingolstadt (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:27 am

    Besides the reliability issue of Gen2 which some might have some don’t, my main issue with Gen2 is the thing that ALL prospective buyers will seat into and touch first – Steering wheel.

    A decent quality steering wheel with comfortable grip and texture is the most crucial thing of making a customer feel-good the moment they sat in it, why blow that and offer the same crappy steering wheel from Gen2?

    WHY CAN’T THEY JUST USE THE WAJA STEERING? Which is oh-so-nice ?

    And like Silverfish said, it shouldn’t eat into Waja pricing territory, Proton needs more of a Myvi direct competitor rather than a Wira replacement now. Or one that could do both.

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  • adunadun (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 3:42 am

    good p1…make good effort, this is my country car, i need proton to have political strong also, p1 cannot penetrate oversea market without political strong, its not about have good ur car, its about how ur political in market, then slowly ur quality n product will be improve. i support p1, and please dont make me dispointed me. thanks

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  • adunadun (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 4:14 am

    by the way,do you think proton easily could go to china? i think this is contra with penang 2nd bridge, yeah china company fund it and build it :P

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:09 am

    very very extremely exceedingly expensive.
    46k for just a longer gen2 with a old 1.6l technology engine.
    with no paint on the cheap door handle
    no paint on old direct remote door mirror (aiya, electric motor cost how much, kedekut)
    no foldable rear seat
    no alloy rim with a set of very unreliable tyres
    no basic features like airbag, ABS, EBD (feels like wan to cut cost)
    no fog lamp
    only can pirate CD with 2 radio quality speakers
    and the most important, old campro engine (no CPS + VIM, aiya, this blood sucker company move very slow)

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:28 am

    add another few k and then u can a few cheap features available on the Mline
    just some lousy paint
    electric door mirror
    foldable rear seat
    fugly rim and torch beam look alike fog lamp
    another two radio sound quality speakers
    and a airbag which can only function after 10 seconds when collision
    $h!#…! they will suck your blood until u dry up

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:43 am

    forgot to mention.
    disk brake on B & M line. they will not care about their customer.
    as long as they can save much they can then if u die it is your problem. none of their business. 4 days old also can get fire easily. $H!#…!
    but there is 1 thing i very love. 2 fuel gauge on a car which is i never seen.
    they probably know that their product got defect and will often malfunction.
    so they equip with not 1 but 2 fuel gauge. damn clever!!!
    $H!#…! EVEN STUPID THAN DONKEY!!!

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:45 am

    and also provide better reading accuracy inside your fuel tank with 2 fuel gauge. $H!#…!

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  • azrai (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:14 am

    Better late than never. It seems Proton starting to realise the power of consumer or rakyat. They have to compete using pricing and quality as their main strategy. For the disc brake, even Naza Edition Wish come with drum brake for the rear. Proton should conduct more market survey before launching any new model after this. Anyway, I like the way the manage to cut cost of development of this car from RM600m for Gen2 to just RM100m for this Persona. Now they are thinking like a true entrepreanour. Good effort by Proton. If this is the way they are heading after this, not only AFTA even in WTO they can survive. Now I must say I’m proud to be Malaysian, and proud that Proton is Malaysian. Please don’t dissapointed us as rakyat again Proton.

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  • frossonice (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:27 am

    Went to see it yesterday night and quite impress with it. Built quality is better and the improvement over the old Gen.2 can be seen clearly. The fabric trim remind me of the old Wira. Engine wise, i shall not judge it yet as neither of you guys (except Paul Tan and lucky few maybe) had tried it yet, even though it is an old engine. Before making any stupid remark on how the engine might perform, you better test it first. Oh, someone show me the CPS engine. The cover is red and it suppose to come out when updated Waja come out this October. Don’t take my word on it.

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  • NiceCar (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:04 am

    Great improvement by comparing to proton previous car;
    still far far behind by comparing to others car manufacturer.

    P1 should not sastify with current level but must keep improvement.
    or else P1 only able to earn M’sia citizen money only…

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  • Bigfoot (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:11 am

    Thank you all forummers who give positive and negative feedback here. I am certain that a lot of Proton engineers and staffs valued the feedback from Paultan.org It is currently the best platform for us to get feedback. Thank you again, whether from basher or fans, except Joe Ooi…just kidding

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  • wuichi (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:54 am

    great review, i have yet to see the person in the showroom. Will drop by for a look

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  • apparaa (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:13 am

    To all Bashers….

    Dont bash so much laaa, one day it might end up with u guys buying one!!…. hahaha… who knows?

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  • raverus (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:15 am

    i am skeptical about the quality, i hope it’s better this time.

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  • Dogster (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:16 am

    “mattyboy said,

    August 15, 2007 @ 11:22 pm

    Frezzoed – are you really so stupid to think the car has 2 fuel gauges, come on show some intelligence please!

    It has 1 fuel gauge and 1 water temp gauge”

    Its apparent that you didn’t see the picture. Don’t simply call ppl stupid without seeing the picture…

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  • nescartel (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:30 am

    a wise man once said:
    “Never argue with idiots.”

    so i would suggest that if we come across
    some of these people who give comments
    with no fact nor anything useful,
    who bash without even seeing the actual thing,
    maybe we should just ignore them. :p

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  • neo2 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:31 am

    Competition leads to improvement. In absolute economy term, monopoly enjoyed by GLCs is an advantage and also a main killer when it is indulged and fantasized of its commercial success created by monopoly. For instance, local ISP is monopolized by TM, so what can you do when the line always down? Stop paying the monthly fixed service charge? Unless there is a second choice for customers, otherwise does TM bothers at all? Same applies for P1, it used to be arrogant and designing its preferred racing and sporty cars without conducting market survey or at least listening to its customers. It had its fall and now it’s back in action again. Kudos to P1. The typical and major problem plaguing GLCs is politics interference, it will always be in a multi-racial country like us. How long does P1 needs to attain and sustain possible future commercial feasibility? Nobody can guarantee that existing MD will stay forever. As soons as P1 returns to black, things might change (I mean P1 management). Trust me on this. If greedy politicians come back in future and takes control of P1, the blind followers of P1 would be much disappointed when the same problems (the problems that we used to bash about) go back to square one. Do not be blind-folded or get over-excited by short-timed and little achievement, Persona just a starter, P1 still has a long, windy and rough journey down the road. should P1 or even Malaysia no longer a mere “Juara Kampung” (aka Local Champion), time will tell. Like I used to said, P1 should not targetted P2, Inokom or Naza as competitor, instead it should aim for Toyota or Honda. Typical politicians mentality is they like to compare ourselves with less developed countries, instead of developed countries. What a crap! How to become developed country in that sense?
    By the way, as a Malaysian, Persona is a timely gift to celebrate 50th Independence Day. Selamat Merdeka, Malaysia!

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  • Alifz (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:33 am

    Aiyoo…to many comments over here, could not even finsh reading on it…

    Anyway good job to Paul for giving extensive review on this Pesona.

    Well all commentors, since the article said Pesona suffers from handling since it’s giving up Gen2 specs, dont expect the CPS and VIM to be inside this car, very dangerous cause the car cannot handle the power. As my 2 cent point of view Waja CPS really meant for it as the original body track is wider than Pesona and Gen2, shorter than Pesona so the weight distribution and handling could be only be capable by Waja.

    So for all Waja owner, don’t be sad and regret, this car just a normal mass car. You could ‘tapau’ it when comes to the bends. Not enough power? Just invest and put an AFC and you can ‘tapau’ Putra…hehe…

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:38 am

    PTAllTheBest said,
    August 16, 2007 @ 5:43 am

    forgot to mention.
    disk brake on B & M line. they will not care about their customer.
    as long as they can save much they can then if u die it is your problem. none of their business. 4 days old also can get fire easily. $H!#…!
    but there is 1 thing i very love. 2 fuel gauge on a car which is i never seen.
    they probably know that their product got defect and will often malfunction.
    so they equip with not 1 but 2 fuel gauge. damn clever!!!
    $H!#…! EVEN STUPID THAN DONKEY!!!
    —————————————————————-
    As what Dogster said. It has 1 fuel gauge and 1 water temp gauge! By the way, all cars come with front disc brake and rear can be either drum or disc brake too. What do you mean by they will not care about their customer?

    Please get your facts right!

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  • motoaku (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:38 am

    wanna see some r3 / modified version of this car …
    hope fully will come soon….

    waiting for cps + vim to be trnsplant, doa…doa….it willbe less then 60k…ahaks…heheh

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  • RM (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:39 am

    Seriously in these days and times where product innovation is a core competency, it’s a real letdown. Passing of a reworked car from 2004 as a new model is quite lame and having its Chairman declare expectations of a proton revival on this car, is a huge concern for investors/shareholders.

    I’m also questioning the strategy here – pitting the Persona head to head with the Gen2 (a.k.a Persona hatchback) at a critical time when there are so many unsold stocks of Gen2 still out there. Two wrongs doesn’t make it right…and so soon after going in the right direction with the Satira Neo.

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  • motoaku (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:42 am

    ahahah….unicorn…

    dont see aaa?…city use still drum what…
    not mentioning others….who want to add….??

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  • kevyeoh (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:54 am

    RM,

    i think it’s the same issue as Proton Wira sedan vs Proton wira hatchback right? look at wira sedan and wira hatchback’s sales…do you think they are in direct competition?

    will it kill each other? i don’t know…because maybe there are different ppl with different taste… the gen2 hatchback looks more sporty while the sedan type is more to family oriented…

    so will it kill each other’s sales? in my opinion…not really that much la…. :)

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  • motoaku (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:55 am

    opss…sorii unicorn…..,it was for PTAllTheBest…heheh

    here people discuss using their head,so please …do think before u bash..

    let revolutionize this industry….make the consumer demand for what they want…
    not the managers dictate what they want…
    even we cant have them all…..but atleast therei are some protonians was listening what we talk about….

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  • dcwhz83 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:57 am

    eh guys,

    CPS + VIM cant tapau anyone ok? for sure it cant tapau a Vios on straight line also… CPS + VIM main purpose is to improve FC becoz have more low end torque… Toyota’s VVTI and Honda’ i-VTEC is alrdy here years ago and has went thru many generations of improvement while Proton is working on its 1st generation of CPS + VIM…

    so dont expect miracles… its supposed to smoothen the acceleration, dont expect more than 10% bhp increment… and for the weight of 1200kg car, tat 10% is not much… it feels better but realistically it wont be able to tapau any fast acceleration cars like Putra, Sentra 1.8, Vios, City, Latio 1.8 becoz these cars have good power to weight ratio and has variable valve timig tech long time ago…

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  • bht xxxx (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:23 am

    GOOD JOB PROTON!!!…this persona dont have campro with cps because this is one of their marketing strategy…they will only put the campro cps in the new waja maybe next year…then the new waja price will increased about 4k…there will different price range from this new persona…

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:23 am

    PTallthebest. don have to keep repeating over & over again in hope to disuade or corrupt the others on how bad the car is. Typical one sided basher. I know u prefer puny size car. Yes puny size car is good for ladies & students, not for real man like HULK.

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  • albagmane (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:33 am

    the volume control of the from the cd player on the steering captures me… have to see the owner opinion then we baru see wat proton says is right onot… btw, the headroom and legroom is greatly improved… can say like a Myvi Sedan???

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  • Rolling8 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:41 am

    I hope Proton can do well. But I don’t think this car will be a sensation in Malaysia because the faces of prospecting customer in the showroom look not so amazed and keep on asking the salesman why why why (on certain parts which are not satisfactory). Good luck P1.

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:03 am

    the car seems to be selling well though.. 2000+ bookings by the time it was launched by people who have never seen the actual car. seems to show that there are still plenty of people out there who trust proton.

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  • mosfet (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:06 am

    i have to say i like this car a lot
    the quality has greatly improved
    no so cheap plastic like interior anymore
    however i dun the steering and the not so responsive buttons
    nway … gud luck proton

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:08 am

    neo2,

    but according to chips yap’s article in motortrader.com.my, he said that proton are targetting the persona at the city, vios and like it or not, the myvvi also, just because of the price point. So i suppose what you said about proton only targetting naza and inokom is not accurate.

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  • aesthari (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:11 am

    IT HAS A FREAKIN GLOVE COMPARTMENT!! AT LAST!! lol, not that I care about it, but it seems Proton’s put in the effort this time. Not bad all, it even looks better than the hatch. I like the side profile of this one better :)

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  • Akazamabamaboo (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:16 am

    This seems like a nice car…apart from the oh-so-ugly tail lights, the cheap-looking steering wheel, and…just look at the gap between the tyre and the wheelarch…eek… =/ I think the car would have a better stance with a lower ride height…I suppose Proton gave it an apparently large ground clearance to tackle the huge speed bumps on our streets? =P

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  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:19 am

    Info, I ‘ve made some comparison between Persona, Vios and City. Persona win in term of power/Torque, handling and comfort. Congrat Proton!. Proud to be Malaysian! I will book 1 I-White Colour..

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  • drebar (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:26 am

    i used to dislike proton also becos the built quality is questionable. but credit must be given where it is due.

    i think since Savvy, proton has improved, albeit there are still some built quality issue with Savvy, haven’t heard of any complaints about Proton Satria Neo. or is it i’m not updated?

    from mah humbah point of view, i think the main reason Proton Satria Neo didn’t sell so well is becos it’s a two door car. and some ppl do not like the design. me too actually.

    but from the outlook, the Proton Persona looks like a really good buy… can fight with vios and city… almost the same type of customers… if latio a bit tough…becos latio i think is of higher end customers…

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  • mattyboy (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:38 am

    Dogster – now you win title of the most stupid person to post! Of course I have seen the picture you fool else why would I post.

    I urge you to go look at the picture yourself, now, go on, then come back and tell me what those two gauges are!

    The one on the left has a pic of a petrol pump with markings 0, 1/2 and 1/1 where as the one on the right has a pic of a thermometer with markings 60, 90, 120 degress celcius.

    Now, any person with one iota of a brain would sum up that one gauge is for fuel and one is for water coolant temp – I will let you guess which one!

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:49 am

    Guys, rather than bash blindly here, I have asked someone in Proton for an explanation on the meter panel with two fuel gauges. It is not a Proton assembly problem but a vendor problem, as Siemens VDO delivers the meter panel as a complete unit to Proton. The photo is a pre-launch leaked photo as there were only 3 Personas with these sesat meter panels, and they’ve already taken steps to rectify it as well as on the supplier’s side before the car was launched. It’s not fair to just bash without knowing whether the photo came from – now we know it is a preproduction car.

    mattyboy: the meter panel in question here is not the meter panel in all personas but the 3 links posted by frezzoed in the comments section of this post

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  • Akazamabamaboo (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:01 pm

    A good step by Proton…utamakan kehendak & keperluan pelanggan/pengguna/pemandu/whatever… =) Hmm…I bet in a couple of months from now we’ll start to see different customised variations of the Persona on our streets…heheh… =P

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  • Akazamabamaboo (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:06 pm

    But…what about the safety of the occupants? Why don’t the airbags come as standard? Why isn’t ABS a standard feature? Why…er…hmm… =/ A lot of European cars nowadays come with ABS and airbags as standard features. And road accidents are more common in Malaysia…so…hmm… *ponders*

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  • Akazamabamaboo (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:08 pm

    I’m not bashing…sekadar mengkritik…hehe… =D

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  • crully (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:08 pm

    Guys, Guys…

    This is a good car.. It might not be to everyone’s liking, but it is. Just accept it, ok? I sat in it. I liked it. It has a sporty-ish interior. I liked it. It has a big cabin that I can sit properly in at the back. I’m a 6 footer, if I can sit in the back, I like it. My mum’s Vios, I can only sit in front. Back seats are not comfortable enough. Boot space, big, though the boot opening could’ve been bigger. That said, it is a sedan, and it is actually better than my mum’s vios. So, yeah, u guessed it, I like it. Engine might be a bit weak, but what are you gonna be doing with the sensible 4-door sedan anyway? Race it up and down the north-south highway? It’s good up to 120kph, and that’s more than enough for the speed everyone drives at during balik kampung (no more than 30kph). If u want a faster car, get a satria neo. It’s less comfortable, but since u like it fast, u’ll like it. The car’s got good mileage according to the salesperson. About 6.3L(Manual)-6.6L(Auto) per 100km. With a 50L fuel tank, considering it’ll give the low fuel warning with 5 liters to go, brim it and u’ll be doing nearly 720km before the warning comes on. Even further if you’re brave enough to dry the tank. So it’ll go the distance as well.The steering, well, if you don’t like it, wrap it in leather or change it to ur favorite momo or sparco or nardi wheel. 70% of Gen-2s i see change theirs anyway, I can’t see the problem with you changing yours. The pedals are at the right place, shifter is too. I test-drove the manual M-Line yesterday, it was rather ok. It is a heavy car u know. And it is very quiet inside. Personally, if I had the money, I’d be going back to the showroom now, and put in an order. But, alas, as a student in uni, can’t afford it yet. But still, thanks proton for giving me another choice than the inflated priced Myvi and Viva. If the BLM comes out before next may, I might even get to buy that one instead.

    Bashers, please be rational when u talk. The way u bash proton like u din go school before. Everyone needs time to pick up the pieces when things go wrong. It went horribly wrong for proton when Gen-2 and Savvy came out for the first time. But it is mostly ironed out by now. What u get now is years of careful planning, research and development. If you think all proton R&D ppl are doing is sit sown all day drinking coffee waiting for 4pm, then why don’t u try to do a better job. Go there and apply for a job there. The problem is that Proton was for too long too protected by the Government. New proton CEO is working hard to change the mentality of the workers there. What I think is some of the proton bashers are the ppl who work for P2 or sumtin who want to bad-mouth proton when they haf a superior product.

    And for those who rather buy the myvi, go ahead and buy it. No matter how good it looks, myvi is still a subcompact hatch being sold being at the same price as a car from 1 step up in size, a compact sedan. Yes people, see properly! It’s a sedan. There, I rest my case.

    Proton, I wish u all the best to get up and running from now with ur new baby. Destined to go places. Hopefully to stuff those bashers’ mouths.

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  • kohbk (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:14 pm

    saw the car, overall quality had improved but the weird looking centre console not really my cup of tea all those tiny buttons just harder to press. The power windows control panel is huge improvement. Overall i think its a fair car to buy.

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  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    Yala Paul,

    The meter panel already detected in Proton. Supply problem. Should be no issue..

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  • v (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:19 pm

    GOOOOOOOOD JOB PROTON….REALLY LIKE IT…GO AND HAVE A LOOK ON IT:…AERODYNAMIC SHAPE THAT REPRESENTS IT ADVANCE STYLING ….ELEGANT REAR END DESIGN WITH ATTRACTIVE REAR GARNISH

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  • neo2 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:40 pm

    @Banyakmasukworkshop
    If u have read my comments carefully, what I meant is “I used to say ….”, which means that P1 previous models were targetting so called national car makers. For instance, P1 Savvy 1.1 was targetting A segment car market and etc. However, now, please take note, NOW, P1 comes up with Persona 1.6 is targetting B segment car like 1.5-1.6 car like Toyota Vios and Honda City.
    I m sorry if u have mis-interpreted my comments.

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:49 pm

    Just noticed a guy at the showroom yesterday,very curious looking..even tried to pull the rubber door seals..too excited maybe,but I thought Persona is a good effort..btw, I noticed on tv Naza too have 2 new models,Rafidah Aziz launched it..is she “somebody important” in Naza? Happy motoring..

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  • drebar (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 12:52 pm

    i will wait for few months before buying… a good car indeed.. but let the other test it first…

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  • JULIANLEE2 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    why do we have to pay so much for cars, for RM44,999 i can buy a lot more cars
    which are 10 times better

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  • kei9 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    WHOA! 200+ post in juz a day???

    hot….

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  • drebar (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    so RM44999 can buy which car which is 10 times better?? Perodua Viva??

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  • motoaku (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:18 pm

    juliaanlee ….please name one

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  • razor_clawzz (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    I wish this car used as taxis (to replace Iswara especially)

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  • renyeo (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:24 pm

    IS THIS THE NEXT BIG ONE FROM PROTON?

    This new car was even reported by Singapore’s radio, tv and print news media.

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  • JULIANLEE2 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:24 pm

    well, not in malaysia, in other countries, what i meant was for that kind of money i can buy cars 10 times better in other countries, the tax here is too high, a tax is fine, but it should be lower

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  • KelvC (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:27 pm

    Firstly, bravo to Paul for the extensive review!

    I went to see the car yesterday evening and I do agree that this is the car that the general Malaysian market wanted (albeit 1 year late). As many have echoed, Proton needs car for the masses (bread and butter car), once the economies of scale are in, and then you can have niche product with good margins. As for the similar steering, rear lights, etc, it is a matter of good business sense and economies of scale. Maybe we should wait for the next face lift version (1.5yrs – 2yrs time?) for better designs before assuming that this will be the base DNA of the Persona.

    Looking at the timing of the launch this will certainly coincide well for the “balik kampong” crowd (early adopters) however I have this nagging thought, if most of the target group are currently tied up with 9 years loan, how is this target group going to purchase the car? The bulk of potential buyers have bought their cars not too long ago and, in view of the low resale value, the take-up rate will be badly affected as well.

    We can also see that the car was launched right after iCARE which is a good thing. The iCARE launch is to rebuild their service credibility, while we do not know how well it was received amongst the Proton car owners and translate that to more service $ales in the Proton Service Center, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

    The Persona has added a little sparkle for the national day for many of us. With 2 more weeks to go, this nation definitely needs a lot of little sparkles to commemorate the 50th Independence Day.

    PS:

    1) I hope they would seriously consider to rename the Gen2 in the next facelift (Persona Hatch/Hatchback/HotHatch/Aeroback/etc, perhaps?) because having too many Brands creates too much confusion amongst customers, resource wastage, etc.

    2) Please stop comparing against Perodua as this company is competing in the different market segment; i.e. Persona against MyVi/ViVa??? Let us be realistic here, despite being within the pricing scope, it’s still a different car segment.

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  • JULIANLEE2 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:30 pm

    its sure good business, for the people of proton, why should they be given the unfair advantage over the malaysian car industry

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:32 pm

    Julianlee2,what do u mean by 10 times better..and buying a lot more cars? u must be very rich..enjoy your cars…cheers!!!

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  • pipzs (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:33 pm

    wht’s there to argue and bash around? proton did their bests.. just take it this way, if u like it, u buy it and if u dont, u go find another car… and when u keep bashin’, i tell y’all got no point at all because the final product has been launched and it can’t be changed… so be it… kan? kan?… whetever it is, i am booking one soon, it’s gonna be my first proton car…. suitable and effordable for a family type of car.. and “duuuhhhh”, everyone knows persona is a gen2 base, so say no more… don’t get suprised one day proton do a neo sedan, savvy sedan, waja hatchback and whtsoever… let them be… they have their own achievements and targets… i also heard that lots of goverments staff now using vios&city, so this persona purpose is to attracts them who changed to vios&city today…

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  • leongylun (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:33 pm

    Skyline
    Info, I ‘ve made some comparison between Persona, Vios and City. Persona win in term of power/Torque, handling and comfort.

    you can’t compare small sedan car with sedan car…they are quite different segment. Some more they are different in engine capacity…although only 100cc differences. You should compare Persona with Nissan Latio or Altis 1.6 or Sentra 1.6 gua…i think..but Persona really showed lots improvements..well done…

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 3:08 pm

    leongylun, u cant say like that, persona is in which segment? B? if B then compare with vios and city la, altis isnt in B segment, Waja is the one should compare to altis, u cant compare them with engine capacity, its not auto race :D car segment created for a purpose to identify which car is for which segment, some like latio might even have cabin space like C segment car, but tats latio, today’s star is persona ;)

    Julianlee, for 44999 u can get what oversea? state 1 pls. n tell me whether u really tried them or just listen to who n who said so?

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  • longjaafar (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 3:08 pm

    At last! A car that Proton can be proud of. It has all the attributes that appeals to the bulk of Malaysian car owners.
    One thing that pleased me is it’s cavernous boot which would appeal to families and golfers.
    The Proton designers have a winning formula in terms of design and I think it will do very well.

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 3:10 pm

    leongylun, shouldnt say like tat, u should compare by segment, what segment is vios n city in? B? what’s persona? B also rite? so y cant compare those in same segment? its not race, dnt compare engine capacity…altis is for waja to compete

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  • 4G63T DSM (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    200 over posts….

    No doubt that The Persona looks better and maybe “built better” and priced quite attractively. Stopped by the showroom yesterday. They still could have made a better steering wheel. Would like an option of a manual for the H-line.

    Question is, isn’t the market too saturated already? I mean, Perodua gobled up a good chunk of the mkt last year with the Myvi, and Proton itself exhausted the low end market with the Saga (which no doubt put some brakes on the Viva)

    and lets just face it. it’s still expensive. a 5 year loan with a 20K downpayment will still run you about 700 per month. Not exactly budget priced for the low to mid income families. Anything over a 5 year loan would be financially silly (as of this calculation, you are already paying $100/mth on interest).

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  • wildthingz (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 3:57 pm

    congrate proton, nice baby u have.but there is some thing i think need to be improved …..the meter panel and the stering wah that stering macam itu plastik rejected its make pesona like kereta potong lah and meter panel can u make it more exclusive bcuz pesona more to exclusive vehichle rather than sport one overall good one more thing that spoiler baik tak yah cam tak wujud jer i tengok tadi hahahahahahahahah

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  • adunadun (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    i read some body look down to p1. buy RM44999 car which 10times better??
    hello….name me 3 other country that geografically big as Malaysia that dont have their own brand car but their standard of living better and their have big number of expert engineer in anyfield much then us? taiwan may be? 2 more others? if we dont have p1 and p2 , do you think we could catch up korea?

    What ever p1 done, it will never make everyone sattisfied, 44999 got 10x better? huh! be reallistic loh.

    but paultan,thanks for ur review, very good reading material

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 4:15 pm

    WAJA?

    remaining current waja will go to Iran,
    next…. new waja is to come , another excitement,

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  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 4:22 pm

    JulianLee,

    If u think car from others country better, better u live there hehe

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  • calvin5189 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 4:26 pm

    pipzs said,
    August 16, 2007 @ 2:33 pm

    wht’s there to argue and bash around? proton did their bests.. just take it this way, if u like it, u buy it and if u dont, u go find another car… and when u keep bashin’, i tell y’all got no point at all because the final product has been launched and it can’t be changed… so be it… kan? kan?… whetever it is, i am booking one soon, it’s gonna be my first proton car…. suitable and effordable for a family type of car.. and “duuuhhhh”, everyone knows persona is a gen2 base, so say no more… don’t get suprised one day proton do a neo sedan, savvy sedan, waja hatchback and whtsoever… let them be… they have their own achievements and targets… i also heard that lots of goverments staff now using vios&city, so this persona purpose is to attracts them who changed to vios&city today…

    Very good , I agree with you.

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 4:43 pm

    JULIANLEE2 said,
    August 16, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
    well, not in malaysia, in other countries, what i meant was for that kind of money i can buy cars 10 times better in other countries, the tax here is too high, a tax is fine, but it should be lower
    _____________________________________________________
    My god you are misguided.
    Dont believe? Go check out ACTUAL ON_THE_ROAD (OTR) PRICES OF CARS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

    RM50 for a ~1200kg sedan….OTR.

    (if NAP/Proton didnt exist – no extra tax on foreign cars.)
    The cheapest Corolla would be ~RM75k OTR
    The cheapest Civic would be ~RM80k OTR

    The cheapest Corolla in Australia is about RM72k. while the civic is close to RM80k.

    As someone mentioned, it IS bigger than the Vios. The Vios/City (~RM52k OTR if NAP/Proton didnt exist) should be compared with the upcoming Proton BLM instead.

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  • tanasi (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:20 pm

    Be realistic la people. It’s not a Dalcia Logan or a beca. Sub 45k also people complaint? Come on. What do you expect, Proton to ammortize the factory for 100 years, vendors to quote price for 5,000,000 units/year? Pay the engineers RM600 per month? Come on, have some sense.

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  • Dogster (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:22 pm

    “#
    mattyboy said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 11:38 am

    Dogster – now you win title of the most stupid person to post! Of course I have seen the picture you fool else why would I post.

    I urge you to go look at the picture yourself, now, go on, then come back and tell me what those two gauges are!

    The one on the left has a pic of a petrol pump with markings 0, 1/2 and 1/1 where as the one on the right has a pic of a thermometer with markings 60, 90, 120 degress celcius.

    Now, any person with one iota of a brain would sum up that one gauge is for fuel and one is for water coolant temp – I will let you guess which one!

    U blind isit? Paul also said there are 2 petrol meters there.. And mind your language pls.

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:27 pm

    JULIANLEE2

    car tax is high in malaysia.. but when you live in the UK, or Australia..etc. your income tax will kill you dude, about 30%+ or more of your income will go to the govt. ;) dont forget the higher cost of maintenance, insurance..etc… and the cost of goods and services will also will kill you.

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  • boredofschmucks (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:30 pm

    it’s tiring to read unconstructive comments….

    grow up!Comments/critics are welcome but baseless bashing are going nowhere.If you have a need to do some mindless/baseless bashing, go open up ur own blog or something

    It is true Proton has sins in the past and it is true they still have it now. But from what I can see,they are trying very hard to repent and do a better job. Of course they can’t do everything in one go!Who can???Is Perodua doing a better job?I can honestly say they do but if you look from a different point of view,they are not!Assembling cars cost less than building your own car.Proton is trying to stand on it’s own but if people keeps on kicking them,how can they?At least they are trying to create a pool of people who are capable of designing their own car @ R&D wise

    Design wise?Who in the world can design a car and satisfy 100% of the viewer?None.Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You have the right to say it’s ugly but you are kicking below the belt by saying the designers are stupid and don’t know how to design.why don’t you apply a job to become one? It’s not as easy as drawing a table and manufacture it.It involves lots of procedure, consideration,manufacturing limitation,vendors capabilities,budget etc..etc…

    Automotive sector is a difficult industry where you invest millions/billions for 1 model and gain little from it.The way to go is to reduce cost and capture as much market volume as possible!

    I sincerely believe Persona has what it needs to push Proton to a better state but it depends on market perception.It has taken into consideration of what the public want’s and don’t in the product.So it now up to marketing and public likes/dislikes

    Just by looking the car you can judge it?Poor weight balance?WOW!You must be padawan of Nostrodamus! Drive the car dulu lah…go see it…feel it …experience it.After that,if you feel the car is not to your taste,jangan belilah!Habis cerita.If you feel you need to comment,go ahead,by all means but don’t bash when you have not drive the car or personally feel and see the car. Telling a bad stories about Proton based on what you heard from another basher does not count.Its a statement of you wanting a cheap publicity and to make your self heard

    Proton habiskan duit rakyat? Proton have been standing on its own 2 feet financially when they launch WAJA.The money is from their own pocket! Government don’t give money to Proton,it’s the other way round! They have their own reserves. So stop saying habiskan duit rakyat. I doubt the tax you are paying goes to Proton. That is if you pay tax la….

    ABS?Airbag?Sure I want those but there are people who don’t want them.(don’t ask me why). So options are there.If you want,buy the ML or HL lah. Don’t have enough money but still wants a new car,buy the Low Line versionlah. Don’t like it?Don’t buylah!As simple as that!

    Expensive?Donno what to saylah…. nak berapa baru murah?RM30k?RM20k? Be reasonable. Kalau mampu beli kereta lain yang lagi mahal,silakan.Tak mampu beli pada harga RM45k,beli kereta lain yg mampu.The power is in your hand!

    I have my own grudges with Proton but not to the extend of lowering myself by mindless/baseless bashing

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  • david_loves_cars (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:35 pm

    interesting watching this discussion…it takes a while for people to put some grudges down…but i can see most people are pretty reasonable and call it as it is. good deserves credit.

    proton has made genuine effort to produce a good car, look right at an acceptable price point. in simple terms it probably is a good car and that is a real victory for a company that we all (me too) started to write off.

    let’s give them a bit of credit and see how they fight back. who knows….they still have a chance of fighting on the world stage…and let’s face it, not a bad effort for a small player with very, very limited resources compare to company like toyota, omg!

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  • david_loves_cars (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 5:42 pm

    i am beginning to like the under-dog! lolz

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  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:05 pm

    Boredofschmucks,

    I like your comments.. Just to add some..

    Actually, Proton contribution to gov is more than u all think. Proton have improve our economy. U all see at Shah alam la last 20 years.. Not like some people just talk only, live at malaysia but give contribution to others country.

    I buy Persona, I also contribute to Malaysia economy hehe. Merdeka!!!

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  • orangetribal (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:07 pm

    just got a hands on look at the persona.didnt really like the steering wheel,looks flimsy like those used in the arcade games.seats are like easy to spoil but as a whole if offers great space inside.exterior the car looks solid and rigid.very executive-ish infact it’s rear view is a lil bit like mini-Camry(waitin for the R3 bodykit =)).offers a lot of compartment space but only thing i hope P1 would change the steering wheel and cover the cloth-like cushion with leather as its easy to get dirty.
    as a whole,i am in love with this car after waja and truly what the others said is true,Proton has evolve into something that we can be proud of.

    MES QUE UN CAR!!!!

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  • kennyyeoh (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:11 pm

    hmmm, im not a proton fan but always admired how the waja performed, never how it looked. Why did they reverted the design back to gen2? it never looked good as itself yet it does look better here, yet not impressive. true that the price has went down to cater to the masses, but it could have done so much better utilising the neo body with some modification to make it look proportionate as a sedan. I for one likes how the neo looks and if it was 4doors i would have bought one by now, i just fell it was a fabulous model..as for this i think will pass. true the myvi isnt as spacious as it gets but it sure is a sight for sore eyes. want that much of space? then go for the waja, im very sure it does offer a lot more than just that….just my 2 cents

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:19 pm

    im pround wit the new peson produced by proton..congrat proton
    i juz womder about the fuel comsumption on this new persona..anyone can tell me??paul

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  • avanza (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:29 pm

    Does anybody understand why Proton is still producing the Waja along with the physically identically Persona? Price also almost identical. Paul? Anyone?

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  • peYno-1 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:42 pm

    Omedetou Proton..

    REAL MAN /FAMILY MAN definetely will go for SEDAN car.. now Persona is a good choice..

    then who wanna buy Myvi??? Ah soos ,aunties will

    prrrfthhh

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  • 2ST (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 6:42 pm

    Dear Watchman of Proton:

    Night Watchman
    Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Congress said someone may steal from it at night, so they created a night watchman position (GS-4) and hired a person for the job.

    Then Congress said, “How does the watchman do his job without instruction?” So they created a planning position and hired two people: one person to write the instructions (GS-12) and one person to do time studies (GS-11).

    Then Congress said, “How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?” So they created a Q.C. position and hired two people, one GS-9 to do the studies and one GS-11 to write the reports.

    Then Congress said, “How are these people going to get paid?” So they created the following positions, a timekeeper (GS-09) and a payroll officer (GS-11) and hired two people.

    Then Congress said, “Who will be accountable for all of these people?”

    So they created an administrative position and hired three people: an Admin. Officer (GM-13), an Assistant Admin. Officer (GS-13) and a Legal Secretary (GS-08).

    Then Congress said, “We have had this command in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost,” so they laid off the night watchman.

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  • 2ST (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:07 pm

    Irma Hisham kene tukar kete la.Bulan depan gaji baru dah start.
    me?still using green car la.protect environment maa.

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  • monomania (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:21 pm

    guys, guys,

    come and think of it, it is the PROTON style. The style of a national car which resembles since day 1. If you are comparing with the others it wouldn’t be fair to both. If budget allows go get a better car, at least proton is making its best effort. Thumbs up for the Persona!

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  • cetait (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:26 pm

    #
    Skyline said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 4:22 pm

    JulianLee,

    If u think car from others country better, better u live there hehe

    —-

    Ironic from someone named Skyline.

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  • azmiam (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:48 pm

    This is good stuff. Lesson learnt to all the designer, automotive engineer, powertrain engineer in Proton….. do your market survey, engage your customer & ignore your management if they are lost touch with the customers because they will still drive their BMWs or Merc, its the PEOPLE out there that will buy these cars NOT the MANAGEMENT. Again, I belive PESONA will have a bright future and probably will save Proton future. However, continue to improve your quality and the most important aspect right now is to build a car with all the specs which PESONA offers right now BUT with better fuel economy….. its a challenge!

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  • torishimeyakuin (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 7:49 pm

    GOsh…the comments spread like wildfire..

    Well i just wanna say:

    Congratulations to Proton for their new lunched model – Persona.
    Kudos to Paultan for the review and…
    To Malaysians people out there, it’s up to you..you determine it.Should it meet your taste and expectation, so get it…if not, well.. like i said , it’s up to you, your money..your choice.Make the right decision folks !
    But in case you put Persona, Honda City and Toyota Vios in the same league…i’d say, i’ll go for Persona anyway.

    Cheers all..

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:00 pm

    proton basher.. ill give u ‘luahan hati engineer proton’.. u read this and ill sure will cool u down.. leave ur email please..

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:10 pm

    JULIANLEE2 said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

    why do we have to pay so much for cars, for RM44,999 i can buy a lot more cars
    which are 10 times better

    ANS: Please name. I’m sure everyone in this forum wanted to know. Since you got good stuff might as well share with us.

    ———————————————————————–
    orangetribal said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 6:07 pm

    just got a hands on look at the persona.didnt really like the steering wheel,looks flimsy like those used in the arcade games.seats are like easy to spoil but as a whole if offers great space inside.exterior the car looks solid and rigid.very executive-ish infact it’s rear view is a lil bit like mini-Camry(waitin for the R3 bodykit =)).offers a lot of compartment space but only thing i hope P1 would change the steering wheel and cover the cloth-like cushion with leather as its easy to get dirty.
    as a whole,i am in love with this car after waja and truly what the others said is true,Proton has evolve into something that we can be proud of.

    MES QUE UN CAR!!!!

    ANS: Yes, I also don’t really like the steering wheel too. However, I will disagree with you about the seat. My aunty’s BMW 3 Series E46 seat also spoiled. Sometimes it depends how the owner treat their own cars. Always remember no car manufacturers produce 100% perfect car with perfect quality and 100% accepted by all people.

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  • schdmitz (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:18 pm

    Look at this OLD NEW CAR really dissapointed lah…..Do they improve the fuel consumption???? at this moment i wan to sale of 1.8 Waja…….the minyak really KUAT….RM 10 only go for 30km or less….anybody interested????

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  • tech.titan (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:33 pm

    you made a good point there boredofschmucks.

    anyway, from automotive point of view, you can’t compare proton with toyota, honda, etc.. (toyota and honda spend huge amount of money in F1. citroen and subaru in rally). proton is a small automotive player. so their budget is also small. proton tries to define the meaning of a malaysian car, designed and built by malaysian. it’s totally different when some others still rebadged.

    A friend of mine is working with Lotus Engineering Malaysia. She told me if original interior for Gen.2 (not the current ugly, cheap ones) is implemented it will cost around 90K++ per car. Yes it will look thousand times better (i have seen the photo) but who will buy it? At the end of the day, cost saving is what you see in Gen.2 today.

    If you say Gen.2 (or Persona) design is ugly, i believe honda city is even uglier. The beauty lies in its beholder my friend.

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  • Frostfire (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:44 pm

    Just went to see persona just now and all i can say is i’m really proud of it and proton! satria neo is already great improvement and persona is much much more better. So you can see where proton is heading. In fact i believe they already improve from savvy, it’s just that the savvy is a bit overpriced otherwise it would have been a success already from then. Pricing for this persona is very tempting.

    Persona= nice exterior and interior+lots of accessories+awesome boot space = GREAT VALUE!

    Kudos to Paultan for a nice review and congrats to the proton management and teams!

    I will definitely get this one.

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:48 pm

    halo people out there…to mattyboy..of coz i know this car only have one fuel tank.even everyone also know that.but dun just simply said that im stupid k.i just wanna share the mistake that made by proton.and to proton also,dun just think the money,how to sell the car…check the quality first.i also dunno how many car that fitted with this NICE fuel gauge..hehehe

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  • GlowJo (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:52 pm

    JULIANLEE2 said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

    why do we have to pay so much for cars, for RM44,999 i can buy a lot more cars
    which are 10 times better

    ANS: Please name. I’m sure everyone in this forum wanted to know. Since you got good stuff might as well share with us.
    ————————————————————–

    I know one kereta that does not use any fuel, better than toyota or hybrid or electric cars!!! Kereta Lembu low maintenance just add some water and grass!!!

    JulianLee2, I wanna book one for weekend driving!!!
    p/s : JuanLee please think before you write, or else you’ll sound somebody with an IQ 12.

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 8:56 pm

    Can’t wait to check out Proton Persona on Saturday. From the picture, one of the design I like is the door trim (interior) where the power windows buttons located as like Wira, Perdana and Waja plus the interior door opener which look alike like those in Wira and Perdana or can be say Waja too. Gone is the weird round shape that found in Gen2 and Satria Neo. I hope the Satria Neo will have such the design too except for the dashboard still can be maintain same look like the current one but with better materials even better than this Proton Persona, that will be GREAT!

    May I know when the Waja CPS and Gen2 facelift CPS will be launched? Thanks if can give me some clue.

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:04 pm

    thanks paul for reveal the mistake that made by them.i just wanna share.at least now they know what is their mistake.they must improve their QC in order to avoid this thing happen again.

    to mattyboy…
    i know that u are very expert with the car.what bout the people that dunno anything bout the car???what do u think when they see this car with 2 fuel gauge???of coz they also surprised with this thing.so mind ur words b4 say anything k.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    Just now went to Jalan Puchong to has a look at Persona. Personally my opinion is it is just a normal decent basic car. Perhaps we Malaysian public suffer too much and too long with Proton quality issues that when Persona come out minus the 1001 problems, it look like a great car if compare to older models. If this car benchmark with others makes like City, Latio or Vios with same B segment, then do Persona on par if not better?

    For it price range of RM 45K to RM 55K, it look like Proton make some effort to come out with decent quality at more competitively price car. One thing I don’t like is the eteering, yaks like my wife Kancil chepor steering. The rest is good in its class. Another, go eat beehoon, cake and drink to enjoy at the showroom!

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  • topgunthang (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:11 pm

    yea they are just fiddling around. could have done this 2-3 years ago. every other major car new car will improve alot frm the previous model. this improvement is puny. too puny to compete. but it will sell, coz people cant hold out any longer. need to replace thier car. proton will just wait you out. they understand you wont be able to afford taxed up cars.

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:40 pm

    topgunthang: to be fair bro, proton’s new management has only taken over just barely 1 year and 8 months ago. to say proton could have done this 2-3 years ago pretty much explains why the management was changed right?

    and its unfair of you to insinuate that people are now forced to buy a persona as if hey didnt have any choice. They still have naza, korean, and of course, malaysias best selling car, the myvi.

    sounds like no matter what the situation is for proton, you still have to say something negative.

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  • proton12vauto (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:54 pm

    got huge boot, can put NGV for better FC.

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  • owaief (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:02 pm

    went to see the persona just now…i must say..this car is so freakn reasonably priced!! 45k-55k for a 1.6 sedan. what more do those “bashers” want?? yes, it is the same as gen2, yes, it has the same engine, who cares? 45k only!!! and one more thing….the color scheme (including the black speedometer) really do make the car look and feel more classy and upmarket….

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  • mits27 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:08 pm

    The engine is the weekest part, if the engine come with VLM sure will help the low torque power for auto transmission…

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  • mits27 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:10 pm

    The engine is the weakest part, if they have the VML, it sure will helps the low power of anti transmission…

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:54 pm

    i step in the car today…OK..Comfort front and back, but at the front seat after i close the door, the door panel seem a bit close to driver. Emm, trunk quite ok but so deep inside . other than that fabulous….I try to spot the wire that paul mention under dashboard, luckily i didnt find it..hehehehe..So far this car will boost Proton as it would be..

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  • Prem3377 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:55 pm

    i went to 4 showrooms to check the same car!!luckily all different colour,the blueberry tea is by far the best colour!!the quality seem to be better in certain parts but some other parts remain the same!!luckily the certain part is not frequently used button!!the button which paul mention were terrible..not only we dont know if we its on or what but we dont even know if its pressed or what!!same as the previous gen2..but maybe this is due to the same reasons as the rear light so we hope for the best for the facelift version!!rest of the car is very good and a decent effort by proton!!they did listen to many of us and followed what the japanese been doing since late 90’s!!the door trim is the best of all the improvement and that how proton should have done.

    all the best Proton!!hope this is the beginning and better cars will roll out from proton!!

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  • frezzoed (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 10:58 pm

    one more thing…thanks to DOGSTER.only people that really know bout car knows this all.hehe…read carefully before said sumting…dun simply say stupid.now,that person who say that is really stupid…huh

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  • Aril (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:00 pm

    spoke with the salesman…recently they went to glenmarie for CPS engine training..maybe they need to understand technical issue before intoduce to customer..But the engine will be next year fitted in Gen2 and waja. He said that CPS will come with folding side mirror and other new tech part.. Good for PROTON

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  • alexking (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:18 pm

    i like it….but just like the toyota vios model…….

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  • observerV (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:21 pm

    deifinitely looks better than the ugly GEN2.
    However for the performance and quality, its too early to judge.
    Just wait and see. Good response and i will be getting one.

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  • mits27 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:25 pm

    I just compare the weight between persona and city, the weight of persona quite heavy; persona: 1180 – 1210 kg vs city: 1090 kg, and the perona engine lack of VLM or CPS, which made the car quite slow on low speed for auto transmission. I think the weight of persona is due to the enforce protection bar from side door and the width of the car…not sure…

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  • LittleFire85 (Member) on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:55 pm

    JULIANLEE2 said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

    why do we have to pay so much for cars, for RM44,999 i can buy a lot more cars
    which are 10 times better

    ANS: Please name. I’m sure everyone in this forum wanted to know. Since you got good stuff might as well share with us.

    ————————————————-

    I can give u some.. since he say cars only, so i consider second hand car also..
    2002-04 Waja 30k between, 97-00′ perdana also below 40k, 97-00′ Toyota Corrola SEG 1.6L below 40k,Sentra 1.6L & 1.8L below 40k, 97-98′ Camry 2.2GX below 40k, Honda Civic 97-99′ With Vtec between 45k; no Vtec below 40k, 97-98 Honda Accord 2.0L & 2.2L SM4 between 40k.. All these car can still be loan… Well.. I can tell that Civic 1.6L Vtec can win both is style, elegent, power and FC.. Who don’t like the 97′ Eagle eye civic ferio?

    Besides that, for performance tuners.. 40k is alot man.. U can get 90′ RX-7, Celica, Galant VR4, Civic DOHC type R, Wira GSR,Evo, Mivec.. Is a lot.. U buy the secondhand car megazine u can find a lot of performance car just below 40k.. but these are mainly Cash..

    If u people still dreaming that Campro is malaysian made engine, just ask the salesman from proton… I already confirm twice this day that Campro is made and modified from Renault engine. 1 is from Eddie Chan and another is Shela from Autocity Juru.. They don’t admin it at first, but when i ask why Waja 1.8L & Savvy use Renault engine? They at last admit it that in their training their supervisor told them not to tell customer to cut the fear of people about Renault expensive spare parts… !@#!@$ AT Last my instinct is TRUE! The only Thing Campro technology made in Malaysia is CPS+VIM! If u want the salesman hp, u can phone him and ask him about it! Eddie Chan 012-4163577. He also told me that proton will hard to survive if they dont faster came out the CPS+VIM engine.. A lot of customer complain of buying the Expensive Gen.2 compare to this persona lolz…

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:17 am

    littlefire85: if you do not have hard concrete proof that the campro is based off a renault engine, i urge that you stop throwing those statements around whenever you feel like it. someone in proton might decide to call a lawyer to do something about it.

    i personally know some proton powertrain engineers, one of them is a good friend of mine and he confirms what your so called trusted salesman says are absolute lies. i have even had a salesman telling me the campro is an f1 engine prototype. says something about salesman credibility. why do you think proton has efforts such as livemarketing? to get the truth across.

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:37 am

    LittleFire85:
    to be honest with you, your most recent posting is by far, one of the most silliest postings i’ve ever read on paul’s blog.

    considering you are making such outrageous claims, i’m surprised the only info you got are from 2 so-called sales people? (whom you’ve even posted up a phone number)

    dont you even have the “intelligence” to do your own research of a subject that is so obviously well documented?

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  • trasher (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:38 am

    LITTLEFIRE85:

    SOME REMARKS TO YOU…

    YOU REALLY LIFT UP TO YOUR NAME:LITTLEFIRE COS YOU REALLY NO GUTS AND GIVE NEGATIVE REMARKS WITHOUT KNOWING THE FACT.

    PLEASE HAVE SOME COMMON SENSE, SECONDHAND CAR LIKE YOU LOST YOUR VIRGIN. NEXT TIME IF COMPARE, PLEASE COMPARE APPLE TO APPLE. IF DONT KNOW, GO BACK SCHOOL AND STUDY. SOMEMORE YOU SLAPPING YOUR OWNSELF WITH YOUR REMARK “but these are mainly Cash”. YOU THINK EVERYONE GOT ON HAND 40k CASH TO BUY A SECOND HAND CAR. IF DO, 40k CASH TO BUY SECONDHAND CAR, ANOTHER 20k TO MAKE IT AS NEW AS POSSIBLE, ANOTHER FEW HUNDRED BUCK FOR FIRST 3TIMES SERVICE COS NEW CAR COMES WITH 3 FREE SERVICE OR 10,OOOkm OR MORE. THEN END UP YOU OWN A ‘LOST’ VIRGIN CAR AT A COST OF 60k+. WORST YOUR SO CALL ‘NEW’ CAR IS 5-10YEARS OLD. SIGH…LITTLEFIRE85 = WORST IN DOING COMPARISON.

    LASTLY IF YOU WANT TO COMMENT ON PUBLIC FORUM, PLEASE DO NOT EMPHASIS THE SALESPERSON NAME WHO GIVE YOU REMARK. THE SALESPERSON MAYBE NEW GUY ON THE BLOCK, SO HE MAY NOT KNOW MUCH AND SHOULD GIVEN A CHANCE. IF THOSE REMARK NOT FROM THEM AND YOU MAKE UP THE STORY, YOU MAY JEOPARDISE THEIR CAREER. IF WANT TO COMPLAINT ON THEIR WRONG REMARK, DIRECTLY TO THEM OR TO THEIR MANAGER AND NOT IN A FORUM. SOMEMORE YOU PUT HIS HP NO? R U LOST YOUR MIND OR YOU TOTALLY IDIOT. PUT YOURSELF IN HIS SHOE, IF YOU SAW PEOPLE TALK BAD ABOUT YOURSELF AND PUBLISH YOUR HP NO AND NAME, HOW YOU FEEL?

    PLEASE USE YOUR BRAIN NEXT TIME…

    PAULTAN: I AGREE WITH YOUR REMARK. I RECOMMEND FORUMER LIKE LITTLEFIRE85 COMMENT SHOULD BE REMOVE AS HE MAKE BAD REMARKS ON OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE DISPLAY OF THE ‘VICTIM’ NAME AND HP NO.

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:49 am

    mits27,

    the city and vios we have in malaysia are “asia only” cars..
    do you want to know the weight of the vios? only 980kg

    thats only 17kg heavier than a savvy(963kg)

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  • king (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:51 am

    crully,

    only prob is if change the steering wheel outside will lose the airbag n audio controls…sooo unpractical. only practical for base line model.

    one more thing, this car feels at least 100kg++ heavier than gen2. just the doors alone are so much heavier….about 3 times the weight of viva’s paper thin door. but the spec shows roughly the same weight as gen2.

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  • Prem3377 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:53 am

    LittleFire85,

    again another crap from you!!how can you trust a salesman??yesters a lady saleswomen told me that the h line version will have shiftronics..and i had to explain to her and tell her to be acurate with the info!!

    this is third time i am asking you to stop your crap!!how can you give out people number and name in this kinda website??are you mad??

    paul i think you should ban this kinda people here or atleast delete his comments!!

    he is putting eddie chan in trouble(even if i dont know if he exist or what)but what u did is very wrong man!!

    and how a company like proton lie to its customer and people as you claim??its so stupid of you and your action of revealing others indentity is a prove of how immature you are!!

    please grow up man!!!do not spread rumuors and stop talking crap!!ur instinct is absolute dumbness!!

    you should stop writing here man!!!or stop craping and be logical,practical and please stop using ur instinct!!!!!

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  • king (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:58 am

    littlefire,

    u sure that was a proton salesman or p2 salesman?

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  • Prem3377 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:58 am

    Paul,
    did you sit at the rear seat?anyone else did??i think there is a problem and a few people who was in the showroom agreed..the rear seat is too upright..so its not comfortable..its like sitting on the dinning chair…its me or others here felt the same?

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  • by2k_maverick (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 1:27 am

    Hmm… Well, being new around here I didn’t know that there was such a review going on until Google led me here. I saw tons of fliers and heard news of the new Persona, so I thought I might as well save the few Ringgit of Petrol and see if the trip to the showroon is worth my money.
    Sadly, there are many critic’s posting here who might enjoy life in heaven rather. There is no such thing as a perfect car. Just as there is no such thing as a perfect human being. A good example will be yourself.
    The fact that Proton is actually making ammendments to customer’s feedback shows initiative. And even if the launched models comes with defects, at least they do have the effort made to improve their future models.
    I was wishing on Silverfish’s side though. I was hoping for some of the specs from the H-Line. I don’t really fancy the Airbags and the ABS/EBD. I was actually crossing my fingers for the disc brakes. And being a person with a Heavy Foot Syndrom, I was hoping that they had the CPS integrated. Never mind bout that though. Like I said, there isn’t a perfect car.
    I’ll be making that trip to the showroom thanks to Paul, and if the real thing there really make an impression on me, I might just get one myself. After all, my 12 year old Iswara is all worned out and starting to scream at 6,000 rpm.

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  • paxter (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 2:13 am

    Damn i was thinking of changing my car… persona is not bad for the price you are paying. It is a last ditch for proton, i bet pm tiu them nicely prior to the car release. Anyway i saw this car and brand name a month back was tempted to show it to you guys but its P&C. Its great that they manage to make a decent product. Which is good, trend, savvy, neo(sort off) and this one.

    Anyway proton being proton, i am going to sit on my $$$ and see how the first batch like this car. I love the robot arm ad. Esp the toy at the end. lol

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  • by2k_maverick (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 2:31 am

    To: boredofschmucks
    Well, I’m one of those petrolheads who don’t want the ABS and EBD. Trust me. If you ever get a chance to sit in my car with me driving, you’ll understand why. The only time the rpm stays below 4,000 is in a bumper to bumper traffic. And I have to say, great comment there.

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 2:39 am

    To littleFIRE

    “Kalau kita lalu kat kawasan glenmarie tu, akan ternampak lah satu tanda… Kilang Enjin Proton. Tanda tu tak duduk kat situ untuk suka suka je. Kalau kita jengok kat dalam…. Boleh nampak besi cair yang dituang kedalam acuan untuk membuat enjin block. Memang proton ada mengimpot enjin tapi dari kelas 1.2 dan 2 liter. 1.2liter untuk Savvy (enjin Renault) dan 2.0liter untuk Perdana. Tapi untuk enjin 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 proton buat sendiri. Untuk pintu pulak… hanya kereta-kereta Perdana sahaja yang proton beli pintu dari Mitsubishi. For your information, Untuk membuat pintu sahaja memerlukan dekat 20 acuan. Bayangkan lah 4 pintu. Modal itu shaja sudah hampir RM50 juta. So untuk kereta yang volume kecil, kita beli dari luar. Untuk kereta Isawara, Wira, Waja, Gen2, Savvy… 100% body dibuat di Malaysia .”

    p/s : extract from article “luahan engineer proton”,

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  • DrA (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:10 am

    This is so going to be a hit!!! I hope the marketing people would work hard on it. This car would actually turn Proton around. I haven’t seen the car in metal, but by the look of it, the fit and finish are superb. And quality has improved. Proton actually listened to us – they put in a glovebox, added not 1 but 2 airbags and its cheap, RM56k for a lot of metal. I would choose this over KIA spectra/sephia anytime. WELL DONE Proton!!!!!

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:17 am

    ya.. lots of metal.. same size as vios.. but 200kg heavier.. huh..

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:22 am

    I think many smart consumers did not like the design of the steering, the rim, the seat and so on. But there is someone who comments to change the steering if they dun like.
    So what is the point of having to change the accessory on a newly bought car. Who want to pay for another few K on an old new car that cost at 50K. This is the most stupid consumer I never meet.
    If you thought that u are very rich then how bout u buy a brand new skyline or 350Z and modify it like a superGT and race at sepang. U can smoke a Ferrari on that.
    Even the stock ICE bluepunk head unit also very fugly. $H!#!!!

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:25 am

    now ppl will not compare car segment by segment. they only think which that is worth buying.
    first of all is the FC. like the previous comment 1.8L only goes for 30km with RM10. damn, very high FC. I very pity for u. sorry no offend. now ppl dun prefer power comparison. a different between 1.3 and 1.6 is not very much. so if compare this old new car and myvi sure myvi wins.
    secondly is the space inside the car. now myvi wins a lot.
    third is the quality. everyone know that p1 quality suxx. $H!#!!! a car with 2 fuel gauge. those QC ppl sleeping everyday inside the factory.
    conclusion is better buy city or vios or save a few K go for myvi.
    for honda city, a single penny u save on your fuel u can buy another myvi.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:42 am

    Comments so much, let the sales figure do the “last talking”!

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 6:18 am

    I am not an engineer, but with relatively heavy body in it segment couple with Campro non fuel efficient, do this car have relatively high FC? For those looking for budget car, FC is one of major consideration.

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 6:20 am

    hey! big bro.
    forum is for ppl to give comments freedomly. then y do forum exist?
    pls dun simply ban and block some ppl from commenting.
    btw, this is a democracy country. everybody has freedom to talk.
    we have to accept every good and bad comments given.
    after look then forget it la! just to laugh only ma. y do some ppl wan to take it seriously ler???

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  • prometheus (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 7:05 am

    steering is quite nice for my taste.. why izzit everybody don’t like? Slightly small, thick but not too thick.. It got quite a nice sporty type look.. Not fat in the centre like the old airbag steerings..

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:02 am

    PTAllTheBest – paul still owns this site, and he has the power to decide who to ban, and what get published. you technically dont have the right to do as you please here. please show some respect to him, and the other users here.

    btw, freedom to talk does not translate to “no responsibility for your words”.

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  • awie (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:03 am

    dont simply2 critic or banned car design..proton,perodua, toyota, nissan, kia etc got each beautiful n aerodynamic..the most important is quality issues.. Dont even compared the FC between Campro engine & VVTI engine, pls be professional bro..

    if u got extra money..pls go to imported car which u personaly trusted.
    if not u can go proton..so the issues is the cars quality n the service parts.

    if u critics the steering design..pls draw the best steering design then submit to proton..i think they will give u a reward.
    Even do u think LRTdesign is the best, do u think Petronas tower design is best..
    design is subjective bro…

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:19 am

    PTAllTheBest, freedome of speech comes with responsibility, its not free all along

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:21 am

    PTAllTheBest, freedom of speech comes with responsibility, not totally free, if u cant even respect others, we wouldnt c u as someone respect urself

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  • lolo (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:21 am

    congratz PROTON….saw the PERSONA – meet the parents yesterday in newspaper…very proud of MALAYSIAN..!

    to the basher, dun give silly comments lo….support proton..this is their comeback…we should support PROTON…

    PROTON boleh…!!

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  • skizzo75 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:30 am

    PTAllTheBest said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 5:25 am

    I very pity for u. sorry no offend. now ppl dun prefer power comparison. a different between 1.3 and 1.6 is not very much. so if compare this old new car and myvi sure myvi wins.
    –>WOW MYVI sure win punyer masuk GAUNG HAHAHA maybe ur Mathemathic in SPM Gred 9 pity guy can u email me ur IQ or i can arrange ur one session test for u
    .
    for honda city, a single penny u save on your fuel u can buy another myvi.

    —> WHOOOOA confirm this guy really stupid in mathematic i think 1+1=5 according to u aint it riight…DO YOUUUU UNDERSTAND MEEE OR DO I HAVE TO SPELL IT TO YOU(OR ARE U ALIEN??)

    First of all MYVI suitable for young couple but if u have child than better buy persona or MPV if you can afford one. MYVI bonnet is too small if u put one stroller inside then little space left for you.
    I think persona is a good buy cheap and comfort and value for money. even toyota vios is crammped at the back and it is 1.5 litre only MAAAAA

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  • antnagir (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:18 am

    Saw the car. Love the car. Things for Proton to do: –

    1. Change steering wheel.
    2. Change 3 centre knobs.
    3. Put bigger headlamps.
    4. Improve engine performance especially fuel consumtion.

    Congrats Proton !!

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  • clutch_plate (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:23 am

    :) Wowwww!! Very hot topic here… there are too many bashers & supporters of proton here but actually it’s balance. hehehe…

    I have go to Proton showroom in Seremban. Hmm.., Personally, nice interior & more comfortable than Gen.2. Easy to access console for power windows and side mirror adjustable button just like Waja. Audio control button on steering wheel. Hey! somebody dun like the steering ah? Apa susah, tukar aje laaa… Itu pun nak bising ke. Heh! It’s subject to eye of beholder man…!

    I don’t think this Persona will kill Waja production. Eventhought it’s have the same engine capacity, personally i think Waja have it’s own ‘class’. Ehehe…, i don’t know why, but only when you own & drive Waja like me, maybe you can feel it! dunno to describe la… ;) anyway, congrats to Proton for their new baby born. At least, they show some effort to improve their built-car quality & try to understand the customers need. To the bashers out there, please give a chance to Proton. Yes, they have a past ‘sin’ under the past management team, but now the new management team is try very hard to clean all the shit from past management. Do u think is easy meh!? Give him a chance. No one is 100% perfect even you all the basher out here.

    Hey! making a car is not easy like a makan kacang man…!! Be reasonable when you give a critics ok!

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:28 am

    Like u Avril & few other Waja fanboys. Anticipate for the release of Waja CPS version. Actually is already available & is awaiting for launch probably by next month. Comparison with Persona, Waja has better room space (+ wider). The new Waja CPS rumored to maintain same price added new enhanced CD player, Motor-Side mirror, HID lights, 16’ Rims, addition new colour choice, leather seats, better safety seatbelt, improvised gear (shiftronic or something), better comfy seats etc in addition to old existing features. Only thing, I prefer Persona Door which is heavier.

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  • wajarion (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:28 am

    Hi all!

    I wanted to share my views. Frankly, I do not know much of cars technical things, please correct me if i am wrong.

    Firstly, I do not much concern about FC, well, I am aware of it. But then, its depends on where you drive (city or highway) and how you drive (hardcore type or sentimental type). If you drive like Michael Shumacher, off course your FC is like peeing at the road side.

    2nd, off course I am a bit dissapointed of the Persona design; nothing much of changes and still have the Gen2 faces. But, to make the mould already cost millions and yet Proton just woke up from their financial nightmares. So I can accept the situations. Another things is that, I am not really fussy about the looks of a car. As long as the car can drive me with comfortable, provided with safety, I really most appreciated it.

    3rd, to get a car with the price of RM59k, provided with EBD, ABS, dual Airbag, is really reasonable price compared with others car with same safety features that can almost reach up to RM80k. Pricewise, Proton has offered a good bargain.

    4th, If people really care about the cc; 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, how fast you can speed up? BTW, why want to speeding? Have you lost your mind for not taking consider of safety first? Life is fragile. No matter how good your car is, still you can’t againt the law of physic.

    5th, I bought Waja early of this year. So, hafly frustrated. If i knew this, really worth it for me to wait.

    6th, I am proud to have Malaysian made car. Lets Proton to have their chance to upgrade themselves. For long time they have been in the critical deep shit, at least they have produced Proton’s Persona with same features as others car mufacturers and yet the price offered was really really good. See korean ppl, even though they stayed in Malaysia, still they using theirs korean made cars and why not we?

    Happy Merdeka Day!!

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  • bobtahar (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:33 am

    Just looked and feel it at the show room… good job Proton… its a decent proper value for money car. Its not a waja competitor… waja do have its exclusiveness.

    For a big man like me… I hate the power window controller at the door panel… its push my tigh and not comfotable. When I closed the door it feel more cramp than the Gen-2 (I own).

    I dont know why everyone hate the steering… but I love it its small and feel good in the grip….

    One more thing… Why no autocruise on the H-Line. Paul, any idea why?

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:44 am

    Mr. Paul Tan, I agree with you comments and remarks on what LittleFire85 said. LittleFire85, your so called trusted salesman is playing with your mind and lying to you. Please use your own intelligent instead of trusting blindly to what everyone have said and told you.

    LittleFire85, JULIANLEE2 said with RM44,999 can buy lots more cars which 10 times better. You helpped by giving me all the second hand cars?

    PTAllTheBest, yes we can say and write freedomly but this freedom have limits including NOT TO INSULT PEOPLE FOR BUYING PROTON PERSONA OR ANY OTHER PROTON CARS! SAYING PEOPLE STUPID?

    I’ve seen lots of people changed their original stock steering wheel to Momo, Recaro and other types of sport steering wheels. As long as the car doesn’t fit with airbag on steering wheel. I even seen lots of people modify and repaint their brand new cars. FREEDOM! They can do anything to their cars!

    Well, people as I said long before. Blind bashers will be always blind basher. No matter how good Proton does, going to do etc. they will bash. No matter how bad other car manufacturers do, they will still say is good thing, good cars and so on. We should give comments and complaints based on the facts and not BLIND BASHING!

    Cheers all and happy motoring to all.

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:09 am

    PTAIItheBest, u mention a few times about Myvi..if u already bought it,go enjoy it….downgrading what people like is NOT FREEDOM OF SPEECH,calling CONSUMER STUPID is not a joke for laughs…yes critics and bashers too is important in any industry..even as a person..but being rude and pathetic is not “the’ way…

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:16 am

    PTallthebest likes everything PUNY size. Small capacity & small for him so that his small size body can easily sit the car. He fear driving Family Man cars as he is too short to steer. BTW, he could be a student or maybee Aunty. He can easily park the tight parking sapce lane while doing her marketing. UNDERSTANDABLE.

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  • tec96248 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:35 am

    wow, more than 300 comments already and a lots of nonsenses too. me just tried of the car on the day of launching. nothing much to comment on this car for the price of 45k to 55k. my point of view is that i still don’t like the dashboard and the engine bay.

    if can’t buy lancer 2.0gt, so go for the persona 1.6. something similar on the rear bumper or the dashboard meter gauges. hahaha, still a good choice to hv both myvi and persona.

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  • mukhri88 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:56 am

    Ringgit for ringgit, dollar for dollar, your salary RM2K here and some dude’s salary is AUD2K in Sydney. I ask you how much is a Vios there and here. Reasonable comparison? Don’t convert the currency, doesn’t make sense.

    Anyway, good job Proton for finally shutting down Wira production. From now on maybe we can see new model replacements 10 years apart instead of 15 years?

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  • mukhri88 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:09 pm

    Hey! Maybe we can mod the Persona to look like the Lancer. Some similarities already exists, like the dash, hoffmeister kink, arches. Who was it that said the Lancer dash look ugly? Maybe aftermarket designers are already designing a new tail to look like Lancer. Maybe also can tebuk somewhere on the body for an air scoop.
    Mod the thing up, we might just have something here. Throw in an Evo engine, 18 inch wheels. The works. C’mon, artist’s impression.

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:19 pm

    mukhri88, the guy in australia pays more taxes, and his pays more for food, services..etc.

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  • intermilan (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    finally, got some time to post some comments… where’s Joe Ooi? love or hate him, but he’s honest.

    i’ve decided to post only critic ‘highlights’, if you gonna / plan to buy this car hopefully my comments could served as guideance, checklist or tolarance test of some sort for you.

    START
    ————————————————————-

    Steering – not reach-adjustable. But expected. Nice if have. Overall -> below par, disappointed, too plasticky and its wrong to expect people to ‘balut’ leather themselves. Proton should offer leather steering as an upgrade option (not ‘forced’ optional accessories like usual practice but truly optional.. i guess many people would like it if reasonably price).

    Centre console button – again …not so responsive, not tacky, feel light and cheap as usual. expected but .. *sigh*.

    Rear boot hatch- opening could’ve been bigger but this is not very big deal lah..

    Engine – might be a bit letdown. FC might not be stellar. based on gen-2 comments by many.

    Drive train – no comment.

    Weight – 1200kg is a heavy car. i don’t know how advance is Proton weight reduction technology is but they should improve on this.

    Suspension – i’ve been told its on the comfy side.. i don’t really prefer this but its align with the car design theme.

    Tyre – i’ve suspect the kruizer offer quiet and comfy ride (60 series), align with car design theme. Handling… expected to be so-and-so. Not for spirited drive. Never. But test drive it yourself. Hey, some people thought honda city handling is great! My gosh.. at straight maybe .. but that’s not what handling is all about. oh boy..

    Door lock button – might have intermittent issue – a show model i’ve scrutinised refuse to let the door open for quite a while (to the salesman ambarassment!).

    Chrome / bling-bling radiator and bonnet liner – do not match with its more conservative design theme. But customer reaction on this is always subjective and divided as some do have positive appetite for chrome parts, *sigh*.. i’m not one of them.. aluminium like the door handle ok..)

    safety-oriented equipments – should be made mandatory to all models (at least the driver airbag). Show that you care about safety, the way people understand / thought (or forced / manipulate / mind-shaped to understand.. depends on your view aboutr this).

    crash test – send the LOCAL version for EURO NCAP crash test and publicise the result nationwide. Dare or not, Proton? Must get at least 4-star for occupant protection.

    Seat and door trim – the ‘ala’ alcantara trim for the seat and door panel is welcome but feel slightly a bit on the cheap side. Not plush and durable enuff. Its ok for B or M line model but should offer upgrade, more premium alcantara trim for H-line (leather? maybe later).

    Window control – located at driver door panel… emmm.. they seem to be undecided abt its fixed location.. either to follow the european or the japanese. the button don’t feel tacky enuff but bareable.

    Rear seat – rear leg room a bit cramped. but still acceptable to me. Seat offer the correct sitting position (upright) and therefore support your lower back (very good for long distance journey or any journey for that matter). Some people might think this as not comfortable sitting position, coz they cannot slouch and don’t feel ‘absorb’ by the seat. If you are one of ‘them’ then unfortunately you don’t realise enuff about the right sitting position then. i am satisfied that proton finally improved on this. no more wira sitting position.

    Front seat – also offer sturdier and correct sitting position.

    Ergonomic- This is something that is hard to explain but I’ll try. Personally, when sitting in front seats, I prefer everything to be reachable and the ergomics of dashboard and front seat are designed such that is in ‘harmony’ with the occupants. Whoever sit in front seat should ‘feel’ part of the overall design. Naza Bestari and some new Citroen car are good example. Traditionally French cars do have good ergonomics.

    As for Persona, dashboard and front seat design still not ergonomic enuff. Still feel a little ‘detached’ when I sat in both front seat but still a lot better than gen-2 or myvi (which is too spacious + lack ergonomic glaringly)

    Sitting position – Its still a bit low but not as bad as wira (some people like this thou i.e. sportier driving position but this is not a sport or sporty car. So, there a little confusion in design theme of Persona). The chassis floor should be made lower but then offer a little bit higher sitting position. That should be the perfect design but hardly car been designed this was anymore.

    Steering is not reach-adjustable. But expected. Nice if have.

    Air cond vents – feel cheap and near flimsy.

    Alloy rim – the design is conservative enuff. Align with car design theme. Some might not like it. This is always a difficult one to get right. But people reaction shouldn’t be as bad as neo bling-bling alloy when people first find out. Passable.

    Tail lamp – what can i say..

    Front lamp – as above. but not that bad / pressing for new design.

    Side signal lamp – i wish they dont use that circular design. oval (and clear crystal) seems better.

    Arm rest box – the locking mechanism should have some ‘buffer’ to prevent abrupt closure. surface feel slightly cheap but acceptable. they seem to improve a little on the overall plastic feel.

    Hand brake – convervative design. Acceptable.

    door handle – good improvements over gen-2.

    interior colour scheme – good combo.

    front head rest – wish it could be adjustable (horizontally), in addition to the normal vertical adjustment.

    front bumper – wish they use different design that gen-2 one’s.

    rear brake – cost cutting rule over safety in B & M line model. a little disappointed but you get what you pay. no disc mean no ABS and EBD.

    That is all.. i’ve yet to test-drive it (will do so), so cannot comment on driving dynamics and experience but i took the liberty to put in some comments based on what i’ve seen and been told about.

    My guess is for an affordable sedan, this is in a nutshell, promised to be one fine car. Only time could tell whether its reliable or not in fulfilling our expectations.

    —————————————————————
    END

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  • wanwnp (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 12:58 pm

    what intermilan said is acceptable..

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  • Aku (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 1:02 pm

    actually with 55k we can get vios, city or mazda3…but since our automotive industry was protected by G, so all that car goes to nearlly around 80k…but we must “berpijak di bumi yg nyata”…u must deal with it since we’re all in m’sia rite…we can blame but cant do nothing….persona is good msia car for msian ppl….

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  • Dogster (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 1:04 pm

    “#
    frezzoed said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 10:58 pm

    one more thing…thanks to DOGSTER.only people that really know bout car knows this all.hehe…read carefully before said sumting…dun simply say stupid.now,that person who say that is really stupid…huh”

    HAHAHAH. I now i be more humble. I gladly give the title of “stupidest person” back to him!!! lol. Print big big for him FOC 2!!!

    Anyway, back to his car. I personally feel that this car can be a little more refined. Change the steering wheel ( instead of copying Mitsubishi), back lights( put leds ) and make a horizontal air-cond control (easier access to control + more legroom).. Should make this a very appealing baby!

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  • prangin (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Congrats to Proton on the latest addition. for RM45K-RM55K, u get a decent looking car that fits the bill for most average msian family. All that’s needed now is the proper execution of marketing strategy (with continued emphasis on family theme) and most importantly, uncompromising after sales n service quality and u’ll see customers will return in droves.

    Just a note to Paul. why no post on the new spectra5 and optima? i noted that even in other auto forums there’s a dearth of discussion on these two models, lack of interest maybe?….

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  • by2k_maverick (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 2:59 pm

    Erm… Just for your general information, I’m not sure how true this fact goes, but from all of my Mechanic friends, the Kia Sephia/Spectra has a very limited lifespan of the engine. I’m not sure if it’s 3 or 5 years whereby after the church bell rings, it’s time to either overhaul the engine or, get a new engine transplant.
    I also forgot to mention that I do know of someone in the Proton’s management team who was working in UMW before. No, the reason he left UMW was not because he was fired. He left because he thought of retiring. When he left UMW, he did not find it normal to lead a life with just an authorised dealership licenced shop selling Toyota’s spare parts. And with the offer from Proton, he went in wanting to make a difference there. Bear in mind, this person was getting a 5 figure sallary in UMW. So, I think you can picture it yourself at what level of management this guy was in.

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:00 pm

    Aku said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
    actually with 55k we can get vios, city or mazda3…but since our automotive industry was protected by G, so all that car goes to nearlly around 80k…but we must “berpijak di bumi yg nyata”…u must deal with it since we’re all in m’sia rite…we can blame but cant do nothing….persona is good msia car for msian ppl….
    ______________________________________________
    come let’s “berpijak di bumi yg nyata”.

    Find me one other country where you can get a MAZDA3 for RM55k OTR.

    The vios and city are budget cars made for South East Asia.
    Someone mentioned above about Vios in Sydney. Nope. They dont sell the vios range in australia.

    The Mazda3 is a very nice 2.0L car. Good driving characteristics but mediocre fuel consumption as it’s a 2.0L car in 1.6-1.8L territory. It’s baseline model is more pricey than the baseline Civic. Expect to pay about RM85-100k for a MAZDA3 OTR (if Proton/NAP didnt exist).

    The OTR price in melbourne is around RM80k-RM110k. (excluding insurance as it’s not required here. insurance would range from RM3-8k depending on a range of factors)

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  • farghmee (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:02 pm

    Guten Tag!

    I’ve always love to drive my mom’s GEn2 HL ( though she seldoms drives it :P ). I don’t like the auto transmsn. My 54 y.o father hates the driver seat. My younger brother, whose height is more than me doesn’t like to sit at the back.

    Erm..we often hear about Economy of Scale..when will we hear Mass Customization next from Proton? Ye la kn..kdg2 nk airbag ABS EBD, core xnk those electronics ( me lah ;) ). It would be a good idea to propose Mass Customization.

    Cadangan je~

    Tschuss!

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  • trasher (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:06 pm

    ATTN: PROTON Basher,

    If you are so great, why sit at the back of the monitor and keep bashing,you should be at the RND design a car….When do comparisons,pls be apple to apple.

    Secondly, dont expect pay 1cents and get 20cents worth of product…if you can pay more, PROTON car can be as great as those KOREAN or JAPANESE model. Ask urself, willing to pay or not. IF not then keep your stupid ass mouth shut up!

    Thirdly, if you have that much of money to buy Vios & City, juz go ahead..Even City have transmission problem, big gap..and etc..you pay 80k+ juz buy the HONDA name not the quality,k…

    If you are real driver, you know handling wise, PROTON new model much better than CIty or Vios….

    Lastly, PROTON develop own car, dun compare with PERODUA or NAZA, they do rebadging..The term copy cat please check dictionary the meaning…PERODUA & NAZA is the real copy cat not PROTON cos they dun even have the expertise to develop a fresh car…

    Btw, I just wonder why you all as a basher keep bashing PROTON but end up still driving or intend to buy PROTON car?

    To LittleFire85:
    Listen here, you really lift up to your name, No Gut and blindly shooting around….

    Secondly, use ur stupid brain 2 think not use ur ass to think, next time in public forum, dun mention other people name and HP..either u don have brain or your brain is at ur ass..

    Put urself in this salesperson shoe, suddenly u found out ur name n hp appear in the public forum n get bashing..how u feel? Cold Blooded Idiot!

    think you are the worst person doing an analysis. Feel bad for any company employed you to do analysis, or if you still study if I’m ur teacher sure i will fail u…

    U compare a secondhand car with a new car? u like compare a virign with a non virgin,k…

    well if you have 40k+ cash then you wont buy secondhand car,k…..secondly you buy 40k+ cash for secondhand car, u need to repair which cost another 20k+ plus first 3 service cost..another few hundred bucks..TOTAL you buy old car : 60k+ without warranty, old design, old car….

    So easy you also dun know how to compare…please lar…get your fact n figure correct before posting in the forum….

    ————————————————————-

    For me Persona price is worth the money,

    1. Better than Myvi – 1.6 vs 1.3, boot vs no boot..bigger size vs medium size..new design vs copy cat design (rebadging),

    2. Handling much better than Vios, City and Myvi

    3. Price much cheaper than Vios and City…

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  • Aku (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:29 pm

    How about the fuel?? can persona get 70-80km for RM10 like vios did??

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:37 pm

    Yup..based on Waja Campro 1.6 it can if it runs on highway.

    How about REALITY price? Can Vios priced at RM45K.

    Can Vios plastic component & build matched Persona?? Is the old Vios Design match Persona?? is the rear space matched Persona?? Heard Vios gave problem too for such pricey car but cheap economy components. Never mind mah..its Toyota . Brand show status. Somemore I take 100% financing over 3 years & the intallment can never kill me. Who cares if I cant service promptly ah??

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  • xstan (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:42 pm

    Yes..based on Waja Campro it can achive the figure cruising the Highway.

    BTW, how about price in reality. Can Vios price at RM45K. Can quality of Vios up to Persona?? Can Vios run as fast as Persona on highway?? Can Vios reduce the complaints of owner ?? Can it be as spacious as this??

    Oooh, nevermind mah..its Toyota. Don care if the quality of plastic & struture is cheap..its Toyota so muct be good. Funny…it simply got hurt/dent by just kicking.

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  • namiabeeR1 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:44 pm

    id test oledy that car.. but got to try the auto.. not manual..(so sad)
    btw, i like the suspension, heavy door so smooth when u close it..so cold ar the air-cond..like the steering but hate the buttons. very berat la that car.. when u drive the auto tarak pickup la.. but its ok for me..
    dont like the brake.. so like modenas one la.
    but overall ok la..

    good job PROTON.. may god bless u..

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 3:44 pm

    trasher..how about fuel consumption.. can beat honda city? hehe..

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  • jared323f (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 4:04 pm

    #
    ezralimm said,

    August 17, 2007 @ 3:00 pm

    Aku said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
    actually with 55k we can get vios, city or mazda3…but since our automotive industry was protected by G, so all that car goes to nearlly around 80k…but we must “berpijak di bumi yg nyata”…u must deal with it since we’re all in m’sia rite…we can blame but cant do nothing….persona is good msia car for msian ppl….
    ______________________________________________
    come let’s “berpijak di bumi yg nyata”.

    Find me one other country where you can get a MAZDA3 for RM55k OTR.

    The vios and city are budget cars made for South East Asia.
    Someone mentioned above about Vios in Sydney. Nope. They dont sell the vios range in australia.

    The Mazda3 is a very nice 2.0L car. Good driving characteristics but mediocre fuel consumption as it’s a 2.0L car in 1.6-1.8L territory. It’s baseline model is more pricey than the baseline Civic. Expect to pay about RM85-100k for a MAZDA3 OTR (if Proton/NAP didnt exist).

    The OTR price in melbourne is around RM80k-RM110k. (excluding insurance as it’s not required here. insurance would range from RM3-8k depending on a range of factors)
    ________

    Ada.. just google…..
    Cuba try kawasan USA dan Kanada… around RM55K THEIR MONEY. If you’ve taken Economics 101 before… thats damn cheap… it’s like RM24K malaysia money, earned in malaysia. Why? because it costs only USD15K, and most people in USA make more than 15K per year. …. mcmana nak cakap ek… hope u understand…

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  • jared323f (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 4:09 pm

    baru balik tengok persona… ugly…

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  • fastd (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    Thanks Prem3377 for taruk sama itu Littlefire85! How come this ppl should easy to trust salesman… I guess he always scratch ‘gores & menang’ bcoz not too difficult to cheat him…

    Ok, back to the topic. I hope Proton R3 wiil come out with new tail lamp & body kit (with new lancer 2.0 GT spoiler type) for next Persona ‘facelift’….

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 4:55 pm

    jared323f , the vios as we know it in our part of ASIA does not exist in the US. The asian spec. toyotas are not equal to the ones sold in europe, or anywhere else, thats how they control the cost.

    but your view of a person living in the US is still too simplistic.. you dont take into account their higher taxes, higher cost of living..etc .etc. higher insurance rates…

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  • ady (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:06 pm

    littleFire85
    pls check before u put the comment, are u sure the Eddie Chan 0124163577 is from proton juru auto city. ??? what can i answer u is WRONG … maybe he want to spoile the market or may be u want to spoile the national product. bcoz i know very well all the proton auto city salesman…I called the Eddie, now he is work with one of Toyota dealer in bkt mertajam…so next time dont simply shoot.

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  • blunt (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:10 pm

    jared323f said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 4:09 pm

    baru balik tengok persona… ugly…

    ——-
    So dont buy and dont bother to tengok…as simple as that

    ta

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  • Infinitt (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:19 pm

    Dont make up things Little fire. poor littlefire, poor eddie chan. tak pergi sekolah ye.

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:27 pm

    Cuba try kawasan USA dan Kanada… around RM55K THEIR MONEY. If you’ve taken Economics 101 before… thats damn cheap… it’s like RM24K malaysia money, earned in malaysia. Why? because it costs only USD15K, and most people in USA make more than 15K per year. …. mcmana nak cakap ek… hope u understand…
    _______________________________
    urgh…i’ve been in this argument before…

    1) Internet Prices are ALMOST NEVER OTR prices. (The gen2 is only RM36k non-OTR)
    2) You cannot compare the PURCHASING POWER of people from first world countries with the PP of people from young 50yr old developing countries. People in first world countries earn about RM30-50 per hour for unskilled labour (eg. cashier, gardener)…no comparison at all.

    My point in raising the issue of prices is to prevent MISINFORMATION that cars are so cheap overseas.

    The reality is Proton is selling budget cars to suit the Malaysian market. RM50k for a Persona sedan is very reasonable by any standard. A sedan of similar weight, (Corolla/Civic/Mazda3) will cost about RM80k even if Proton/NAP _DID NOT_ exist. So yeah, it may not have the latest tech or best trim, but for the price it is reasonable. Stop spreading the idea that a ~1200kg jap sedan only costs RM55k… it does not. OTR prices are often 20-30% higher than the non-OTR prices you see on websites.

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  • torishimeyakuin (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:32 pm

    intermilan said,

    August 17, 2007 @ 12:33 pm

    finally, got some time to post some comments… where’s Joe Ooi? love or hate him, but he’s honest.
    ************************************************************************
    Yeah i am wondering myself..where’s Joe Ooi.Long time no hear any from him. I’d be glad to hear some review from him as well.Gonna miss him huh.Or is this Joe Ooi has something to do with Jeff Oii ?

    Dear Ezralimm,
    In Japan, Mazda 3 or known in its domestic market as Mazda Axela is priced at: Reference: http://www.axela.mazda.co.jp/?bt=1

    15 F, 1500DOHC B-line = 1,510,750 Yen (~RM 45322.5)
    20 F, 2000DOHC = 1,980,000 Yen (~RM 59400)
    20 S, 2000DOHC (Top Gred) = 2,060,000 Yen (~RM 61800)

    Just for your info, generally, fresh graduate engineer’s starting monthly salary in Japan is 200,000 Yen (~RM 6000).So roughly speaking,the price of Mazda 3 at the least is 7.5 times of the freshies engineers’ monthly salary. And the top of the range is 10.3 times.Well of course, undeniably there are several other parameters should be taken into consideration for any car manufacturer to come out with one good competitive pricing, i suppose.

    I personally do think that this Persona’s pricing is quite competitive and attractive though.Proton might hit the jackpot with this new fella.Malaysians don’t have much choice of good reasonable cars anyway.

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  • fi3rldy (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:35 pm

    dear jared323f, the states itself has a huge automotive market, automotive companies are struggling among themselves to sell cars. they might selling cars cheap because the market is vast, second hand cars has no value there due to market nature there, even my friend studying in the states bought a second hand Deo sedan car ( i guess it’s under GM now) for 900USD, thats cheap man. U cannot compared, US with our country, we are still 3rd world developing country, just look at the koreans, it’s the same, they have certain policies protecting their national carmakers (hyundai/kia). pinpoint = Proton actually produce good/reliable cars, and pls as Malaysian we just need to support them bcus at the end of the day it’s made in Malaysia product, and we should be proud that how much Proton has achieved. Good Luck Proton!

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  • jared323f (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:40 pm

    Banyakmasukwokshop,
    I was referring to a Mazda3 1.6 base model. Yup, too simplistic but based on per capita income of USD40K against us 6K, a USD15K car is relatively cheap. Factoring in everything you mentioned, USD300per month lease on mazda3, mortgage of USD700permonth, insurance of USD300permonth and so on and so forth, a bank officer there can live happily compared to a bank officer here. A bank manager in Singapore can afford a BMW 3series, A bank manager here can hardly make ends meet if he is to own a 3series eventhough it costs twice as much there in RM.

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  • globrac (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    hey Paul.. is the livemarketing you mentioned the proton >> live thingy on edar site? anyone else tried out the service?

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  • jared323f (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 6:02 pm

    ezralim…
    yes … cars are so CHEAP overseas. Just cross the causeway…
    but anyway, what abt the first clas this and first class that but when it comes to cars we are just like any other third world country.. Why cant I compare salaries between here and there? as if we will live here in this life and live there in the next life. No.. we live only once.!!!
    So, how do you explain the THB510K pricetag for a vios in Thailand? Because the people there earn more and Thailand is a first world country?
    Regards..

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  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 6:21 pm

    Blunt

    Whatever u say, to me its better than Vios, City, Myvi, Altis and Latio. Sangat mempersona..

    I test the car already. hmm very comfort. Proton also offers 5 years warranty . Lugi tak beli lo!!

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  • kereta328 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 6:29 pm

    i sudah tengok persona, harga ok, kereta ok, everything ok.pun sudah booking, have to wait for 2 mth lorr….

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  • transformer (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 7:02 pm

    with all gov servant salary increased recently, i don’t see that 2000+ units presale are a big success!!! and bear in mind that gov servants have special interest rates much lower than Rakyat!

    *just my personal feel
    i don’t feel going see Persona as its just 1.2ton butted Gen.2! and with some “improvement” here and there nothing more! Ops almost forget on its weight gainning issue… and it still carry over that old pathetic CAMPRO!

    the same CAMPRO haunts me its gone into WAJA(dogbone taillight facelift!)
    Wished the next WAJA will have a better engine(than current CAMPRO) combine with interior of its latest facelift but please remove that dogbone tailight!

    Dear, Paul
    Do remember to put up a post 3months later(15-Nov-2007) for owner to share their “mempersonakan” or “dipersonakan” experiences….

    Thanks for providing a very good platform(and very informative) for everyone to share their thoughts…

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 7:10 pm

    havent tested persona, no cahance yet,
    but ive been in a early waja (4g18) at 160kmh almost constantly ,at night,
    JB to KL, all i say rock steady,

    i belive this proton platform, and suspension, persona will likely have that character

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  • escan21 (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 7:57 pm

    It’s the 1st time I’ve come across someone saying that the Campro engine is derived from a Renault design.
    Several years ago, b4 the Gen2 was launched, a local car mag reported that Proton was road testing the 1.6l Campro engine in the Waja in place of the MMC 4G18 engine. In addition to that, the Campro engine block was mated to a gearbox from MMC. I don’t think a MMC gearbox would easily mate to a Renault derived engine block, would it? Pls note that in the current production
    Gen2, Waja Campro & Satria Neo models, they r still using MMC gearboxes with the Campro engines. Should be the same for the new Persona.
    OK. Proton did produce the Waja 1.8 with a Renault engine but its birth was delayed bcos the engineers had to spend more time redoing the engine mounts on the Waja engine bay which was originally designed to take the MMC 4G18 engine.
    Also recently, there were also examples of Gen2s featured in local mags, which had their original Campro engines transplanted with MMC engines with little or no changes to the engine mounts.
    So, it’s no surprise when there were stories that the Campro engine block was said to be derived from the MMC 4G18 engine block.
    Anyway, back to the topic, it’s evident that Proton is trying to give Perodua a run for its money in the domestic market by pricing at the basic version of the new Persona close to that of the MyVi.
    So it’s up the potential buyers out there to chose: a 1600cc 4-door sedan or a 1300cc 5-door hatchback?

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  • tam (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 8:48 pm

    persona is a good and nice car

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  • paxter (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    Lol i look at this forum its impossible for proton or any car company to satisfy their needs… buang airbag, anything that slows the car,then ppl will say its not safe la ni la tu la… then put all of the stuff in then the same ppl who said those things above will say so heavy la cant race the kancil la going backwards on the way up genting etc etc etc….

    For me i think the car is decent for its price purely by specs, needs, and price. Take out the fact we have high taxes for foreign cars cause lets face it you want that to change… it wont period.

    So either live with it or get pr(as i did) and you have the option of leaving this so called hell hole. My office mate ordered his today, and for him earning 4k was a decent change from his shitty iswara he has been driving since college. Its not a wonder car and some may like it, some wont. Who are you to tell those who do they are wrong?

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:17 pm

    jared323f said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
    ezralim…
    So, how do you explain the THB510K pricetag for a vios in Thailand? Because the people there earn more and Thailand is a first world country?
    _____________________________________________
    Let me set this straight.

    1) I was referring to the Mazda3 and Civic.
    2) The vios/city WILL be around RM55k if proton/NAP didnt exist.
    3) …But those two cars are ~1000kg…same class as the upcoming BLM Proton.
    4) So the ~1200kg Persona, roughly the same size as the new Corolla, is quite a deal at RM55k for the H-Line variant with Auto and ABS/EBD. It is a bigger car than the vios/city. The Corolla will be about RM72k for a baseline version OTR if proton/nap didnt exist.
    5) Are you sure the 510k baht (RM53.5k) vios pricetag is OTR?
    6) I mentioned about the first world country’s higher purchasing power as someone had brought it up. I was simply saying that regardless of tax, cars are more affordable in first world countries.

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  • mystvearn (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 9:57 pm

    Finally a new Proton car with a way to open the boot from the back

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    ezralimm, let me rewording your statements 3/4 & 6 to reflect more “realistically and factually on the ground”: –

    Items 3 & 4 – As I mentioned before, the auto industry practice DO NOT categorize car by weight, but say for example by Segment (A, B, C, etc), Types (e.g. passenger car, SUV, MPV, Truck, etc). Your argument based on weight is very “misleading” or “misrepresentative” and “too weak” to be adopted as a apple-to-apple comparison! I hope you stop this kind of comparison onward!

    Item 6, car is not more affordable in the first world simply because it is not a subsidy items like in the case of some basic daily need like foods (bread, butter, diary, etc) “are damp cheap” to make it even most affordable to the poorest. The car price in first world is generally reflect the market or value for money products, couple with high Purchasing Parity Power (PPP), this generally make public able to access to goods with “real value”.

    In our car sector, the NAP slap prohibitive tax on import (even tax on national car by FTA standard is still high), couple with relatively low PPP, this 2 main factors make the car ownership in our country is “tough”, even basic sub-compact like Perodua Viva offer up to 10 years installment with zero entry cost is “ridiculous”!

    This type of car if in China may sell at RM 15K but with US income, it may be equivalent to average 1 month salary only! So, Ezralimm, stop making statement about compare car by weigh!

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  • paxter (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    LittleFire85,

    considering you are only 22 i kinda forgive your foolish post. You dont i mean NEVER post someones mobile number in a forum i taught that would be stupid proof 101 but i guess i was wrong. that

    A second hand car is very risky, YES you may save money if you find a gem but knowing malaysians and how they care for their cars it is only good when you know the person as in your friend selling his car. I got a friend who bought a 2nd hand bmw 3series and he ended up paying 1/3 of the cost again cause of repairs, parts, etc. Also 40k cars are 10 + years that is very old and would have been worn and torn by then.. that = more money for service and repairs…

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  • Daddy (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 10:55 pm

    good to see a lot of comments here..btw..i worked with automotive comp but not Proton. I would say that Persona has the best quality among all the models…everything is tested and Proton has made a lesson learn from the past complaints and claims..improvement all done into this Persona

    syabas to Proton!

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  • Ramessrban (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:04 pm

    Hi Friends…

    i begin with…
    Best of Luck Proton….

    i am Latest Gen 2 user (latest Light Gold Gen2)
    It dashboard is, totally black. No more 2 color.
    (this year – March 2007 Production) – bought on May

    For me, Persona is just the same as Gen2 with some improvement.

    Dashboard without analog clock etc…
    The switch for power windows (i like this).
    ALL sound better.
    Outside body –
    its the same at front with some design nearby Logo.
    At real, it like –
    Push “clay made cars” to bottom/shorter + longer +++
    It almost the same.

    But, i wish …
    they install their latest Campro EVE engine/
    but – not happen…

    Overall, Proton is on right track.

    Going better than Perodua.

    Perodua,
    Using Others Body, Engine, etc. (made minor facelift)
    and sell it.

    Persona is pure 100% Proton made Car and going forward.

    Best Of Luck Proton///

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:23 pm

    BigFish said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
    ezralimm, let me rewording your statements 3/4 & 6 to reflect more “realistically and factually on the ground”:
    ______________________________________________
    Who said “realistically and factually on the ground”? Erm… i mean, who are you quoting?

    RE: Points 3 and 4
    I leave it to the readers of PaulTan’s blog to think for themselves. IMO, the Persona is simply a bigger car than the Vios/City.

    BigFish said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
    This type of car if in China may sell at RM 15K but with US income, it may be equivalent to average 1 month salary only! So, Ezralimm, stop making statement about compare car by weigh!
    ________________________________________________________
    ==This is the mentality of some people. Let it be known that BigFish thinks that a car similar to the Persona costs only RM15k in China. Of course, BigFish also thinks cars should not be judged by weight. So 400kg difference in weight is also probably nothing to him. Hence, a chery QQ costs only RM15k (non OTR btw) in China. So yeah, you could get a Persona equivalent car for only RM15k in china. What BigFish says is so true.

    rotflmao ^_^

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  • Sulastri (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:30 pm

    Drive a new Honda Civic 2.0s 17″ factory fitted rim but still cannot forget Waja handling. What a driver’s car. Now I’m truly impressed. Prior to Waja a Honda City, still way off in handling. PROTON improve other areas.

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 17, 2007 at 11:38 pm

    wow… so many comments… shows that a lot of people are still interested in Proton. Sadly haven’t got the chance to see the car yet.

    BTW, did anyone see the orange Satria Neo in Stadium Putra during the World Championship? Looks different, a R3 Neo maybe? Love the lowered stance with the bodykit and I think a 17″ wheels and not to mention the rear spoiler. Out of topic, I know but I can’t help it…

    And lastly people, give Proton a chance to redeem itself… They are trying but all would be lost if we don’t give them the benefit of the doubt. Can’t wait for the Waja CPS though, I’m targeting that as my next car… Ciao.

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  • Vegatron (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 12:19 am

    it wasn’t too long ago that proton distributors used to force customers to take over priced useless accessories. Now I don’t know how many of you remember, It was so bad until the govt had to step in to put a stop to it and force the distributors to allow accessories other than audio system, power windows and aircon to be optional. Even then many distributors were defiant until the advent of honda city and vios that shook proton up so badly they were beaten to submission on letting customers opt not to take accessories.

    Having said that, I had just spoken to a proton sales man on the pricing of the persona. When I asked to opt not to take the accessories he said no can do, the accessories are COMPULSORY. Come on man I have to pay 2.6k for a bunch of over priced rubbish? They too easily forgotten their “near death” experience prior to the launch of the persona. Suddenly they are enjoying good sales and suddenly all their ugly cocky proton salesmanship of the early 90’s starts to rear it’s ugly head again! so fast! To all of you reading this, please test out your proton sales advisor on whether you can exclude accessories. As far as I’m concerned, … I’m pissed. The show room I went to? Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah Proton Edar show room.

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  • Prem3377 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 12:41 am

    i manage to test drive the car early in the morning around 4 am with two salesman who happens to be my friend’s friends..first of all its very different from gen2..i dont know why exactly but its totally a different car if anyone been driving a gen2 before this and thinks this car is a gen2 with a extended butt!!its super quiet inside even if your radio is off…its just so quiet inside similar to the new civic!!i think proton have put in too much sound insulation and maybe thats y the car is 1200kg plus!!i drove an automatic version and this area again is totally different from gen2..if whoever drove a gen2 before you will surely notice when u stop at a traffic light and the light turns green we do have to be heavy on our throttle but its not the same case in persona even if its heavier!!and during overtaking too…we dont have to floor the throttle like gen2 used to do before this..the suspension soaks up all the bump and port hole in kl road very well…dont see much difference compared to gen2…the meter panel lights is very beautiful and reminds me of BMW cars..

    handling wise i dont see any difference compared to gen2 and the car manage to reach up 175 km/h in the highway heading to putrajaya(near uniten and UPM)

    finally about FC..with 3 diferrent drivers and we were thrashing the car but we managed to travel 200 kilometer for rm 30..and that when the fuel light started flashing..so the FC should be around 13 kilometer per litre…(in the car we drove,but similar to my gf’s gen2) so i dont think FC will be the main worry for PERSONA owners…i travel 60 km everyday and i only fill up rm 40 per week for the gen2 and still have enough fuel to use for atleast another 20 km before the light start flashing..but i wont face heavy traffic or jam so maybe thats why i save alot..this car should be a good family car and i felt better sitting in the rear seat yesterday and its kinda comfy and the front seat too!!a good car and will put proton on the right track again and a worthy wira successor!!!love the design of the door panel…its so comfortable and useable..you can rest your elbow there comfortably compared to waja and gen2!!good luck proton!!you are in the right direction now…please continue your effort!!

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  • trasher (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 12:48 am

    To answer those curious forumer on the fuel consumption of Persona against the Vios & City…

    Basically, on the fuel consumption, City may given advantages, HOwever, i believe the diff may b little…i think around 80.00 extra per month?(well the diff i use is quite high).

    So with a diff of almost 20k in term of the OTR, if you purchase Persona,, it take almost 21months to match up the City price (at 80k+).

    However, I want to ask, how many of us drive car slow n steady. Maybe sometimes but most of the times, nope…so it wont make a big diff…

    But if you looking at the design, is City a good design?For myself that a weird design…tall roof n shorter length…sooo it look very cacat….

    However Persona in term of lenght is much longer than Waja and in term of the rear seat, it given advantage. (please read the comprehensive write up by Paul Tan).

    Overall, design wise x length x height…it a perfect for the eyes..

    Did everyone think before why HOnda and Toyota or even Kia can offer lower price? This is bcos when they develop a new model, it involve a lot of cost and if vol is low, then the price of the car is expensive..

    Well, the automotive industry now looking at parts sharing…that where the manufacturer able to provide better price and of course easy to source part..
    This i believe wat playing in d mind of PROTON.

    For those who said Korean car is better than PROTON, but do you really test the car or bcos ur biased to PROTON. In fact korean car famous 4 high fuel consumption…if in term of handling, it really no match 2 proton.

    if you all looking for low fuel consumption, then go 4 Savvy…proven low fuel consumption & even recorded in M’sia Book of Records…

    But still not received good response..That why…no car in this world is suit to everyone in term of design, economical,price and etc..live with wat is offering in the market…

    If you really look for cheap car..go for China Brand…but still, even with low price, China Brand car no response..for those PROTON basher, answer this question with ur so call ‘expert’ answer….

    Dont compare much our car price with oversea market…remember u r malaysian living in m’sia…either u take it or leave it(migrate off)…

    Lastly, for those PROTON basher and those blind basher, which car in this world free of problem? Benz ( even in our weather, it also can overheat), BMW (u may afford 2 buy the car but maintenance will kill u off), Honda & Toyota (City & Vios is a targeted 2 compete with PROTON but with the price, sorry…)

    REMEMBER! PROTON HELP PUT M’SIA IN THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD AND GIVE LOT OF WORKING OPPORTUNITIES TO US EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY..

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  • Goniothalamus (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 1:33 am

    Yes, whatever all the emotional motorhead said about Proton, from the very little mistakes to the very serious comments…
    or from the praise from the supporters..

    From now on, Proton Persona is totally 100% made in Malaysia man..

    This is really can call the first national car. no VVTi, no FSi, no Vtec, no Mivec, No Vanos, No this, no that. Just a Persona with Campro plus TCU..

    Yes, it’s far away with nowadays automotive technology, far away from Conti and Japan makes, but so on with us. We have third class attitude man..
    If u want Proton be a Mercedes, u must be like Germans people..

    Whatever Proton is good or crap, this is our pride and joy..

    At last Proton is independence by itself. (although plus assisted by policy)

    This is what we call happy Proton days..cheers.

    Merdeka!

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  • armandd (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 2:07 am

    okay, now let’s pretend that gen2 never existed. hey, with improved quality and competitive pricing, suddenly this car looks damn good! heheh..

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  • notroP2 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 4:49 am

    I’m newly reg. here but ‘ve been viewing PaulTan’s org. since last year. Even several proton dealers whom i met insist me to review Paul’s + all the Ps & Bs. Well done Paul.

    Previously I’ve owned mazda familia 86/90 reconed, saga sedan 1.3/89-2nd hand, saga aeroback 1.5/92 new, accord 1.8/92-second hand, satria 1.3/99 new and now wira aeroback 1.3/02 new.

    I’ve NO trouble/problem with all protons I used (service record up-to date +- 500km differ) Except NORMAL auto windows, plastic ‘tercabut’ and other minor normal ‘things’ happened to proton user. Overall OK.

    Compare to japanese car i used of course there’s a different in all ‘terms’. Why Paul is using Perdana V6? It’s proton and malaysian made car. Which is cheaper, reliable and tak banyak problem I guess. Of course if I can afford better car I prefer japanese car. And if I own it, I defenately won’t compare it with any proton car. Isn’t it a little bit AWKWARD to compare a 10K-50K different price tag car within it same class.

    In the end it’s up to the user. Result proven although a great number of proton user are blaming and condeming + bashing proton… but they still use and own a PROTON vehicles because its much CHEAPER and AFFODABLE to own.

    I’ve booked persona yesterday. Not intending to sell my present wira aeroback 5 1/2 years old because still in good condition except the plastic ‘tercabut’ here and there. Well its OK cause whoever see my car they knew it’s PROTON not PROBLEM.

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 4:54 am

    “Kalau kita lalu kat kawasan glenmarie tu, akan ternampak lah satu tanda… Kilang Enjin Proton. Tanda tu tak duduk kat situ untuk suka suka je. Kalau kita jengok kat dalam…. Boleh nampak besi cair yang dituang kedalam acuan untuk membuat enjin block. Memang proton ada mengimpot enjin tapi dari kelas 1.2 dan 2 liter. 1.2liter untuk Savvy (enjin Renault) dan 2.0liter untuk Perdana. Tapi untuk enjin 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 proton buat sendiri. Untuk pintu pulak… hanya kereta-kereta Perdana sahaja yang proton beli pintu dari Mitsubishi. For your information, Untuk membuat pintu sahaja memerlukan dekat 20 acuan. Bayangkan lah 4 pintu. Modal itu shaja sudah hampir RM50 juta. So untuk kereta yang volume kecil, kita beli dari luar. Untuk kereta Isawara, Wira, Waja, Gen2, Savvy… 100% body dibuat di Malaysia .”
    p/s : extract from article “luahan engineer proton”,

    so from the “luahan engineer potong” I can see that potong really makes parts them self.
    very impressive indeed. how bout those backup money few years back they manage to suck from the rakyat that buy lousy quality potong cars and the money G pour into it. the total amount can hit a few billions. with that amount of money others car manufacture can makes pretty good quality car with a far better R&D.
    this so called mem’PERSONA’kan will qualified to be a new model? freaking funny! just take an old model and extend the back longer a bit and redesign something that so simple even a 5 yrs kid also know how to do. cut cost on the base line model and sell off at 46K is still considered expensive!
    $H!T!!!

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 5:30 am

    yeah!!!
    and where the heck the huge amount of money goes???
    into those cronies and greedy vendors pocket lor!!!
    down syndrom also know lar.
    4 yrs old model extend call new car. then say invest million into research.
    full of $H!T!!!

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 5:33 am

    and i noticed my comments has spread until lowyat.net.
    god damn im so famous!!! like 1 of those mindless bashers. he! he! he!

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  • jared323f (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 9:40 am

    Dear Ezralimm,
    Toyota cars in thailand:
    CKD
    Yaris – THB599K
    Camry – THB1,299K
    Altis – THB705K
    Wish – THB705K
    Vios – THB509K
    Fortuner – THB1,029K

    go to toyota dot co dot th

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  • 1178696 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:02 am

    hey can the people who test drive this car tell me if the engine still have the pinging sound at low revs in between gear change??

    also no matter how many people bash proton i think from looking at 300 plus comments on this article and frequent high number of comments everytime Paul post an article on Proton, i think ultimately bashers and non bashers all of us love our Proton a lot.

    Selamat Hari Merdeka and Happy Independence Day to all

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:17 am

    ezralimm said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 11:23 pm

    BigFish said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
    ezralimm, let me rewording your statements 3/4 & 6 to reflect more “realistically and factually on the ground”:
    ______________________________________________
    Who said “realistically and factually on the ground”? Erm… i mean, who are you quoting?
    ————————-
    ezralimm,

    1. Who am I quoting? Many and varies,just don’t post and I am in the opinion there is no need to post the link(s). You can google your self, look for our mahaguru Mad Google Bin Mad Yahoo A/L MSN.

    The general characteristics of auto (American English refer to road moving vehicals – Lorry, Pick-up Truck, Wheeler, Passenger car, Van, 4WD, SUV, etc) or Queen English refer to Car as specifically mentioned as vehicle for human/private use only (excluding commercial vehicles) – of course there is a grey area on this as some of vehicle(s) serve both purpose.

    2. Now we zoom down to passenger car only. You can go to any car website from any manufacturers (Proton no exception), car blogger like PT or the like, the specific characteristics of car categorization are: –

    a) Segmentation – e.g. A,B, C, K etc

    Some of manufacturer like Mercs (A, B, C, E, M, S Class) and BMW (1, 3, 5, 7 Series) that specifically represent certain class in their product line up.

    b) Models – well understood, e.g. Persona, Corrola, City, Civic, Accord, Camry, Perdana, Accent, Sonata, etc.

    c) Features/Specs
    Normally, the “variants” of the model(s) of the car (e.g. Persona B, M and H Line, Corrola Altis 1.8C or 1.6C or “E” and “G”, Merc’s S320, S400, S500, etc, to represent cc).

    Some represent by the specs features like Type of Engine (either cc, Diesel, Diesel Turbo, Hybrid or other features). For e.g. Chery 160A (represent 1.6C), VVTi, VTEC, DVVT, “i”, “DOCH”. “SOCH” , etc. Normally these features stick to the car to “entice customer” which they claim is “better”, at least compare to their previous model if not competitor.

    3. Now come to your argument on weight, you mentioned the car weight is an indication of the class of the car is to a certain extent “valid”. But to argue Persona 1,200Kg is different class simply different weight with Vios/City at around 1,000kg is unacceptable as they are in a same class in B segment. Further, you mentioned the price is different so much to “justify” Persona “lower quality or outmoded tech”, knowingly very well that our country car pricing is heavily distorted by NAP prohibitive tax.

    This argument is tantamount to “misrepresentation” or “misleading”. I am not an Engineer, if Persona in B segment, and when compare to competitor in the same segment, but relatively with extra 10% to 20% weight, then you can’t said it is same class with Altis (C segment simply similar weight). But you have to describe this car is “over-weight” in its segment. Perhaps, Proton engineer overcome their car quality/safety issue with thicker metal (+ weight), due to lack of tech to come up better NCAP rating without add extra weight (just like current tech Vios/City achieved). Perhaps, Proton still need improvement in “weight reduction” exercise for Persona model and at the same time achieve desirable NCAP rating?

    “You can’t jump into conclusion 9 years old obese child with 80kg weight is an adult”? Can you??????? Ask yourself – be more objective in your comment in this forum.

    I hope you get the point, and you can agree or disagree with my argument, but for sure I won’t spend time to talk about car weight as representation of its class anymore!

    Back to car with price tag of RM 15k in China, actually you misquote me! I refer to Perodua Viva, not Persona!

    Cheers, and congrat to those book Persona.

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:29 am

    Dear Ezralimm,
    Toyota cars in thailand:
    CKD
    Camry – THB1,299K (RM137,000)
    Altis – THB705K (RM75k)
    Vios – THB509K (RM53k)
    __________________________________________________
    Ok, i put the prices in brackets to make them more easily understood by other readers.

    Do you get my point yet? A Vios/City, competitors for the upcoming BLM, costs about RM55k in malaysia OTR if proton/nap didnt exist.
    A ~1200kg class sedan, the Altis, costs RM75k. The Persona is a ~1200kg class sedan. But costs only RM45k.
    The pricing for the camry is realistic. Unfortunately, some people seem to think they can get a camry for RM70k if proton/nap didnt exist. That’s simply not true.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:29 am

    torishimeyakuin said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

    intermilan said,

    August 17, 2007 @ 12:33 pm

    finally, got some time to post some comments… where’s Joe Ooi? love or hate him, but he’s honest.
    ************************************************************************
    Yeah i am wondering myself..where’s Joe Ooi.Long time no hear any from him. I’d be glad to hear some review from him as well.Gonna miss him huh.Or is this Joe Ooi has something to do with Jeff Oii ?
    ———————

    Joe Ooi “put to sleep” by PT due to his bombastic “loose-cannon-and-out-of-control-hard-talk”! He, he, he, he, ………. Keh, Keh, keh ………… but bring “peace of mind to Protonians” ……. Hah, hah, hah, ………..

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:37 am

    BigFish said,
    August 18, 2007 @ 11:17 am
    _____________________________________________
    . Now come to your argument on weight, you mentioned the car weight is an indication of the class of the car is to a certain extent “valid”. But to argue Persona 1,200Kg is different class simply different weight with Vios/City at around 1,000kg is unacceptable as they are in a same class in B segment. Further, you mentioned the price is different so much to “justify” Persona “lower quality or outmoded tech”, knowingly very well that our country car pricing is heavily distorted by NAP prohibitive tax.
    _______________________________________________
    Very well, i disgress on that. I leave it up to other forumers to think for themselves.

    1) To those who have actually driven in a Vios/City AND Persona, are those cars of different size/type? in your subjective opinion?
    2) To those who have actually driven a Corolla/Civic AND Persona, are those cars of a similar size/type? in your subjective opinion?
    3) I mentioned that the Persona is cheap EVEN IF NAP DIDNT exist. Which is true – as what i believe to be a similar class/size/type jap import will be about RM75k without NAP.

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  • jared323f (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:46 am

    Ezralimm,
    The new vios is much bigger than the current vios, if what my friend at UMW HQ told me is true… kecik sikit dari camry… I pun tak percaya.. but we’ll look and see..

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  • mukhri88 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 12:22 pm

    Banyakmasukworkshop,

    Dude, I understand about the cost of living in developed countries. But the cars are so cheap they change cars on average once every 5 years. They even have dumpsters for cars, we don’t. The VW Beetle only schoolgirls drive. Have you seen the student parking lot of a high school in the States? Why can’t we live like that, what with the country moving towards becoming a developed nation.

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  • AMDunFreak (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    the steering looks cheap!!

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  • tec96248 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    ezralimm said,
    August 18, 2007 @ 11:37 am

    dear, please don’t use the weight to categorize car. it is very misleading. a lot of people will be out of jobs in automotives industries if they have ur kind of perception, including myself. wanted to know why? hahahaha.

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  • tec96248 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 2:59 pm

    BanyakMasukWorkshop said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 4:55 pm

    my friend, vios is selling in USA name under yaris, now there r selling the new yaris. yaris sedan and yaris hatchback. please find out first before comment on others. my cousin told me and show me photos when he got back from US.

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  • danio (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    Please… bank… approve my loan…

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 4:02 pm

    Guys! Almost 400 posts… Come on.. keep em coming.

    WWIII just getting started. Hehehe…

    So, hv anyone recieved their Persona yet? care to comment?

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  • olowokandi (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 4:40 pm

    Yo bro,

    check this out for car classification.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_classification

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 5:42 pm

    mukhri88 said,
    August 18, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

    Banyakmasukworkshop,

    Dude, I understand about the cost of living in developed countries. But the cars are so cheap they change cars on average once every 5 years. They even have dumpsters for cars, we don’t. The VW Beetle only schoolgirls drive. Have you seen the student parking lot of a high school in the States? Why can’t we live like that, what with the country moving towards becoming a developed nation.
    ————————————————————

    i think you batter check the exchange rate,

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 5:56 pm

    this 16″ waja wheel is nice for this persona,

    http://www.proton.com/user_data/media/images/downloads/documents/waja_rim.jpg

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  • altis_fan (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 5:59 pm

    The car is definately great, looks beautiful. The backseat can be folded
    down to occupy more passangers until the boot.
    Those who always condemn P1 may now have to think again. Go and look.

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  • revive (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 6:49 pm

    400 comments and still counting :)

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  • proton12vauto (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 7:16 pm

    #
    1178696 said,

    August 18, 2007 @ 11:02 am

    hey can the people who test drive this car tell me if the engine still have the pinging sound at low revs in between gear change??

    also no matter how many people bash proton i think from looking at 300 plus comments on this article and frequent high number of comments everytime Paul post an article on Proton, i think ultimately bashers and non bashers all of us love our Proton a lot.

    Selamat Hari Merdeka and Happy Independence Day to all

    ============
    I’d test hi-line model, I can’t here engine sound..

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 8:35 pm

    To kingbrutal. The pearl orange colour Satria Neo at Stadium Putra in the Proton-BWF is known as Satria Neo Symphony equipped with high end audio systems. Actually, this is only a concept car by Proton. It has been displayed together with the Satria Neo when it launched last year. By the way, there were also Satria Neo Desire, R3 and 1 more concept which I can’t remember.

    To Vegatron. May I know what accessories that you meant by the salesman said it is compulsory?

    To trasher. Well said.

    To Goniothalamus. From now on, Proton Persona is totally 100% made in Malaysia man..? This is really can call the first national car. no VVTi, no FSi, no Vtec, no Mivec, No Vanos, No this, no that. Just a Persona with Campro plus TCU..
    === Come on! Since Proton Waja year 2000 it can consider as 100% made in Malaysia even though the engines and transmission still from Mitsubishi except the Waja 1.8 from Renault. Even the Persona still using Mitsubishi transmission! Anyway, for your info, not many car manufacturer produce their own transmissions for all models including Mercedez and BMW.

    To SY0H. Apa yang paling menyayat hati apabila salah seorang al-wakil Proton pernah berkata lebih kurang berbunyi, “Kami telah membelanjakan berjuta-juta ringgit dalam R & D (Research and Development) untuk menghasilkan Proton Persona…”. My god! You have spent millions of Ringgit just to extend the rear of Gen-2? What a waste.
    === WAH! You think you can just extend the Gen2 platform just like that and make it to Persona. Instead of cutting the current Gen2 platform from B Pillar then weld / paste it a steel plate and lastly weld / paste it the rear end Gen2 platform again. NO NO. Everything has to start from the beginning meaning to redesign the platform as 1 piece and have to make sure the strength of the car not suffer because of extended length of the car. EVEN WITH THE CRASH TESTS ALREADY CAN COST CAR MANUFACTURERS MILLIONS OR EVEN BILLIONS! YOU THINK PROTON NEVER CONDUCT ANY CRASH TESTS BASED ON ADAC, EURONCAP ETC. ON THEIR CARS SINCE WAJA? GET IT? WHAT MORE TO SAY TO REDESIGN SOME OF THE INTERIOR PARTS, AERODYNAMICS TESTS AND SO ON? YOU THINK THOSE ALL FREE SINCE THEY HAVE GEN2? EVERYTHING HAVE TO START FROM THE BEGINNING! HOW ABOUT HEAT AND WATER TESTING TO SEE ALL PARTS IS AS RELIABLE AS POSSIBLE. Have you ever see why Toyota’s head lamps so much faster to turn yellowish compare to Honda or even Proton? Even Mercedes head lamp can turn yellowish. Good quality? NO NO. So don’t simple give your crap comments without facts. I don’t say Proton cars 100% perfect. Let you as blind basher understand, NO CAR MANUFACTURER PRODUCE 100% PERFECT CARS.

    To PTAllTheBest. Sorry in this case you support SY0H blindly.

    Please read my comments carefully.

    Happy motoring, drive safe, keep safe, always aware your surroundings and cheers all.

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 9:09 pm

    I’ve manage to look and feel the Persona. With the price of RM45K-RM58 (based on the states in Malaysia – I estimate it), I have not much to say about it. The interior of Persona is so much better than Gen2. I really like the door trim. Plastic materials used also much better with dark grey (black) with some silver look really more user friendly and sporty as local weather is hot and sun really shines brightly most of the time. So to use brighter colours really not suitable. For this Persona, it really nice.

    For the steering wheel, it is kinda okay and quite good to hold even though the cheap and small buttons don’t really nice are still there. Hahaa…. Front seats have better support and rear seat quite confortable too.

    Some of the plastics still need to be improve a bit especially the one at the back of steering wheel that cover the signal / windscreen stalks. Besides that, I also found the top rear door trim has a gap (improper cutting) – the one between the rear power window and the small window beside it. I will check out other dealers later this month again to see whether it is all the same. I hope Proton guys can do something with it.

    Open and closing the all four doors, rear boot and front bonnet is not a problem and I really like the good opening and closing feel of it. Bottom part of the body also have better built compare to Toyota Vios. Which I think not many people will check it. No shape edges and most of the steel have smoother surface at internal side such as door panel compare with some branded cars.

    That’s all for now.

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  • lolo (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 10:21 pm

    To Littlefire,syoH,PTAllthebest

    arrrgghhh i hate Littlefire,syoH,PTAllthebest…comment not make sense lo…i’m not good about car but i think i’m clever than u la..hahahhaa
    u guys really show u anti-proton…why aaa..? u org perodua ka..?
    whatever ur comment, i think proton has tried their best..
    if u really proud of your myvi, it is not R&D by perodua maa…rebadge only…rebadge is easy maa….jepun sudah buat drawing….kasi inject parts n pasang saje.,,tapi PROTON is learning and developing to be the key player in auto industry..give a constructive comment la….dun give silly comments coz it really show that u r silly maa….hahahah

    i am not a real proton fan but i think proton is our pride…50 years merdeka this year…proton is Malaysian achievement..and we shud proud of it…
    if u think u r so clever, join the proton R&D la…i want to see your face as proton parents in newspaper for the next proton model..amacam, ada berani ka…? i think if u pergi interview kat proton pun tak lepas lor… i heard they only hire the creme of the creme maa..

    PROTON boleh…

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 10:24 pm

    Hi again… I have seen a lot of people being critical of the NAP and taxation of vehicle in Malaysia… comparing it with country such as US, Singapore and Thailand?

    Ok, then, lets call for the government to scrap all this, what the purpose of this policy if it is burdening the rakyat, right? Oh yeah, by the way, lets scrap the fuel subsidy also… because without the taxes, how can the government pay it? If you guys want a open and fair market, then let all be fair, right? The subsidy alone cost our country atleast RM 12.9 billion a year which contributed the most to the deficit of our annual budget.

    Let see, now the price of Unleaded Gasoline (ULG) 98 in Malaysia is RM 1.92. The price in Singapore of the same quality fuel is SGPD 1.84 (RM4.223), ULG 98 in Thailand is BHT20.95 (RM2.22) (Can’t get the latest, this is last year price), The US is USD 1.19 (RM.4.174). Anyone agree/disagree with this?

    The price hike of abaout 30cent last year cause such an uproar because Malaysian are use to being protected by the G (as some of you called it). And yet you expect the price of car to be the same as other countries. Yes, you can buy a more cheaper cars but a higher running cost for fuel not to mention lubrication and other oils.

    Anyone who says it’s up to the government obligation to protect the rakyat or whatever arguements they have should also remember, that the goverment responsibilities towards the growth and success of the industrial sector which, let face it, without them, we will still be in the kampongs with our traditional jobs.

    The citizen should be first class in all matters before we can have a first class nation.

    Love to hear feedback from you all but lets talk with our brain. Afterall, we are all humans… Drive safely… Ciao.

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  • kei9 (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 10:26 pm

    dont say ciao unappropriately…

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 10:27 pm

    sorry for the double post… something wrong with my pc.. again, my sincere apology.

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 10:34 pm

    To The Unicons… thanks for the info… really appreciated that.

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  • altis_fan (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:20 pm

    I did some simple calculation. The price of Persona is about 23K lower than
    some imported car with good fuel consumption as you guys talk so much about. BUT what is the cost for so call good FC? RM23K is too much too expensive to pay for fuel saving about 3 sen per KM. If your usage of car is about 70KM per day (working travelling distance), then your saving per month is only about RM60. Then, if you have to pay RM23K more to get this saving, then your ROI is about 32 years ! Is it worth to buy so call high tech
    car with so much technology? If your answer is NO, then you better go for PERSONA.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:38 pm

    The Unicorns,

    EVEN WITH THE CRASH TESTS ALREADY CAN COST CAR MANUFACTURERS MILLIONS OR EVEN BILLIONS!
    ———
    You talk so confidently and your wording seem like “saint-papal-word-come-from-haven”. Where do you get the info or reference that crash test cost manufacturer Billions (at least I inteprete it as RM if not USD)! Where you get the source. I try to refer to my Mahaguru Mad Google Bin Mad Yahoo A/L MSN but at this moment can’t find this info!!!!!

    Like to hear from you!

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:40 pm

    Wah more than 400 comments, by the time it cool down, the comments shall at least 500.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:52 pm

    Read so almost all of the comments posted here, they are many and varies, pros and cons, but one matter caught my attention is the consensus is that most of bashers and supporters if ever point out Persona cons, the item most mentioned is the steering. So, Proton, pay attention on this item and improve it!

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 18, 2007 at 11:58 pm

    kingbrutal, your comments on tax for car and fuel subsidy is objective. But let both issue are in the interest of rakyat. For fuel, if compare to US, the subsidy we receive is around 50%. But for car tax, it can go up to 280%, that is the issue. Tax and subsidy must be fair, especially to the poor! Given subsidy of RM 1 but tax RM 10 is at least not “equilibrium”, if not fair!!!!

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  • megatronxx2 (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 12:16 am

    l have read with great amazement regarding proton supporters and bashers, vios bashers and supporters.

    for those who support proton till the end of the world, willing to spend all their monthly income because of the tariff system to protect it, ask yourself this simple question,

    imagine one day, you are given the choice with no money required to drive either a vios or a persona home because you won in a competition. you are only allowed to drive ONE car back. for those who die by proton, l dare you to drive the proton and leave the vios behind. if you can do this , then l salute you , please continue donating money to the tariff protected national car system.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 12:27 am

    kingbrutal, in first world countries, there is always balancing act between subsidy and tax, but ultimately they serve the people interest as shown below: –

    1. Worker and consumer right always well protected by laws, the y get value for monies and real value for products and services.

    2. Have favourable competitve open economic policy leading to long term sustainable growth that stimulate relatively high Purchasing Power Parity.

    3. Subsidize certain sector, be it tertiary education (some 100%), aviation or agriculture not only to face competition from imported products/services, but to ensure the well being of local workers and assist healthy industry growth by producing the best that is export and generate revenue.

    4. Imposed relatively high individual tax (up to 40%), but this come with excellent public sector delivery on services. Introduce welfare state in the case of German and UK.

    5. The list is endless, but to sum up that tax is to generate revenue in order for government to deliver it social obligation back to the society. Subsidy is design to stimulate certain domestic sector in order to create wealth! Not liability.

    In our case, NAP prohibitive tax is liability to rakyat and petrol subsidy is a burden to our G coffer!

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 1:34 am

    BigFish, how can that be called fair if u wan car tax/fuel subsidy 50/50? when car tax lowered, fuel subsidy will surely rise, to cope with more automobile on the road as more people can afford cars? if u use the point of fair, its so wrong…it wont be fair for that 2 factor…

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  • KelvC (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 3:25 am

    Now that Persona has been released, to recap Proton’s road to recovery:

    1) Entry car market (Sedan and Hatchback):
    – BLM 1300cc (?) (due to release early 2008) and Savvy 1200cc

    2) Mid level car market (Sedan and Hatchback) 1600cc
    – Persona & Gen2 (i think this needs a rename)

    3) Sporty niche market 1600cc
    – Neo (need 4 doors instead of current 2 doors)

    4) Upper mid level/executive entry level 1800cc
    – Waja (a refresh expected later this year?)

    5) Executive level
    – Perdana (2000cc onwards)

    6) People carrier (MPV)
    – Juara (needs a full replacement model)

    7) Other possible projects
    – let’s get the above projects/products right first.

    Once the mass market product are successfully launched into the market, this will keep the cashflow going. With the cashflow up and running, improvement projects (Neo 4 door initiative, etc) and new projects can be initiated (MPV, SUV, etc).

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  • raizil (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 3:54 am

    alop…
    just need an opinion..
    which is value for money?
    persona, satria neo, or savvy….
    all of them have the similar price range..not a big diff.
    in considering a car that have a low fc,small size and have the speed..

    might be persona out already..so im cnsidering neo and savvy..
    compare them please…

    TQ.

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 4:40 am

    kei9 said,
    August 18, 2007 @ 10:26 pm

    dont say ciao unappropriately…

    – I’m laughing my hats off…. ciao is italian for bye… if u misunderstood it differently, then it’s not my fault.

    fastcx said,
    August 19, 2007 @ 1:34 am

    BigFish, how can that be called fair if u wan car tax/fuel subsidy 50/50? when car tax lowered, fuel subsidy will surely rise, to cope with more automobile on the road as more people can afford cars? if u use the point of fair, its so wrong…it wont be fair for that 2 factor…

    – agree with you there… and I also agree with some of BigFish comments. But the bottomline is, those import tariff and taxes are implemented for rakyat also. If you can’t afford to pay the tax, why buy imported cars? There many local option available but people still has the mentality that imported goods are better than those produced locally.

    Whatever it is, your life, your financial spending and your will power that will decide which car you could own. Yes, we all have our dream car but that doesn’t mean every dream can come true.

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 4:49 am

    I have to agree with Bigfish and others about the steering wheel,it’s okay but can be improved..KelvC, not to disrespect your opinion but I’d prefer Satria Neo as 2doors just like the previous Satrias,maybe a bigger version with engine upgrades..Satria Neo Gti will be nice…

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  • longdongsilver (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 6:19 am

    I went to see the car over the weekend … after all the hype here I was a bit dissapointed but as far as Proton’s go its a step in the right direction, and at least gives people an alternative to the Myvi.

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 6:58 am

    long live Myvi. but i still concern about proton. i wan them to improve for a big step and not on this redesign mem’persona’kan.

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  • bicycle (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 7:16 am

    Good luck Proton with new improved quality Persona…. your Tanjung Malim plant…power la….

    hehehehehe must be a headache ehh R&D to please everybody with budget constraint. This likely will go out of topic, cannot help myself…sorry PT. Ermm I’m certainly not an expert about economy but Proton is an industry as a guy mentioned it before from previous post. When local made parts being used (local vendors), jobs will be available for us(fresh graduates) and the money spent to buy the local made car will not flowing out from Malaysia instead of buying CBUs. I’ve been to PEPS-JV (Proton/Perodua ), Bosch Penang (Blaupunkt for Proton/Nissan etc…) and seen the perodua’s die casting process using robotic arm . I’m proud to say that till now we have the capability to design and produce our own cars. For those involved in process control adopt Japanese quality control methodology even for Malaysian company. I’m hoping that the new MD with his team will go all out for tougher quality control implementation. BTW, I can see the improvement being made through out built quality for savvy and beyond.

    Just to share, the stamping die for peroduas oil tank is damn huge. I’m so scared that it might snapped from the cable and hit us (students) while being transferred using overhead crane ( dunno the right term) eventhough I’m quite sure there is enough safety for the crane to operate like that hhehehehehehehe. I’m quite amazed to see how automotive industries directly or indirectly improved our level of education and technological achievement. Anyway I’m majoring in robotic and automation and will gladly working with Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant if got ‘rezeki’. The spot welding robots nyamm nyamm nyamm…Hehehehe

    My opinion is likely there is hundreds of way government can impose tax on us that linked to imported cars. If Proton died, you all think that the imported cars price will be decreased? . Why bother on subsidizing petrol when everybody enjoying spending his or her money to oversea car manufacturers( Ringgit flowing out of country)? End result might be oil price will sky rocket to compensate the imports … I don’t know…MAYBE…correct me if I’m wrong.

    I like the idea of having NAP removed so that this will attract oversea manufacturer investing their automotive plant in Malaysia, providing that Proton rectify all the quality control issues and priced at the right level.

    But it is your hard earned money; I’m not telling you that you are not patriotic for buying imported car. But please…. don’t call people stupid or blindly bash without fact/experience when someone mention something good about Proton’s aesthetic design/handling/ whatever… mata sendiri-sendiri la …feel masing-masing. Give constructive critism la…. and quite funny when someone mention about “ gen2 with stretched boot only…easy only…engineer no idea? why cost so much R&D?”. Hohohoho…. Type your resume and send it to Proton R&D….. huhuhuhuhu easy your head la…easier said then done….with budget constraint you think can easily make a sedan ? R&D engineers…. invite those idiots to take your seat for a week…let them know…and new MD already mentioned about mistake done by previous management regarding rear light…. *sigh*…still got people asking why rear light still stick with gen2 design….

    FIY: A plastic injection mould for small stupid toys…can cost a bomb…. Now imagine with mould/die the size of your dining table…..and material being used ( not el cheapo thermoplastic )

    You may agree/disagree with my comment, but pardon me for my broken English. Peace. I’m abit traumatized by grammar police.LOL

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  • peYno (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 8:48 am

    Myvi only attracts Aunties/ah soo group

    Real man/famaily man definetely will go for persona SEDAN

    Sedan is a car for man indeed

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  • Apathy (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 9:32 am

    Hurmmmmm Persona…..truly mempersonakan. Better quality interior from the previous models. Kudos protonG. Still upset as ABS & EBD are for only Hi-line version….However i’m a bit concerned about the banks interest rate for this model. Is it still around 4%? Hurmmmm still too high though. Kan bagus kalu interest rate around 2%-3%. Huhuhuhuhu. Any Satan out there? I’m willing to sell my soul here just to get a taste of pseudo-heaven. Huhuhuhu susahnya hidup di Bolehland…..

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  • Apathy (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 9:36 am

    Persona…..truly mempersonakan. Better quality interior from the previous models. Kudos protonG. Still upset as ABS & EBD are for only Hi-line version….However a bit concerned about the banks interest rate for this model? Is it still around 4%? Hurmmmm still too high. Kan bagus kalu interest rate around 2%-3%. Huhuhuhuhu. Any Satan out there? I’m willing to sell my soul here just to get a taste of pseudo-heaven. Huhuhuhu susahnya hidup di Bolehland…

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  • fastcx (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 10:14 am

    Apathy, in paul’s review, stated its 3.88% interest rate.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 10:22 am

    fastcx, I don’t have statistic on car tax revenue or petrol subsidy to refute or support your statement about reduction of car tax shall correspondent with reduction in fuel subsidy.

    But I have these opinions,

    1. Fuel subsidy is part of G social obligation to take care of rakyat welfare. We are still nett exporting oil country, and the rakyat is deserve for it. Of course to make better comparison, our petrol price shall compare with OPEC countries, not like non-producing oil country like Singapore.

    Reduction in fuel subsidy in future is inevitable since we are forecast will become nett importing oil country by 2010. So, what G do is to face likely future scenario eventhough the decision to increase petrol price is not popular among the rakyat.

    So, whether our car population increase or even decrease, the price of petrol will increase. I means in our country scenario, the price of petrol increase have no relationship with increase in car population but we affected by we become nett oil importer factor (by 2010) that lead to petrol increase.

    2. NAP prohibitive tax – The increase in the nos. of car will among other increase the demand for petrol. But this is not the factor that overall will give further burden to G in petrol subsidy. The more the car, the more revenue will be collected from NAP tax, which can be easily off-set the cost of fuel subsidy.

    Is there any relationship between variables for NAP tax reduction is in tandem with reduction in petrol subsidy? No, NAP tax will be reduce/abolish to comply with our G commitment toward AFTA, FTAs or the likes. This already prolong and long overdue (AFTA suppose to be 2003). But look at world scenario, fairly to say the “dead-line” for our country to comply with FTA is 2010.

    3. You ask about fairness in these car tax and fuel subsidy issues? My opinion is that currently, it is more unfair to G and the rakyat on the following reasons: –

    a) G through their ministers including PM are too often commented in the main stream media that fuel subsidy is perceive as unfair to G as it drain our country coffer, so this subsidy shall reduce or abolish in futue.

    b) We take Paul Tan blog as a good indicator, whether they are bashers or supporters, the general consensus is NAP tax is prohibitive and burden to the rakyat since it is up to 280%. This make the car ownership in our country is a very costly affair. And look at the market scenario, car loan can be up to 10 years is very ridiculous, even by world standard (normally car is depreciate over time, with exception of vintage or limited edition of super luxury sport car).

    So both car tax and fuel subsidy is a “lost-lost” situation to rakyat and G. As I said before, tax and subsidy policy is ultimately shall benefits G and rakyat and create wealth. But in our case, it is a burden/liability to G and rakyat. But by 2010, this situation shall be “rectified” by factors of our country become nett oil importing country and comply with FTA by 2010.

    Can Proton smell the cooking ahead of 2010? Can Proton re-engineer itself to face this world biz scenario? Can Persona prepare Proton to face this volatile and uncertain market scenario? The answer is Proton need to do more than this, one option is VW-Proton tie-up! That is inevitable for Proton long term future survival, and to face market reality that export market determine the existence of Proton – do or die!

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  • peYno-1 (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 10:30 am

    Myvi suits Ah soo/aunties needs

    Family man/real man will go persona sedan

    SEDAN is a man car indeed

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 11:36 am

    peYno-1

    Industry practice just design certain product line-up for specific needs. For example, age group, familiy purpose (MPV), passenger cars, commercial vehicles, etc. For sure, neither MyVi nor Persona is design to cater to certain gender. Be objective, don’t make statement just for the sake of argument!

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  • corolla_KE70 (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 12:38 pm

    will the real basher stand up?!!

    PTAllTheBest

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 1:30 pm

    PTAIITheBest, any new model is redesign based on a certain platform,creativity just dont appear from thin air,yes Myvi did very well and proven in terms of sales ,no worries..we just like Proton to do well in future..learn from mistakes…

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  • king (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 1:49 pm

    PTAIITHEBEST said,

    so from the “luahan engineer potong” I can see that potong really makes parts them self.
    very impressive indeed. how bout those backup money few years back they manage to suck from the rakyat that buy lousy quality potong cars and the money G pour into it. the total amount can hit a few billions. with that amount of money others car manufacture can makes pretty good quality car with a far better R&D.
    this so called mem’PERSONA’kan will qualified to be a new model? freaking funny! just take an old model and extend the back longer a bit and redesign something that so simple even a 5 yrs kid also know how to do. cut cost on
    the base line model and sell off at 46K is still considered expensive!
    $H!T!!!

    _____

    Pls lar, get your crap out of this blog since its baseless. you failed in SPM maths F9 coz u think your puny viva at 45k is cheap and this proper sedan at 45k is expensive. You a p2 salesman trying 2 deceive ppl? Too bad lar ppl not blind. Not everyones a dropout like you.

    p2 took old model and rebadge as new car(viva) thats the real joke u dun see.

    5 yr old kid can design this car? like that then my 5 month old dog can rebadge myvi and viva lar. just stick in the logo.

    Persona is for real MAN/ Family MAN, a proper car that can travel outstation.. myvi/viva for aunties/ladies.

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  • megatronxx2 (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 2:04 pm

    for every other rich malaysian who wants to buy a new car the moment they release it,
    due to the possible rising petro (this year no rise, next year?)and living cost which follows the rising petro and the inevitable 2010 net petro importing status as we are not blessed with infinite petro,
    l will be keeping my 10 year old proton, maintaining it with cheap china or taiwan spare parts which is half the price and longer lasting than the so called inflated genuine part till the car rusts and falls apart in 20 more years.
    even then l will push it to work and not buy any more car.
    why? l barely have money to buy house with all these rising cost, for proton, you will never get money again from me, h aha ha ha hahah….

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    BigFish said,
    August 19, 2007 @ 10:22 am
    ________________________________________________________

    1) The international fuel price is around RM4 per litre now. So yes, the govt is subsidizing fuel considerably. THere is also a trickle down effect that results in cheap goods and services (eg. foodstuffs)

    2) Dont spread the idea of 280% tax. The new lancer would not be RM115k if that were really true. Cars are declared to customs at their cheapest possible price (see oft quoted CBU warta). Thailand does not have a NAP, yet a Camry there is still RM137000. A majority of malaysians do not buy foreign cars anyway as NAP has made them too expensive. Dont get me wrong though. Many malaysians will not be able to afford a Civic or Corolla even if NAP didnt exist as they would cost upwards of RM72k. The small budget city or vios at RM55k may be viable for most families. Personally, i’d rather have RM1.3 petrol than a RM55k vios/city but RM4/L petrol. RM55k for a top of the line Persona with RM1.3/L petrol seems like a very good deal.

    3) Malaysia has a well diversified economy and does not rely as much on petroleum exports (it once did) as most people seem to believe. To it’s credit, the govt has been quite successful in shifting focus from natural products to manafacturing. The existance of places such as the Hicom-Glenmarie industrial park in Shah Alam, and the various high-tech companies in Penang are examples of this.

    4) The diligence audit confirmed by the PM himself is quite a strong indicator that a VW tieup is in the works.

    Proton, for all it’s flaws, does currently recycle about RM6,000,000,000 into the local economy each quarter (4 months). If it didnt exist, that money would have gone to foreign workers pockets (eg. Toyota employees). To put things into perspective, we do have a trillion dollar economy. But still, 20 odd billion a year is a significant amount of money recycled into the local economy.

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    To kingbrutal. No problem with the Satria Neo Symhony’s info.

    To Bigfish. Yes, I did say billions but perhaps I didn’t write about some facilities with needed for crash tests such as building either new or upgrade, create new and more intelligence dummies that needed for crash tests, new or upgrade of the simulation crash test softwares that can generate a better and more accurate calculations and simulation crash results, real tests and so on. Sorry, because last night I was running out of time as I need to go out – urgent stuff. So, sorry as I didn’t put what I have in mind in writing and if that I was confusing you. All these I’m sure car manufacturers will not disclose it, if not, not all the time. Don’t you think? Besides that, SY0H was so confident that why Proton can spend millions of Ringgit just to extend the rear of Gen-2? What a waste and PTAllTheBest said, yeah!!! and where the heck the huge amount of money goes??? into those cronies and greedy vendors pocket lor!!! down syndrom also know lar.4 yrs old model extend call new car. then say invest million into research. So, when come with Proton some people just blindly bashing, based on facts I will agree. For Gen2, Proton invested RM500 million or so and in this Persona, Proton invested RM100 million. If Proton said they also invested RM500 million in this Persona, then I will agree with SY0H and PTAIITheBest. BUT IN THIS CASE, SY0H and PTAIITheBest ACCUSE PROTON BLINDLY.

    To megatronxx2. Many people are bashing Proton blindly (that which is always right for blind basher) but when comes with Toyota Vios such as my comments, I was totally based on facts including Toyota (not only Vios) head lamps. I’M NOT VIOS BASHER AND NOT ANY CAR MANUFACTURERS BASHER. I’m not Proton supporter or die hard fans, however I want Proton to do well as one of the car manufacturers in the world and not as car assembler or rebadge just like Perodua, Naza and Inokom, well for now. When Proton did bad people bashing Proton as government helped with, well tax payers money as some people said which is still reasonable to accept. Now Proton is trying to do well so that government no need to help them via the tax payers money, people still also want to bash Proton. WHY? Did bad complaints, try to do well also complaints. DON’T YOU THINK THAT IS BLIND BASHING?

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  • citymyviuser (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 3:27 pm

    good job to PROTON and a special thanx to the new boss in the town!!!
    got a new beautiful car at a so special budget and thats all wat we MALAYSIANS want. do keep up the good work and alwiz believe that we can too compete with others if we really put our heart to do it.
    CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • proton12vauto (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 3:39 pm

    My frenz, not 1 fren, but numbers, facing lower arm problem..with std rim.

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 4:04 pm

    which model?
    whats the defect?

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  • cetait (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 5:27 pm

    Several times in this thread i’ve seen people advance the notion that money spent buying proton cars all stays in Malaysia while money spent on “foreign” cars (i.e. Toyota, Honda) is all loaded onto a boat and shipped to japan never to be seen again. This is a gross misrepresentation to say the least.

    Fact is, foreign car makers also “recycle” a lot of money into the local economy and Malaysian workers’ pockets. Unless you think that all the local salespeople, marketing staff, assembly workers, management staff, showroom architects, office space landlords, advertising merchants, real estate agents, janitors, etc. etc. are all flown in from Japan? They pay business taxes and their business expenses flow into the economy like any other. And if they were selling more cars, which they would be in more favorable market conditions, they would increase their local infrastructure and production and more money would come into the local economy.

    At the same time, for every Proton car bought, plenty of that money goes overseas, to raw material suppliers, to patent holders, to foreign vendors, to overseas staff. That Mitsubishi transmission in your Proton means that Malaysian money has gone to Japan after all. Those Siemens VDO gauges mean that Siemens AG in Germany will take its cut. Proton contracts with plenty of foreign companies for production machinery and infrastructure. All this means ringgit going out of the country.

    Of course Proton is not unique in this, all major car manufacturers do the same nowadays. Thus its very misleading to imply that Proton money all stays in Malaysia, just as it is to say all Toyota money goes to Japan. This simplistic argument is outdated and has no relevance in today’s globalized car industry.

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  • escan21 (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 5:37 pm

    As I recall, the Wira 1.6 production stopped when the Waja 1.6 was launched. Now that the Persona 1.6 is launched, the production of the remaining Wira models has finally ceased. But now we are seeing 3 models including the Gen.2 ‘crowding’ Proton’s line-up of 4-door 1.6l models. Is this wise? May be Proton is doing a wait & see. If the sales of the Persona does well enough, Proton may phase out the Waja (after a 7 year run). The Gen.2 may still remain on the line-up & most likely get a redo over especially in the interior & who knows, a price readjustment.
    BTW, since the Gen.2 already has a 1.3l model (albeit a rather lethargic auto gearbox only version) & so does the Satria Neo, I guess time will tell whether there’ll be a Persona 1.3 model (which should rightly have a manual gearbox version).

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  • bicycle (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 7:07 pm

    yup I agree with cetait on Proton contracts with plenty of foreign companies for production machinery and infrastructure. But comparing between Proton sourcing out ringgit through machinery,vendors etc VS imported materials/workforce/facilities + local dealers/SC…well my opinion is that the higher percentage of ringgit circulating in Malaysia is better compare to ringgit flowing out to imported cars minus the local dealers,janitor bla bla bla even my older sister work for UMW Toyota hehehehe. Furthermore, local industry tends to collaborate with local university to enhance technical syllabus.

    “local salespeople, marketing staff, assembly workers, management staff, showroom architects, office space landlords, advertising merchants, real estate agents, janitors, etc. etc. are all flown in from Japan? ”

    Yes all of them pay their taxes (imports) and gave employment opportunity, so did Proton’s salespeople, marketing staff, assembly workers, management staff, showroom architects, office space landlords, advertising merchants, real estate agents, janitors.

    I admit that car manufacturers beside Proton also open up business opportunity / apprenticeship / directly indirectly push up our technological advancement, but I FEEL that Proton’s vendors are likely have higher percentage of local made part/material. I don’t have any figures or facts to justify my statement, sorry. And my comment more likely based on CBUs. Give Proton a chance under this new management. Peace.

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 7:18 pm

    hello there,
    it al most 450 post here..hahahahha

    yesterday i went to proton showroom to see the persona ..
    it really mempersonakan la..
    design is relly exclusive and huge..
    bravo proton..good job..

    the saleswomen said,
    the gearbox had improved by putting the utc(unit trans control)
    anyone can explain what actually that unit..??
    i didnt understan(maybe bcause terlalu terpesona with the car)
    hahahah
    anyone pliz..

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 7:22 pm

    To escan21. Actually Wira’s production still on after the Waja was launched back in year 2000. Waja was not the Wira replacement, same as Gen2. Persona is the REAL REPLACEMENT of Wira. For your information, in UK, the local named Wira is called Persona. So this newly launched Persona is more like 2nd generation of Persona for UK people. Wira’s production confirmed has been stopped.

    Come on 3 models crowding Proton’s line-up of 4-door 1.6l models? Even other car manufacturers have same engine capacity on different models such as Mercedes Benz (they have C-Class, E-Class, S-Class sharing same engine capacity together with some other engine capacities which not are not sharing with other models but all 4 doors sedan). Is this wise? Yes, of course. Different segment for different type or needs of people.

    Already more than 7 years Waja launched with few face lifted models and we still able to see another face lift model very soon with Campro CPS 1.6L engine. I don’t think Proton will stop Waja production even in the future. The next Waja replacement might called Impian in local – same as in UK right now. Besides, it is different segment even though both are 4 doors sedan and 1.6L engine.

    One more information, you will also see a Gen2 face lift model soon also will be fitted with Campro CPS / VIM 1.6L and VIM 1.3L engines. I might think the interior will share the same look as the newly launched Persona.

    Personally, I don’t think Proton will offer any Persona 1.3 model (which should rightly have a manual gearbox version) as you said. This is because Proton will launches yet another brand new model early 2008, reported will be in January. Currently known as BLM (Base Line Model) and will be using Campro 1.3L engine. The price range might be in between RM30K++.

    That’s all. Cheers!

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 7:44 pm

    megatronxx2 said,

    August 19, 2007 @ 12:16 am

    l have read with great amazement regarding proton supporters and bashers, vios bashers and supporters.

    for those who support proton till the end of the world, willing to spend all their monthly income because of the tariff system to protect it, ask yourself this simple question,

    imagine one day, you are given the choice with no money required to drive either a vios or a persona home because you won in a competition. you are only allowed to drive ONE car back. for those who die by proton, l dare you to drive the proton and leave the vios behind. if you can do this , then l salute you , please continue donating money to the tariff protected national car system.
    —————————————————————-
    Well, as I said many times. No car manufacturers produce 100% cars. Even my friend’s Vios power windows failed weeks ago and the car still less than 2 years old. I’m not bashing Vios, it’s facts and I didn’t and never say Proton car is the best and 100% perfect. Have I and Did I say that? One more thing, where got competition able you to choose what car you want to drive back because of winning a competition? In the real world, for example in a competition the organizer will state 1st price say a Vios and 2nd place a Persona… 3rd place and so on. So, depends which place you win. So very subjective.

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  • PTAllTheBest (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 8:32 pm

    where joe ooi goes?? maybe negotiating some businees with VW.
    as joe ooi not around i has taken up his position. the real mindless basher.
    anyway, back to the car. i would like to say next time when launch a new car pls improve many of those fugly accessories.
    the most important: steering. something that feels like a ferrari would be nice
    dash board appearance. the really fugly centre console and air cond control. cd player and lastly sporty driver seat position. if not i will still the same bashing nonsensely

    that all from me. until now then see u soon.
    tomorrow need to go back concentrate on my job.
    tired bashing.

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  • by2k_maverick (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 8:55 pm

    I left my comments of this car on this link. I’ve seen the car with my own eyes, touched it, surveyed it, sat in every corner of the car (including the hood and the trunk except the roof), and of course drove it.
    http://by2k_maverick.blogs.friendster.com/paranoid_driver/

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 10:14 pm

    ezralimm said,
    August 19, 2007 @ 2:11 pm

    BigFish said,
    August 19, 2007 @ 10:22 am
    ________________________________________________________

    1) The international fuel price is around RM4 per litre now. So yes, the govt is subsidizing fuel considerably. THere is also a trickle down effect that results in cheap goods and services (eg. foodstuffs)

    2) Dont spread the idea of 280% tax. The new lancer would not be RM115k if that were really true. Cars are declared to customs at their cheapest possible price (see oft quoted CBU warta). Thailand does not have a NAP, yet a Camry there is still RM137000. A majority of malaysians do not buy foreign cars anyway as NAP has made them too expensive. Dont get me wrong though. Many malaysians will not be able to afford a Civic or Corolla even if NAP didnt exist as they would cost upwards of RM72k. The small budget city or vios at RM55k may be viable for most families. Personally, i’d rather have RM1.3 petrol than a RM55k vios/city but RM4/L petrol. RM55k for a top of the line Persona with RM1.3/L petrol seems like a very good deal.
    ——————-
    Talk about up to 280% tax, it is applicable to top luxury car like BMW 7 series or Merc S-Class.

    Log on below: –

    http://paultan.org/archives/2006/03/24/nap-tax-rates/

    The combine NAP tax (DI/DE/CJ-Duti Impot/Duti Eksais/Cukai Jualan) is 120% for CBU from 1.8L to 2.0L.

    Log on below: –

    http://mitsubishilancer.com.my/lancerGT.php

    The OTR price with insurance is RM 115,980.00.

    Selling price RM 111,827.10

    Without NAP tax (custome price) is around RM 50,830.50.

    Say OTR price is + 20% = RM 60,996.60 + RM 1.5K insurance (Langkawi price) = approx. RM 62,500.00

    Now, the different (or pay extra under NAP) is RM 115,980.00 – RM 62,500.00 = RM 53,480.00

    Say we use the car for 10 years: –

    The additional cost to us are

    “PricipalRM 53

    http://mitsubishilancer.com.my/lancerGT.php

    Lancer 2.0L

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 10:44 pm

    Hmm.. It seem I started an interesting debate here… By the way, the arguement os simple, yes NAP is a burden but why are we busying ourself with it? It’s a burden for people who want to buy imported car. I mean if you can’t afford it, why the hassle? Biar papa asal bergaya? You don’t like Proton? Buy Perodua, Naza or even Inokom. End of story. If your friends can afford an imported car, then kudos to them. Maybe they have to tie their stomach or made savings, we don’t know.

    For fuel subsidy, lets faced it. If there is no subsidy, we won’t even dare talk about owning a Toyota or a Honda. Even without NAP, the fuel burden would kill us. After that all people in Malaysia started using bicycle. It’s not an obligation by the government to subsidized fuel but it is to simulate the economy. And the taxation of imported cars contribute greatly to the government coffer which in turn is used to pay the subsidy.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love things to be fair and easily accessed by all but we are not living in a fantasy world here. The reality is everything are based on money. Want a better car, get a better job, better pay. Don’t just sit on that uncomfortable chair, get a better chair. Anyway… safe driving all. Ciao.

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 10:55 pm

    to PTAllTheBest… If you like Perodua so much, why bugging other people then? You received commission for every purchase made by Perodua buyer from this blog? And your logic is mind boggling for an adult. Or are you just a confused teenager trying to impress everyone here? Grow up and please use proper english if you want to argue or explain something. The last time I checked, the Malaysian school is still teaching the Queen’s English, not some jabberish from who knows where.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 11:05 pm

    Sorry “incidentally press the “summit comment” button,

    …………………… “Continued”

    Say Lancer 2.0L is use for 10 years, let us calculate the additional monetary cost to the owner: –

    1. Up front “principle” sum is RM 53,480.00

    2. Say put this sum in bank as FD for 10 years with 4% compound interest.

    So (1+0.04)10 x RM 53,480.00 – RM 53,480.00 = RM 25,670.40

    3. Say additional insurance for this sum is RM 1,500 x 10 years = RM 15,000.00

    Assume maintenance and other cost is same whether with NAP or not.

    So, the additional monetary cost for 10 years (A) = 1 + 2 + 3 = RM 94,150.40

    On the cost saving of petrol as a result of fuel subsidy by G: –

    On current rate, assume the petrol subsidy is 50%.

    1. On average the car run for 2,500 km (conservative/realistic assumption).

    2. Say average petrol consumption is RM 0.18 per KM.

    3. On average monthly petrol is RM 450.00.

    For 10 years = RM 450.00 x 10 years x 12 months (assume there is still subsidy for next 10 years, which is unlikely).

    Total 10 years petrol consumption (B) = RM 54,000.00

    Net Saving/Additional cost to owner = B – A = RM 94K – 54K = RM 40K

    So, you still fork up extra RM 4K per year!

    So, we can conclude that car with combine NAP tax (DI/DE/CJ) of more 100% is a burden to owner!

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  • by2k_maverick (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 11:36 pm

    You know, I was wondering where I can get the Bosch Variable Intake Manifold and how much it will cost. I have been searching online but they’re just other county’s links. I was wondering, since Proton didn’t include it in this time, what if I just replace the current intake manifold. Also, does anyone knows how the campro engine works? There’s been people saying that the campro is the same function as the variable timing of the cam/valve. Some say that it is totally different. I don’t really understand. Anyone got a link for me to click to? I’m looking out for ways to mod the Persona when I get it.

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  • cetait (Member) on Aug 19, 2007 at 11:36 pm

    That’s what I’m saying in essence, bicycle, that there really isn’t as much difference in economic contribution between Proton and foreign countries as many people think, or are led by some to believe. And yes, what you are saying does apply more to CBU cars than CKD. For CKD the differences become much less.

    Proton may still spend more money in Malaysia overall, but I feel it’s important to dispel the falsehood that every sen spent on a foreign car leaves the country forever while all Proton’s money stays. And I agree with you that though Toyota, etc. money does go overseas it is offset by Malaysian industry gaining improved technology and business practices.

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 12:18 am

    “Disini lagi ada misinformation. Memang untuk kereta Perdana kita impot enjin dari Jepun. Untuk Savvy kita gunakan enjin Renault. Untuk Isawara, Wira dan Waja kita buat enjin di Malaysia walaupun design original dia dari Mitsubishi. Tapi enjin Gen-2 adalah enjin terkini yang direka oleh jurutera Proton dan dibina di Malaysia. Enjin tersebut menggunakan teknologi terkini. Jadi kenyataan diatas agak menyesatkan sedikit. Naza, Perodua…. Masih lagi membawa enjin dari luar. Modal untuk me reka dan mengeluarkan enjin
    ni amat besar. Nak dapat return pun bukan nya sekejap. Tapi demi maruah dan kemajuan, kita korbankan keuntungan jangka pendek. Selagi kita tidak
    mengeluarkan enjin sendiri.. selagi itu kita tidak tahu. Sekarang kita telah pun
    mengeluarkan enjin sendiri… orang masih tidak percaya. Itu lah masalah
    orang kita… memandang rendah kebolehan anak negara sendiri.. Asyik nanyi negarakuku.. “

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 12:21 am

    “Sebenarnya Tidak wujud kontrak 20 tahun dengan Mitsubishi. Mereka adalah rakan kongsi. Bertahun tahun kita berkerjasama dengan Mitsubishi tetapi teknikal apa yang mereka turunkan. Kalau kita pernah berkerja dengan orang
    Jepun atau Korea , mereka inilah yang paling kedekut ilmu. Tapi bab nak korek ilmu kita, dia orang rajin habis.Korang jangan terkejut bila saya
    cakap yang idea kita pun banyak yang Jepun curi. So bila kita mula menuntut teknologi baru dari mereka… mula lah nak caj dan nak ikat royalti yang tak
    munasabah. Nak mintak copy teknikal drawing zaman dulu sekeping pun
    dia orang caj beribu ribu. Mulalah kita pandang teknologi dari barat dan teknologi sendiri. Sebab itu kita beli Lotus.. Kita ignore Jepun. Bila kita design
    sesuatu yang lebih baik… laju je dia orang hantar balik information ke Mitsubishi. Last- last kita pun mula bersikap secrecy dengan dia orang… lama lama diaorang fed up dan mintak keluar. Lagi pun dia orang dah nampak afta nanti dia orang akan masuk balik ke Malaysia.

    Perodua… kenapa daihatsu/toyota memberi enjin latest dia orang…. Sebab Perodua tu 100% milik Toyota/Daihatsu. Dah lama UMW menjual saham dia orang kepada Jepun. Proton…. Milik Malaysia… satu2 nya maruah malaysia.. yang kutuk proton anak malaysia sendiri.. sad…”

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 12:33 am

    Inilah susah orang kita ni…. Banyak mendengar cerita sensasi yang banyak ditaruk banyak rempah ratusnya….. Memang pada mulanya kita belajar… selepas itu kita buat sendiri.Saya adalah seorang yang terlibat dengan kerja kerja tersebut.

    Saga – base dia Lancer lama. Kita Cuma tukar depan dan belakang
    sikit.

    Iswara –
    base Saga, kita mula belajar untuk design kereta sendiri. Masa ni Mitsubishi dah tak berapa setuju bila kita menubuhkan R&D. So kita menggunakan khidmat penasihat dari UK .

    Wira –
    Disini berpuluh puluh designer dan engineer Proton dihantar ke Jepun untuk kerjasama design kereta baru. Proton dan Mitsubishi kongsi modal. Hampir 2 tahun kami disana. Bahagian tengah dikongsi bersama. Depan dan Belakang, design asing-asing. Lampu depan dan belakang share sebab nak kurang kan cost. Hasilnya Proton Wira-Mitsubishi Lancer.

    Orang akan kata hah kongsi je sebab tak tahu buat kerja…. Tapi ada orang kata apa apa bila Ford dan Mazda berkongsi bahagian tengah? Ford Laser dan Mazda 323 adalah kereta yang sama. Ada orang complain? Bila orang Malaysia yang buat begitu… orang Malaysia sendiri yang nak mengutuk. Tak ramai yang tahu seksa bekerja kat Jepun sebab dia orang suka curi idea. Bayang kanlah semasa kami design dashboard untuk Wira… masa tu Mitsubishi sudah pun siap soft tooling mould untuk dashboard kereta dia… Bila mereka tengok dashboard Proton, Mereka sanggup letak designer dia
    depan design kita untuk mengubahsuai kembali rupa bentuk dashboard mereka. Kalau kita pernah tengok dashboard mitsubishi lancer… hampir
    samakan. Itu mereka yang meniru bukan kita. Ianya menunjukkan kita bukan tak pandai… Cuma masyarakat sendiri berfikiran macam itu.

    Perdana –
    untuk membuat satu satu design bukannya murah. Nak balik modal pun lama. Jumlah kereta yang dijual pun kena banyak. So kalau nak buat Perdana…. Sampai habis pun tak balik modal. So yang ni memang kita ambil kereta dari mitsubishi dan pasang di Malaysia. Cuma kita tukar depan dan
    belakang, dan bahagian dalaman.

    Tiara –
    Tiara adalah bukan product Proton. Ia adalah keluaran DRB. Tapi kita kena tunduk dengan arahan dari atas untuk mereka menggunakan lambang Proton.

    Waja –
    Waja adalah permulaan kita untuk menunjukkan kita mampu melakukan kerja sendiri. 100% didesign orang orang kita. Tapi untuk kejuruteraan kita memerlukan consultant dari luar.. mainly dari Eropah dan Amerika. Bukan sebab tak pandai tapi kita tak cukup kakitangan. Nak design kereta bukan seperti menjahit baju. Kebaikan dari mengambil consultant dari luar memang membuka mata kita… kita adalah setaraf dengan kebolehan mereka. Nak design kereta ni memerlukan beratus ratus kakitangan. Bukannya sedikit.

    Gen2 –
    100% didesign oleh orang kita. Consultant dari luar hanya sedikit sebab kakitangan kita semakin ramai. Kita mula menggunakan enjin yang didesign sendiri.

    o Savvy –
    100% dedesign sendiri. Cuma enjin sahaja kita menggunakan Renault sebab kita tidak ada enjin bersaiz kecil. Well…. Kehebatan enjin Renault sudah terbukti bila mereka memenangi F1. Disini banyak berita palsu disebarkan oleh mereka yang tidak bertanggung jawab.Contohnya… Savvy adalah Tiara
    dan menggunakan chasis Tiara lama. Savvy tidak ada kena mengena dengan
    Tiara. Savvy adalah baru, 100%. Tidak ramai yang tahu bahawa Savvy menggunakan HTHS steel (High Tensile High Strength Steel). Sebab tu body Savvy kuat. Memang ada terpampang kereta Savvy kemek kerana
    accident. Well… kereta mercedes, volvo, BMW pun kemek bila accident. Tapi tak ramai yang tengok keadaan dalaman Savvy yang accident tu… In fact. Kukuh. Saudara saudari… Bila kita design kereta ni.. yang paling penting adalah keselamatan penumpang. Memang kereta didesign untuk crumple bila ada impact. Itu untuk menyerap daya hentakan supaya bukan manusia yang menerima hentakan kuat. Rating TUV Germany memberikan 3 star untuk Proton. BMW 5 series pun dapat 3 star. Ramai yang kata Savvy ni tak sedap bila memandu. Tapi tanyalah yang bercakap tu… adakah mereka pernah memandu Savvy. Kebanyakan nya tidak. Hanya mendengar dari orang lain.

    Lain lain –
    Ada banyak lagi yang saya tak boleh cerita sebab ada secrecy act. Proton pun ada design kereta untuk company lain dan ada membuat part untuk company lain. Proton ada juga buat reverse engineering untuk motosikal lumba (tahun tu dia champion) tapi kita tidak boleh menceritakan sebab dasar secrecy kita. Mungkin sesetengah orang yang memakai certain kereta
    mewah tidak tahu yang part kereta mereka dibuat di proton. Kalau Proton tak elok… masakan mereka mengkontrakkan proton untuk membuat kereta mereka.

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  • Remedy (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 12:40 am

    Mungkin ramai yang mengganggap hanya seorang perdana menteri sahaja terlibat. Cuma pada zaman Tun M baru persetujuan dapat dicapai setelah Mitshubishi bersetuju menjadi rakan teknikal dengan bersyarat. (syarat ni tak bolehlah diberi tahu.. sebab ianya adalah OSA)

    Penubuhan Proton lebih mencapai objectif nya. Pada mulanya Proton hanya di rancang untuk membuat kereta bukan untuk merekacipta kereta. Kita menubuh R&D, Mitsubishi tidak setuju. Ye la… siapa nak bagi kita pandai kan . Cuba check dekat Perodua, berapa ramai jurutera dari Proton bekerja dekat sana, Head of R&D Perodua…bekas Proton, Head of Styling…bekas
    Proton, Head of Planning…bekas Proton, Head of Production…bekas Proton (rasa-rasanya dah kena kebas dekat Naza), Head of Engineering Services…bekas Proton. Ratarata mereka yang senior dekat sana dari
    proton. We trained them… orang lain ambil cara senang je.

    Naza pulak.. Head of R&D….bekas Proton. Head of Production…bekas Proton. Honda pun ramai bekas Proton, DRB Pekan… Head dia pun bekas proton, Inokom… head dia pun bekas proton. Itu kira head je…bukan lagi kira engineer dan designer. So it meets its objective untuk memajukan orang-orang kita. Mainly orang Melayu. Naza sendiri tidak menyangkal
    kereta Naza mainly didevelop oleh bekas kakitangan Proton. So… orang Proton tak bagus?

    Kita belum lagi kira bekas pekerja proton yang diambil oleh consultant luar negara… dari America, Eropah sampai ke Jepun.Tau tak kita kakitangan
    Proton telah memenangi pertandingan mereka design kereta anjuran Ford. Beliau mendapat tempat pertama. Bukan bertanding diperingkat Malaysia . Tapi di peringkat antarabangsa. Memang beliau mendapat tawaran kerja dari
    syarikat kereta gergasi Amerika dan Eropah. Tapi kami tabik bila dia decide nak stay dekat Malaysia sebab taknak anak-anak membesar dinegara lain. Ada orang tau…?

    p/s : basher oh basher.. i sure u donno anything about this..

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  • Prem3377 (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 1:51 am

    many who comment here saying that proton just added a butt to proton gen2 and calling its not worth to call a new car are people who really dont about cars and current trend of car industry..please dont talk crap and give credit to japanese makes who are the the great cut and paste expert..and when proton learn from the best how to do business..many still complain…this is what called third world mentality!!its really sad to know that we are from a developing country and with good education ratio still behave like poor country people…

    honda city is a cut and paste job!!similar to persona…anyone of you said its merely a butt job know this??but you guys still talk great bout honda city!!

    honda city and honda jazz is the same car!!!honda city just added a butt and call itself an all new car!!and malaysians thing is a all new car..
    in 2006 honda facelifted the city and called it an all new car…and no much comment about it…but when proton spend around 180 million and call it a new car…we complain so much!!

    the new toyota vios is a yaris with a butt…but malaysian will say its an all new car and many praises will be given!!but when a gen2 get a butt and called persona..many say its not a good move from proton,waste of money and etc..come on guys grow up!!

    proton is learning from the best marketing people…so its a good effort..and it deserved to be call an all new model because alot of work is gone into it…and this persona was the best way to keep cost at bay!!

    credit should be given when effort is shown!!!it deserved to be called a new car because alot of effort was put in to create it!!a small butt job is not easy as you think…rm180 million is not much if really know!!from center of gravity to torsional rigidity has to be calculated again!!its not merely taking ur calculator and calculate..its a very hard process…next is the design..then weight distribution…handling characteristic..weight transfer..and etc has to be calculated…next stage is building prototype…from crash test to aerodynamics has to be considered and modified time to time…the pre production models has to build and tested…machines and etc in production line has to set up and this is extremely hard process…then finally production line is tested…cars out of production line is tested too..finaly the car will roll out…besides that..advertisement cost and etc is also needed…so its not cheap as you all think…

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  • astromas (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 3:49 am

    Thanks for Proton..
    Very-very good work.

    also thanks for Proton’s supporters
    How can Proton will improve if we dont support it.
    Long live for Proton.
    Bravo

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  • bicycle (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 4:39 am

    Well cetait…I agree with you…..Peace Bro….Hehehehehe

    To Prem3377,

    Ala so easy la to design the Persona…..give me metal sheet, hammer, plasma cutter, arc welding….working like no tomorrow for 1 day….tadaaaa…..gen2 with butt……..and name it Persona….

    And the baseline price will be around RM15K as what ‘people’ want…..no need to worry because Proton market size so big…..250 mill to be exact? Small profit…if letsay 50 million buy….sure become big profit…. I dunno… abit abit after that become mountain….

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 8:49 am

    To Prem3377. I agree with you and some of your post there kinda like mine. hahaha…

    To bicycle, you said “Ala so easy la to design the Persona…..give me metal sheet, hammer, plasma cutter, arc welding….working like no tomorrow for 1 day….tadaaaa…..gen2 with butt……..and name it Persona…. and baseline sell for RM15K?”
    ANSWER FOR YOU: I think you mean to built bicycle in 18th century and before. Just get some metal and use hammer to KNOCK KNOCK to make your bicycle. YOU NOT ONLY TALK CRAP BUT REALLY STUPID CRAP. The way you say it so childish. Let me tell you something. Even todays bicycles also need to do R&D, clay model, aerodynamic test, suspension test, or even crash test.

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  • wildthingz (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 9:39 am

    hai all
    err i setuju sangat ngan komen saudara remedy yelah bila org kita buat sesuatu mesti org kita sendiri yang kutuk tapi bila org luar buat menda yang tak best pun jadi best heheehehe tak tau lah kenapa dah mentaliti org malaysia kot mengagungkan barangan luar. for proton and all its staff good luck and please make kereta yang mesra org bersaiz xxxl leh tak nie aku salu masuk kereta proton semua stering lekat kat paha kecuali wira lah kalau boleh proton tolong hasilkan mpv/suv yang comel dan power untuk semua basher dah lah kritik yang tak membina kalau proton jatuh maka jatuhlah maruah kita rakyat malaysia anyway semua org ada pendapat nak buat camner kan so sendiri mau ingat lah fikir sebelum nak kutuk tapi satu jer persona aku tak suka stering dialah nampak cam plastik jer (cam naza suria) buat lah cam waja ke baru cun tapi apa pun tahniah untuk proton

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  • Skyline (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 11:38 am

    Hmm Mentality kita masih belum merdeka lagi kot… Think!!

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  • whodz (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 11:52 am

    I agree with Prem3377, the persona is all new car. But then again, beauty is in the eye of beholder. Persona is nice, though some people think it’s suck. Some people think gen2 design is nicer and think Persona should really named Gen2 sedan and also wish that Persona would never exist. And, hope that Proton will enhance Gen2 appearance, with the same body outline, but maybe with different looks e.g. new facelifted front or maybe just replace the crop rear lamp. Well, we are a developing country not developed country. We struggle to do the best, but economy does matter and money will certainly make a point here. So, long short story, Persona is a though bet for Proton. Let the man have the chance.

    Au revoir.

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  • panterna (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 11:56 am

    Remedy – bravo for the post..

    u really had a LOT of info i didn’t know about..
    if don’t mind me asking, is it ur original post or copied from somewhere else?

    if original post, i totally respect u..
    if not, can share the original post? i’d like to read more..

    i’d get persona if i can afford it…got other pressing commitments now…

    anyway, with persona, my respects to the captain for sailing proton in the right direction..makes this years 50th Merdeka anniv a meaningful one if not for all, at least it did for me..

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 12:28 pm

    cetait said,
    August 19, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

    Several times in this thread i’ve seen people advance the notion that money spent buying proton cars all stays in Malaysia while money spent on “foreign” cars (i.e. Toyota, Honda) is all loaded onto a boat and shipped to japan never to be seen again. This is a gross misrepresentation to say the least.
    —————
    well said, actually I am “reluctant” to reply to ezralimm on his statement about this matter simply because: –

    1. I have average knowledge about economy.

    2. His argument about “recycling” of money demonstrate his lack of knowledge about international trade (i.e. balance of payments – net value for import/export different ) and G fiscal and monetary policy (e.g. annual budget/spending on development and manipulation of interest rate/consumer spending – CPI).

    If purely look at his perspective about Proton contribution to “recycling” of monies that make sure the monies not flow out. It is a fallacy assumption, as we import all kind of metal for Proton to make car. Proton local and export market is approx 90% vis-a-vis 10%. Therefore, there is a net outflow of money in importing raw material (outweight inflow from export car) since 90% of cars sold locally.

    In Thailand case, they export majority of car manufacture in their country by Foreign Direct Investment. More than 1 million car annually manufacture by FDI (Toyota, Honda, BMW, Ford, etc) export to all over the world. This contribute a big multiplier effects to our economy in auto sector by create job opportunity, earn foreign currency, tax payment to G by FDI corporations, supports industry (vendors), etc.

    In international trades perspective, either local/domestic (not “national”) or FDI, in the event majority or near to 100% of their prducts/services is export oriented, then it create wealth and contribute positively to the balance of payment (trade surplus) for our country. For our auto industry, our FDI and Proton case, it is still a “trade deficit” as majority or big % of the products are for local consumption.

    Those with better explanation are welcome!

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    BigFish said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
    2. His argument about “recycling” of money demonstrate his lack of knowledge about international trade (i.e. balance of payments – net value for import/export different ) and G fiscal and monetary policy (e.g. annual budget/spending on development and manipulation of interest rate/consumer spending – CPI).
    ____________________________________________________

    Please avoid personal attacks. No point claiming to be humble then using tactics like that. I will not critisize your grammar and incoherent sentences.

    Ok, for the sake of being technically correct, I will dignify your comment with some corrections to my original statements.

    International trade is not my area of study and i cannot comment much, other than that the level of the domestic economy is a strong factor in determining the quality of life of the populace.

    While the purchase of any car results in money flowing out of the country, a car imported from overseas will ultimately result in much more money flowing out of the country than a similar Malaysian car (naza inokom proton perodua) even though some components like gearboxes are imported.

    The concept of recycling money into the local economy is a well grounded principle used by other governments as well. The US spends billions each year on it’s space program, but doesnt really mind as the money is spent on paying US citizens, US contractors, and US aerospace companies and the plethora of support services that hire US citizens.

    BigFish said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
    If purely look at his perspective about Proton contribution to “recycling” of monies that make sure the monies not flow out. It is a fallacy assumption, as we import all kind of metal for Proton to make car. Proton local and export market is approx 90% vis-a-vis 10%. Therefore, there is a net outflow of money in importing raw material (outweight inflow from export car) since 90% of cars sold locally.
    ______________________________________________________
    As usual, you seem to enjoy using technical nomenclature to back up your arguments. That’s fine, but sometimes your sentences become incoherent. Explain sentence above.

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  • shahram (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    My personal opinion is that this is not LIKE GEN 2, it is actually an old Gen 2. Proton still has to go and study more not to copy another car. Look at Japanese cars? Camry 2007 has got two types!!! Proton after 25 years is still struggling to innovate a COPY!!! Congratulations!!! We expected more of this BIG company. Gen 2 was a complete failure and considered as the unsafest car in the world and still Proton is following it!!! Waja is the best because there no complain about it. I believe Malaysians should go to Germany to be more well organised trained.
    That’s all

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 2:03 pm

    ezralimm, I disagree with your allegation that there is personal attack in my post. Perhaps my “incoherent” sentences make you interprete in that way or I do not convey my message the way it should be, or both.

    I am not numeritist, but what we said shall be justify or back up by substantiation. We cannot behave like non-sensical bashers or blind supporters – “talk something pluck from the sky”!

    For subject-matter related to international trade, the best link I can proposed is IMF website.

    Talk about grammar problems, yes I have my shortcoming, but talk about your vocabulary, you have yours one. If I want to pick some wording used by you in your argument, then it become English language lesson already! For examples: –

    1. Explain the differences between a car is “expensive/cheap” (too often used by you) and “high/low price” from economy perspective? This is another misleading argument by you if strictly elaborate from academic point of view! You can ask your lecturer/friend (who have sound knowledge in economy) in your campus! Sure got difference!

    2. You mentioned about money (inclusive “recycling” issue)? Who defined money as “asset”, economist or accounting practice and why? This is also related to wealth creation in which your argument on Proton case is economically and “accounting-ly” is “fallacy”!

    OK give you answer on these: –

    a. Economist – money is a medium of exchange, represent face value for goods/services transaction! Real asset is tangible (gold bar keep in Bank negara to represent RM)!

    b. Accountant – money is an asset, represent wealth of companies as contained in their annual report to SSM!

    I am not interested on all this as the forum shall concentrate on the subject-matter, the point/opinion/argument/facts/salient points put forward. Of course ignore all the “rubbish”!

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    year 2007,very advanced technology..mindset not so advanced..In the 70s no one believe that Malaysia can create anything,not to mention about cars..always feel ‘inferior’,of course that was only a few years after Merdeka..but after almost 50 years..’some’ still have that old mentallity…and worst they are proud it…

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 2:24 pm

    btw to Bigfish and ezralimm..i enjoyed your ‘debate’!!!

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  • gabanpolis (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 4:02 pm

    For those still in doubt of the CAMPRO origin, please download the lotus engineering journal, issue 3, july 2004. here’s the link:
    www.just-auto.com/proactive/ pdf/Lotus-proActive-issue-3.pdf

    should put an end to this baseless nonsense.

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  • wildthingz (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    congrate persona because of u this blog jadi macam cite transformers ada pihak destroy ada pulak yang protect persona u really mempersonakan any one get the car and customise it kalu ada pic kongsi ler ye mesti ada yang transform persona jadi mitsubishi lancer nanti ahhahahahahaha support our national car malaysia boleh proton boleh…….

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  • cetait (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 4:38 pm

    ezralimm said,

    August 20, 2007 @ 1:01 pm

    While the purchase of any car results in money flowing out of the country, a car imported from overseas will ultimately result in much more money flowing out of the country than a similar Malaysian car (naza inokom proton perodua) even though some components like gearboxes are imported.

    The concept of recycling money into the local economy is a well grounded principle used by other governments as well. The US spends billions each year on it’s space program, but doesnt really mind as the money is spent on paying US citizens, US contractors, and US aerospace companies and the plethora of support services that hire US citizens.

    —-

    And what about when the car is CKD? Assuming that most raw materials are imported anyways (Since cars arent built from palm oil, tin, or durian :)), if the car is built locally by Malaysians, distributed by Malaysians, sold by Malaysians, the difference (which as I explained wasn’t so much anyways) becomes even less. I suppose there is the added economic stimulus of local fat cats and cronies buying their bungalows and taking their wives shopping, but that’s also offset by their foreign car (Merc and BMW) purchases isn’t it?

    As for the comparison to the US space program. You can’t have it both ways. If Proton (as you’ve argued before) is not unduly funded by the Malaysian government/taxpayers then why are you comparing it to NASA, a US government agency? (Which, by the way, also awards numerous contracts to foreign companies.)

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  • bicycle (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 5:23 pm

    The Unicons said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 8:49 am

    To Prem3377. I agree with you and some of your post there kinda like mine. hahaha…

    To bicycle, you said “Ala so easy la to design the Persona…..give me metal sheet, hammer, plasma cutter, arc welding….working like no tomorrow for 1 day….tadaaaa…..gen2 with butt……..and name it Persona…. and baseline sell for RM15K?”
    ANSWER FOR YOU: I think you mean to built bicycle in 18th century and before. Just get some metal and use hammer to KNOCK KNOCK to make your bicycle. YOU NOT ONLY TALK CRAP BUT REALLY STUPID CRAP. The way you say it so childish. Let me tell you something. Even todays bicycles also need to do R&D, clay model, aerodynamic test, suspension test, or even crash test.

    Duuudddeeee I’m just being sarcastic….Walaweee……I’m a bit stupid not that stupid…..I know it is damn hard to design a product, for design stage to manufacturing . Luckily simulation softwares are available but that alone cost hundred of thousand. CATIA for example…MasterCAM..MouldFLOW..bla bla bla…there are parameters to be consider when designing a product…not just aesthetical, but also manufacturability, human ergonomics, safety and bla bla bla……and been there done that…..but only for a small small fabrication product….not as complex as a freaking CAR………

    I’m just being sarcastic towards those to think that designing a car easy as claimed..

    P/S: I got 200+ samples of Malaysian Human body measurement (static) aged between 19-22 years old……according to my lecturer(human ergonomics)…..we dont have any official sample data for Malaysian….so she tried to create one hahahahahaha….whole one day wooo measures people feet, bla bla…..even static strength for pulling, pinching ( using for button design) banyak lagi laaa

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 6:56 pm

    BigFish said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
    ezralimm, I disagree with your allegation that there is personal attack in my post. Perhaps my “incoherent” sentences make you interprete in that way or I do not convey my message the way it should be, or both.
    ____________________________________________
    BigFish said,
    … about “recycling” of money *****demonstrate his lack of knowledge**** about international trade (i.e. balance of…
    ____________________________________________

    ==In every debate i’ve participated in, such a blatant passing of judgment will be deemed a personal attack. In a civilized debate, concepts are attacked – that’s fine so long as criticism is justified.

    == I am still having difficulty understanding what you are trying to convey in your posts.

    ____________________________________________
    BigFish said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
    Talk about grammar problems, yes I have my shortcoming, but talk about your vocabulary, you have yours one. If I want to pick some wording used by you in your argument, then it become English language lesson already!
    ____________________________________________
    == If i get what you are trying to say,… you are suggesting that my wording and writing style in posts above could become a language lesson. lol.
    == I would like to respond to your questions, but at the moment i cant quite make out what you are trying to say. The questions seem to relate to matters of perception and how we form meanings, mentally, for adjective words such as “big/small, expensive/cheap”. Perceptions that are of course influenced by our paradigm (worldview) and experiences. “How round is round” is another common philosophical question to that tone. Such discussion on the fundamentals of knowledge is a bit too deep for an automotive forum IMO. However, if you wish to continue such a discussion, i will gladly do so, perhaps in Lowyat.net forums or somewhere more appropriate.

    BigFish said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
    I am not interested on all this as the forum shall concentrate on the subject-matter, the point/opinion/argument/facts/salient points put forward. Of course ignore all the “rubbish”
    _____________________________________________________
    Was this a direct translation from another language? What are you trying to say?

    cetait said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 4:38 pm

    ==Apologies bout the NASA case. I wanted to illustrate an example in another discussion.
    == I agree with you. However, my main belief is that ULTIMATELY, MORE money goes overseas if we were to buy foreign cars rather than local cars. CKD cars may have bluured the picture a bit, but the truth remains that our local cars contribute more to the local economy.

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  • ezralimm (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 7:00 pm

    a. Economist – money is a medium of exchange, represent face value for goods/services transaction! Real asset is tangible (gold bar keep in Bank negara to represent RM)!
    _____________________________________
    As far as i know, our secular economic system uses the same fractional reserve banking system used in the states where not all of our money is backed by tangible assets. I dont know the details, but the bottom line is that our foreign reserves help determine the value of our currency.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 7:35 pm

    ezralimm said,

    “I agree with you. However, my main belief is that ULTIMATELY, MORE money goes overseas if we were to buy foreign cars rather than local cars.”
    ———–
    Ha, ha, ha ……. another “ignorant” statement? Is that direct translation from Kangarooland?

    OK, for Japan, they imported Honda Accord 100% built in USA, and they export Mazda (Own by Ford) to USA. How about this arrangement? Any comment?
    ————-

    “As far as i know, our secular economic system uses the same fractional reserve banking system …….”

    Which text book or reference or language you translate from for “secular economic” or “factional reserve banking system” ……….. ?

    Quite interesting, I do assigment on international trade before, I refer to many references including IMF website but never encountered these two terminology!
    ———–

    OK lah if you inteprete my statement as when I refer to he/his opinion as tantamount to personal attack, then I will take note and “directly” quote the subject-matter under discussion!

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  • LilKel (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 8:02 pm

    To Bicycle,

    Your comments only shows your maturity level.

    To Remedy,

    I am impressed with your comment. Let’s hope that Persona would bring Proton to the next level and silent the critics.

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  • fine dining (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 8:14 pm

    Hi all,

    i love the persona way too much. i think its the best car ever produced by Malaysia. i went to the show room 4 times to see it. great job proton.

    anyway i want to know what is the best thing for me to do since i noticed that you guys know so much about cars and all.
    i have a kancil 850ex 2004
    balance to pay bank rm20,400

    the sales person at proton offered me 15k for the kancil

    if you were in my shoes how would you go about it…

    Thanking you guys in advance

    i want the persona now!

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  • kingbrutal (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 8:42 pm

    To Remedy… well said and well understood. Thanks for the info. Not many understand the signaficant of Proton to the nations development.

    To Wong… A man of a few words? But agreed with your points.

    To gabanpolis… couldn’t open/download the file but thanks for the info.

    To Shahram… what is it that you are really trying to say? Where is the reference of Gen.2 being the most unsafest car in the world? Please provide proof/proofs, don’t simply give statement without facts.

    To ezralimm and BigFish, keep up the good job. Arguements/debates like this is healthy but avoid at all cost personal attack. Not that I’m saying either one of you did.

    I don’t know if you guys noticed, but there is a sharp decline in bashers now. Wonder why?

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 8:42 pm

    To bicycle. Sorry about that – misunderstanding. However, you didn’t give your comment to those blind bashers who thinks it is easy to design a car. More like your statement is saying that you are the one who thinks easy to design a car. That’s why I thought it was your thought to say easy to design a car.

    Anyway, sorry.

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 8:51 pm

    To kingbrutal. Decline of bashers or more like Blind Bashers I also did noticed. Perhaps they are rushing to the Proton showroom(s) to book one for themselves? hahaha….

    To Shahram… As what kingbrutal questioned you. what is it that you are really trying to say? Where is the reference of Gen.2 being the most unsafest car in the world? Please provide proof/proofs, don’t simply give statement without facts. DON’T SIMPLY BASHING, BLIND BASHER!! Have you seen the China car manufacturers produced cars, the crash test show the worst result then any other car manufacturer including our Proton. MAKE SURE YOU GET RIGHT INFO AND FACTS. DON’T KEEP BLIND BASHING ON PROTON.

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  • Frostfire (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 9:09 pm

    It is truly mem’Persona’kan! Car is great, launch timing is perfect, and price is awesome! Good work Proton! Keep it up! You already did well with Satria Neo and now with Persona it is much much more better!

    Two Thumbs Up ;-)

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  • ArseneWenger (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 9:32 pm

    Kudos to Proton…Keep up the good work, but let’s see the reliability and durability…

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  • rizamri (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    Hi there…
    Went to see Persona twice today… around 10 am the salesman showed me the total number of paid bookings nationwide till 19/8 was 3600+ then when I went back to him around 6pm… TOTAL PAID BOOKINGS WAS 5800+ perghhhhhh.
    Honestly I’m really impressed with what Persona has to offer with that price tag. Engine wise I have no problem with Proton… among the most reliable in the market. The MOST important thing is I don’t have to worry about repairing a Proton…. abundant of foremen familiar with Proton’s hiccup :) Furthermore, if I’m not mistaken the notorious Proton window drop has been solved by a new vendor… if it still drops…. I’ll send for a replacement hehehhe
    Salute to those who are able to argue with facts and not emotionally. To those who wishes to comment and “kutuk” with no valid points… plz do some research first.
    Just like radio channels, if you don’t like any particular channel you DON’T have to listen to it, just switch to different channels that suit you. Let those who enjoys the channel, keep on enjoying. Heheh cherio

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 20, 2007 at 10:33 pm

    ezralimm,

    The questions seem to relate to matters of perception and how we form meanings, mentally, for adjective words such as “big/small, expensive/cheap”. Perceptions that are of course influenced by our paradigm (worldview) and experiences.
    —————–
    This statement “over-look” just now and now it is attract my attention.

    1. Perception and experiences is normally subjective, lack of justification but to a certain extent gone through by certain individual and it is “real story” to that particular person. In other word, it is “rule of thumb” that normally play pivotal role under this circumstances.

    2. To be of highest credential and accepted as the best in it class, experiment, facts and good reasoning is important to be acceptable in the market. This normally attain through scientific methods like experiment, R & D, innovation, back up by statistical evidents, tried and tested method, etc.

    So back to biz, cheap/expensive – Car is neither cheap nor expensive (measure in extreme/absolute “min & max” term) but low price and high price is measure in relative matter. Means low price for Persona is it is “best price” or competitive price in its class but not cheap!

    Maybe RM 0.30 Chinese tea is cheap (fairly to say everybody can afford it) and RM 1.20 billion Airbus Jumbo A 380 is very expensive (so far no individual buy it).

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 12:28 am

    kingbrutal, those blind bashers had already done their job,tired of bashing maybe..well if a person sing the same song many times and out of tune…no one bothers to listen in the end…get the picture?

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  • king (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 1:00 am

    big fish sounds so much like joe ooi…the way he construct sentences.

    rizamri, u sure 1 day got 2k over bookings? the salesman pulling ur leg?

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  • topgunthang (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 1:56 am

    ezralimm said,

    August 17, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

    Cuba try kawasan USA dan Kanada… around RM55K THEIR MONEY. If you’ve taken Economics 101 before… thats damn cheap… it’s like RM24K malaysia money, earned in malaysia. Why? because it costs only USD15K, and most people in USA make more than 15K per year. …. mcmana nak cakap ek… hope u understand…
    _______________________________
    urgh…i’ve been in this argument before…

    1) Internet Prices are ALMOST NEVER OTR prices. (The gen2 is only RM36k non-OTR)
    2) You cannot compare the PURCHASING POWER of people from first world countries with the PP of people from young 50yr old developing countries. People in first world countries earn about RM30-50 per hour for unskilled labour (eg. cashier, gardener)…no comparison at all.

    My point in raising the issue of prices is to prevent MISINFORMATION that cars are so cheap overseas.

    The reality is Proton is selling budget cars to suit the Malaysian market. RM50k for a Persona sedan is very reasonable by any standard. A sedan of similar weight, (Corolla/Civic/Mazda3) will cost about RM80k even if Proton/NAP _DID NOT_ exist. So yeah, it may not have the latest tech or best trim, but for the price it is reasonable. Stop spreading the idea that a ~1200kg jap sedan only costs RM55k… it does not. OTR prices are often 20-30% higher than the non-OTR prices you see on websites.

    —————————————–

    i think the proton and some other ‘company’ have pulled a veil over your eyes. They have managed to keep the natian well inside a well. make up stories that proton and the country is doing so well. and a large portion of the msian public simply wouldnt be able to understand it. good example is “abundant of foremen familiar with Proton’s hiccup” as typed by a person above. there should be no hiccup(i.e broken electronic window) in any car…or any hiccups in any consumer product. Full stop. if there is, it should be covered under warranty, rectified free of charge and guaranteed not to happen anymore.

    simply put….a car is just a car. its a necessity and should be able to be bought easily/cheaply. in other countries, one year’s wage….after tax and living expenses you can still afford to buy a corolla or a camry outright cash in just one year. yes it is stupid to do that, but the fact is for an average waiter or factory worker, that is more than possible. give one or 2 years if you’re part time waiter. white collar could buy a lexus is250 outright if they wanted to even though 99.9% of them wont.

    point is, people should be able to just buy a car cheaply without wasting 10-20 years paying for transport (and in the end u end up paying more for a proton +headaches if comapred to other car companies) which after 10-15 years the car value is almost non existant.

    transport should be readily available cheaply (paid off in 1 or 2 years) and the resulting excess money earned better spent elsewhere.

    with malaysia as the biggest car market in South east asia, car companies will compete very fiercely for your money and the prices will be cheap. very cheap. but put proton into the picture and it promotes monopoly and destroys free market forces. resulting in other companies not wanting to compete with thier usual (worldwide) bread and butter range and create chopshop/stripped out budget cars to compete given the low standard set by proton cars. and yet with a higher price tag they are still able to compete.

    i think proton is ready to compete in a level playing field car market. just that it should be at the lower end of the market. or budget or extreme budget. let the competition begin. if they cant make it here in malaysia (as a trial market), then no point going to compete in the ‘real world’. no point delaying it. makes the country suffer.

    even AMD which is bleeding its ass out can still keep Intel in check. thats the benefit of free competition. imagine how many more car companies can be invovled in the msian car market.

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  • Goniothalamus (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 3:16 am

    Remedy..
    Very interesting story posted by you.
    It’s very true, my ‘insider’ in Proton company also said that, (many of my friends also went to P2, Toyota, bla..bla..)

    However, hope Proton will survive in this survival trial.. maybe no need to be Pro-Volk. Be the stand alone Proton.

    Japan have passed it, Korea have passed it. They also got bashing all the beginning era of the history of them, began with Honda C50 until they got praise for NSX. Korean also the same. Now they began be accepted with Kia ProCeed (although using not original ‘Korean’).

    Proton have been got bad rating almost 22years since Saga. From now on, they got better result. A customer’s survey in UK recently told that Proton is number 2, below the Lexus! Wah ha ha…

    Learn Proton, learn… until we create a very very EXCELLENT product which i can proud to show off Jeremy Clarkson!

    Oh, how emotional i’m about Persona, our pride and joy.

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  • topgunthang (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 3:32 am

    Learn Proton, learn… until we create a very very EXCELLENT product which i can proud to show off Jeremy Clarkson!
    ———————————-
    jeremy clarkson would be dead by the time that happens, so will all of us. only thing is that he would have enjoyed more ferrari’s and lambos than all of us combined.

    wawasan 2100?

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  • bicycle (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 5:34 am

    LilKel said,
    August 20, 2007 @ 8:02 pm

    To Bicycle,

    Your comments only shows your maturity level.

    ———————————————-

    Care to enlighten me please which level of maturity did I fit into?

    Back to Persona…. anybody saw the modified Persona at Roadstar, Greenlane, Penang? The red colour Persona with white sport rims and aftermarket front lights, rear lights? Nice la that one…huhuhuhuhu Don’t have details….just passing by ….maybe next time got chance want to see upclose..huhuhuhu heard from my friend…that one ICE also changed…and that Persona from baseline model……

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  • The Unicons (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 9:02 am

    topgunthang said,
    August 21, 2007 @ 3:32 am

    Learn Proton, learn… until we create a very very EXCELLENT product which i can proud to show off Jeremy Clarkson!
    ———————————-
    jeremy clarkson would be dead by the time that happens, so will all of us. only thing is that he would have enjoyed more ferrari’s and lambos than all of us combined.

    wawasan 2100?
    —————————————————————-
    Jeremy Clarkson might be dead by then but there are so many other people like him to test drive the cars now and the future. You think his the only man? Ya, we might dead too but future is for our next generation to see and lead. You think those 40′ to 90’s Mercedes Benz or BMW and others those designers can see the today’s designs? No some of them also past away already. However, these car manufacturers got younger and new designers to design cars and so on, and they still producing cars. Right?

    DON’T JUST WRITE SOMETHING WITHOUT USING YOUR BRAIN JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT BLIND BASHING PROTON. Thank you.

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  • gabanpolis (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 9:05 am

    to kingbrutal,

    please copy and paste the whole link, it will download the file

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  • awie (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 9:25 am

    i already boooked persona..for those who alwayz critics & make a comment..i tumb up for u all guy..b’coze of u..now i can get a nice proton car..heheee..

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  • BanyakMasukWorkshop (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 10:46 am

    “Went to see Persona twice today… around 10 am the salesman showed me the total number of paid bookings nationwide till 19/8 was 3600+ then when I went back to him around 6pm… TOTAL PAID BOOKINGS WAS 5800+ perghhhhhh.”

    hmmm… I wonder where are the guys who said “persona will not sell” right now?

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 21, 2007 at 10:57 am

    From this point onwards, please keep the discussion related to questions on the Proton Persona as well as your personal test drive reports.

    Nothing about the NAP or this or that please.

    Please use the General Industry Talk section of the forum if you want to discuss anything else.

    LINK: http://paultan.org/forum/index.php/board,11.0.html

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  • boredofschmucks (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    My 2 cents worths….drove and tested the Persona

    Steering – I don’t understand the fuss about the steering.Yah it feels cheap and yeah it looks cheap but rounding up Persona based on that?We are not judging Fishers’ Price toys mind you.If you feel its not up to your standard,change it (if you buy the carlah) or better still send it to any unholstery shop and wrap it with leather

    Interior – A reasonable effort.Not great but decent. I like the fabric added to it. Some gap here and there.Centre console’s felt could do better,closing sounded plasticky.Maybe with relation to my height,the centre console sometimes disagree with my elbow when I’m changing gears;not critical though.I like the front seating.Not very much in favour of the rear seat;felt slightly too upright.The rear seat could do with slightly more up-angled to make our body really fits into the seating.No problem with tall person sitting behind,no hitting the roof again (my brother is about 1.92m).The IP (dashboard) seems ok,better without the protuding clock as in Gen2. I read somewhere in the forum someone (Shahrom i think) said the IP should have a hint of Ferrari’s styling…. I don’t know whether to laugh or be irritated.I was stunned! I had the same conversation with someone over Persona’s interior to BMW/Mercedes’. He insisted that BMW/Mercedes’ was better than Persona.I said ” No arguing there!” but to think someone trying to compare BMW/Mercedes’ to Persona is strange….in a way amused by the choice of comparison and in another,felt sorry to the person.Hmm… he’s actually comparing apple to banana

    To Shahrom: Nak macam Ferrari tapi bayar ciput,baik naik LRT je la bang. Bayar 50 cent tapi nak ciken chop!

    BE REASONABLE IN COMPARISON!

    Design – Not bad.Felt the flow of the design is slighlty distorted from C-piller to rear.The flow don’t match but I can live with it.I like the ‘misai’ at the rear.It gives more elegant look. By one go,you won’t notice it’s a Persona but at a certain angle,it starts to project its beauty

    Ride and handling – No comment on this.Proton never had major problems with it.Ride was crisp,good road absorption,relaxed vertical motion and comfortable.Handling was good if to compared to Vios and some other cars and slightly better than City.Vios felt wobbly and lowers down security feel when its handling department is pushed to the limit but it has good vertical absorption;I guess that’s where u win some,u lose some.I trashed Persona at some cornery road and I’m pleased with its obidience,it goes where I want and it holds to the road majestically.Sometimes just for fun,I throw the car at cornering and the fun factor came up;it feels sporty,high-spirited at limit.I gues it’s a bonus to Proton’s R&H team to get good ride and with good handling.Good job!

    Engine – Now I felt the improvements made to these car especially the transmission.It felt spot on,more capable to switch gear at my wantings and the lagging is minimized. It used to have the ‘dip’ in lower RPM;it still has it but to the very minimum,as if it’s gone! No more ‘hide & seek’ gear changing. Does the car have ‘smart-learning’ capability build in it to adapt to driver’s style? just wondering….

    Value for price – Well for 45K-55K I’m not complaining! There are many improvements compared to the past.Some still need more finer details work but it works.The rear butt has a key hole and for the high-line, u can use remote to open it.Now have glove-box although the fitting could do better.Rear trunk is sooo spacious! 2 adults could go in (I’ve tried it …hahahaha).

    At least the new management has taken consideration of the public’s likes/dislikes and not producing car syiok sendiri.Good work going forward PROTON. Keep on improving and kindly accept comments (constructive of course) and tahan lah telinga sikit dengar komen rakyat.We comment (again, constructively) because we care.U succeed,we oso bangga ma!

    Let’s give a chance to Proton to prove theirselves. The management and the environment have changed to the better.Proton is a 25 year old company but most of the time they are purely assembler. Just recent 7-8 years they have started to come up with their own design and R&D.Please don’t compare their capabilities to the automotive giants.Not fair maa

    To bashers, thank you for making the forum lively but no thank you if you bring craps into it. Be responsible with your comment and do some work first if you want to bring data/facts into the forum.Believe me some of these forumers have better access to the materials than we do.

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  • SEE 2020 (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 3:07 pm

    Hi everybody,

    i’m new in this forum, and glad to read all the informative and uninformative so called information.

    i had 1 question, what bout the lagging at low RPM? is still the same with previous engine or had been rectified or retuned.

    thanks for everybody who want to help me out.

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  • ed0r (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 3:29 pm

    Lucky Paul intervened lol, so many comments but yet they’re not related to this Persona car, most are about bashing proton. C’mon guys, I don’t 100% like this car too but it’s not all bad, different people different tastes and preferences. You don’t like the car just keep quiet maaa… bashing will not get you anywhere. Constructive comments sound better.

    Ok this Persona, overall it’s a good car. Exept I dislike the crop thingy tail lamps and the same engine. For the tail lamp Paul has posted the explanation. For the engine… hmmm we’ll have to wait for the CPS. But the H-Line Persona is quite a good bargain with ABS EBD and airbags. Oh yea I like the rims too. Well, overall it’s good. I look forward to Paul’s and others test drive reports, probably in other post by Paul and additional info by others who have driven it.

    Or somebody has got any idea the facelifted version of this Persona, pls omit the crop circle tail lamp and probably a sportier front grill, anything like that. Well, congratulations to Persona owner. We also look forward to hear your views and on how the car perform in the long run, besides your sharing with proton service centres heheh.

    Later.

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  • Max88 (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 3:57 pm

    Pics of black Persona, Envy:
    http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4548/dsc00464zq2.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/news/2070817.002/2070817.002.Mini4L.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/news/2070817.002/2070817.002.Mini5L.jpg

    Coming with LED rear lights:
    http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2029/dsc00457kt7.jpg
    http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1631/img0044lv9.jpg

    Interior pics, leather seats (black and orange combo):
    http://www.mycen.com.my/sightings/sightings150807_proton_persona3.html

    Persona pricing RM45K-RM55K is highly artificial. Reduce the price (plus fully loaded with all safety features) further to face upcoming new Toyota Vios/Yaris Sedan/Belta (some other market offer 1.0L and 1.3L version).

    Feel good factor for Proton now, so govt ready to fully implement AFTA and scrap NAP, let rakyat to buy safer, cheaper and better cars? Until hell freezes over.

    “Common sense is not so common” – Voltaire

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 7:42 pm

    anyway ill be glad not until next year when the car comes with vim cps, that put head to head to head with other maker,

    that moment we can see..

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 21, 2007 at 8:09 pm

    remedy and bigfish aka joe ooi – i have deleted your recent comments. why do you insist on posting unrelated comments when i have pointed you to the proper place to write them?

    please use the General Industry Talk section of the forum linked below if you want to discuss anything else like the NAP or auto-related politics

    LINK: http://paultan.org/forum/index.php/board,11.0.html

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 10:13 pm

    up coming vim cps, i certainly choose proton, i want a car with potent engine yet economical and handles good at speed, straight or twisty, and feel secure within it solid body,

    no doubt, ill be relacing my honda, and back to proton,

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 21, 2007 at 10:42 pm

    Yeah, look at more than 500 posts, most of the comments on the shortcoming for Persona (with due respect, every models have their “shortcoming” depend on consumers expectation, or they themselve have their own “shortcoming” like limited budget) can be summarize on the following: –

    1. The steering.

    2. The weight of Persona in relation to same segment from competitor.

    3. Perceived lack of tech devices, especially fuel saving gadget.

    So, item (1) is subjective and can be easily overcome (up to individual preference to maintain it or go to accessories shop to change/dress up as they see fit).

    The weight, beyond my comments, it is better for Proton engineer do the talking. The upcoming VIM/CPS shall overcome shortcoming for item 3, and the good news is it is “on-the-way” very soon!

    Looking forward, we as consumers get better deal for our hard earn monies. But in the eyes of marketing people selling car, they perceive market trend of consumers are well informed and knowledgeable – no longer naive just pay money and get whatever products supply by producers, but “brutal buyers demand for anything and everything monies can buy”!

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 22, 2007 at 12:51 pm

    Talk about test drive, Proton do a good job, I believe Persona is no exception if Lotus thingy come into picture.

    But refer to link provided by tinjon 14, it is too often such accidents involved Proton cars. This is through my personal observation at Leburaya Bukit Jalil between Puchong and Astro. Such “kiss backside” accident is almost weekly affair and most of it involved Proton. I believe it is due to the following factors: –

    1. Proton cars generally do not have good safety features like EBD or ABS or some with drum brake only.

    2. Human error – it is one of bad trait among Malaysia drivers that many involved in “kiss backside” accident like to tailgate.

    For Persona, as usual only H-line provide good safety (baraking system) feature. Ultimately, government regulation shall compel cars of all makes in Segment B (or 1.3cc and above) and above come with EBD/ABS and airbag as standard features to reduce the “kiss backside” accident as well as reduce injury.

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  • Max88 (Member) on Aug 22, 2007 at 3:12 pm

    Why not Proton just ITEMISED the optional accessories ie. ABS EBD, dual airbags, traction control, cruise control, all-wheel disc brakes, glovebox etc? Rather than offering cars on half-baked or fully loaded version, car buyers able to decide the level of optional accesories rather than Proton ‘force-fed’ customers.

    Eg. Persona AT HL Metallic (RM55,800) and Persona AT BL Solid (RM47,999). The price differs by roughly RM7,000. From painted door handle to ABS, how much each item being priced? In other countries, most car companies clearly itemised their accesories for car buyers to choose as their wish. We don’t compare other car brands here but Proton got the obligation to lead and show they are not duping rakyat in bundling whatever price on their accesories, as far as safety equipment level concerns.

    Again, “Patriotism got nothing to do in buying cars”.

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  • cetait (Member) on Aug 22, 2007 at 5:04 pm

    Persona should have more safety features at all levels. Dual airbags for all levels, ABS on M-Line, Side airbags on H-Line should be the minimum, especially for a car supposedly being marketed to families. Why not take the initiative and be a leader class safety? Don’t give the BS about too difficult/expensive, if they can do it for export models they can do it for local models.

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  • Vengeance (Member) on Aug 22, 2007 at 11:33 pm

    Congratulations to Proton for making the Persona, its a decent car, and ppl loves it! Over 500 comments and 90% of them are positive ones! Proton, keep up the good work, dont let your customers down again!

    Let’s wait and see CPS arrival and let us be excited again! I wonder wat’s the pricing will be for Gen2 facelift with CPS…around 60k?

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  • Vengeance (Member) on Aug 23, 2007 at 12:08 am

    Max88 said,

    August 22, 2007 @ 3:12 pm

    Why not Proton just ITEMISED the optional accessories ie. ABS EBD, dual airbags, traction control, cruise control, all-wheel disc brakes, glovebox etc? Rather than offering cars on half-baked or fully loaded version, car buyers able to decide the level of optional accesories rather than Proton ‘force-fed’ customers.

    I do think this is a good suggestion, but Proton is producing mass qty if cars, and i guess requests to put this and that will give assembling process a big headache…imagine 4000 units with different requests to put different things… assembling will be a lot easier and faster with the current Base Line to High Line categories where “Pengkhususan” can be made.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 23, 2007 at 12:39 am

    The Unicons said,

    “DO YOU MEAN WITH ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES IN THE CAR, YOU CAN JUST DRIVE WITHOUT THINKING OF OTHERS AND YOURSELF?”
    ———————–
    OK, the facts are JPJ statistics categorise three main causes that lead to accidents (but I can’t remember the % is for which year):-

    1. “Real accidents” – Unaviodable – beyond the control of both party (assume no human error, good road condition and no mechanical fault) – 2%

    2. Mechanical faults – problems with the car – 6%.

    3. Human errors – problems with human – drinking driving, tailgate, careless, no duty of care, Ah Beng illegal racing, drive recklessly/dangerously, etc. – 92%.

    Do my statement on the accident issue not based on fact? Of course it is “personal observation” only!

    For item (1), “real accident” sure take place, that is why you buy a car insurance partly for financial compensation in the event of accident that cause major damage to your car, apart from theft.

    OK for Proton car, especially so call “new model” like Persona, at what level is this car to avert especially item 2. Persona can’t be like Iswara that most of the mechanical part by today standard does not meet minimum requirement on safety aspect. Since Proton car export to UK, we take Europe as reference, Persona shall have EBD/ABS/Airbag as standard safety feature instead for HL variance only. High Euro NCAP rating is desirable for safety reason (Proton shall self-imposed on this requirment to gain customer confident).

    Remember, all safety feature is not “luxury item” like DVD player, leather seat, etc that can treat it as “optional accessories”. But it is a necessity item to reduce/minimize injury or avert unnecessary accident due to mechanical faults. And this scenario happen to all makes, why Toyota car vote as the safest car?

    Persona no doubt is a lot of improvement compare to previous model by local standard, but factually it is just “equivalent” (no improvement) when compare to export quality of previous model (e.g. Gen-2 export to UK). Check the UK website, some features for UK’s Gen-2 is even better than Persona BL.

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  • altimi (Member) on Aug 23, 2007 at 2:05 pm

    Other than that almost vertical rear seat, i think this car is a winner in it’s class. Test drove it yesterday and i think the campro engine is not that bad, almost as revvy as my sr20de and quite refined too.

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  • Max88 (Member) on Aug 23, 2007 at 3:52 pm

    RM7K worth of extra accessories (ABS, dual airbags etc) for Persona?
    Proton better disclose the price of each items clearly. Every ringgit and cent counts.

    You choose to become a customer with,

    1st class mentality:
    Always demand the BEST VALUE for your money. OR,

    3rd world mentality:
    Accept any value for any crap offered. Patriotism included.

    To be or not to be.

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 23, 2007 at 7:16 pm

    once again, i have to repeat myself. please use the General Industry Talk section of the forum linked below if you want to discuss anything else like the NAP or auto-related politics. please keep this thread for Proton Persona-related test drive reports and discussions directly related to the Persona only. please do not make it hard for people looking for stuff related to this car to find information. they will hard a hard time looking for information if they have to sieve through hundreds of unrelated comments.

    LINK: http://paultan.org/forum/index.php/board,11.0.html

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  • tokmoh (Member) on Aug 23, 2007 at 7:24 pm

    Accordin to motortrader, 8k Personas hv been booked!! Amazin feat for Proton, considering how most Msians are sceptical abt it…….

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  • tokmoh (Member) on Aug 23, 2007 at 7:26 pm

    Ah….paul has alrdy reported it, hehehe

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  • Paul Tan on Aug 24, 2007 at 12:08 am

    ok, this is the third time i am repeating myself. you guys do not seem to respect my requests. please keep the discussion related to test drive opinions and other topics DIRECTLY related to the proton persona only.

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  • BigFish (Member) on Aug 24, 2007 at 8:08 am

    Max88, you want best value for Proton car, then it can be found in oversea market. For Persona, neither it is best value nor probibitively overprice car in our local auto industry! Looking forward, if Toyota Belta (Vios replacement) price from RM 60K ++ upward as reported, it is not surprsingly that future Persona offer come with discount or extra accessories!

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  • DL (Member) on Aug 24, 2007 at 10:27 am

    Test-driven the Persona auto yesterday. The low-end acceleration was ok and not really underpowered. When I fully floored the throttle from a complete stop, it took about 2 seconds before the car started to lurch forward and then the power continued to pick up thereafter. Mid to high end acceleration was very good. The ride and handling were excellent. The suspension absorbed the unevenness of the roads very well. The cabin is also relatively quiet, which is a good thing. Air-cond is very cold. However, the brake is only so-so. It didn’t give me enough stopping feel when I depressed on the brake pedal. The test drive unit I drove was a Base Line with rear drum brakes. So I would presume the High Line version with rear disc brakes would have a better stopping feel. Overall, I think it is a good car which is worth buying.

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  • dellantre (Member) on Aug 24, 2007 at 12:52 pm

    i think this is my dream car.
    i love the interior because it’s look like more cool and steady.
    not too ergonomic.
    i expected p1 will install cps/vim on it soon. please!!
    its ok p1 increase the price for it.. i will buy. must!

    anyway, who like to buy my wira sedan 1st model. (merz lamp).
    you all think, how much i can get cash from my old car?

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  • prometheus (Member) on Aug 24, 2007 at 7:44 pm

    lolo said,
    August 17, 2007 @ 9:21 am

    congratz PROTON….saw the PERSONA – meet the parents yesterday in newspaper…very proud of MALAYSIAN..!

    ————————————————–

    Itulah pasal this Proton Persona so good.. Did u guys see the parents, this is their child la!!

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  • picaso68so (Member) on Aug 25, 2007 at 11:50 am

    Many good things have been said about the new Persona.I hope it is true.
    What about the rust problem which the Iswara and Wira had.Does the Persona have this recurring problem? Does the manufacturer uses a different
    kind of material to prevent this?
    Presently, I am driving a wira which has rust on the roof panel..I mean real bad rust!!

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  • proton GL (Member) on Aug 25, 2007 at 4:10 pm

    if you remember, early saga risilient to rust,
    90s saga did rust
    iswara did,
    satria risilient to rust (grease blasted at some hiidden part)
    wira mostly risilient, only very few did,

    later models are good at rust prooving,

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  • sikkigoh (Member) on Aug 25, 2007 at 5:11 pm

    I have being using Proton car for along time. So far I don’t have much complaints about the car in term of performance and price. Now a days EON franchaise service centre is not very capable in handling technical problem of Proton cars. I am frequently advise to seek help from EON service centre. I wander anyone has the same experience. Secondly when I talk to EON sales person regarding the minor problems of Proton car such as power window, central locking, engine noise majority of them will have the cheek to tell me “What do you expect for buying a Proton.”. As a customer I have this impression of the company PROTON:-
    1. indirectly they are telling me Proton car quality is bad if you want a better car buy some other make.
    2. they don’t listen to customers’ complaints and forward them to Proton for resolution. Bad marketing and customer service.
    3. About 2 years ago my close friend sold his Waja and kept his older car of another make and bought another make. He usually complain about the service center not rectifying the problem on his Waja i.e unusual engine noise and power window.
    4. A few days ago I went to a Proton sale outlet to enquire about the Persona. To my surprise the sale person is not knowledgeble. I just ask a simple question what is new about the Persona apart from its look. He simply told me it had a bigger booth. Period.

    I hope Proton can take appropriate actions to uplift its sale and after sale’s service.

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  • idris (Member) on Aug 25, 2007 at 9:48 pm

    Persona Bagus? Kusyen Belakang Tak Guna

    Aku memang nak beli kereta baru. Oh nasib baik aku tak order awal-awal Persona. Semua bagus, kecuali KUSYEN BELAKANG TAK GUNA – TEGAK DAN PENDEK. Nampaknya aku kena beli Waja, sebab tak puas hati dengan Persona.

    Kasian kat penumpang yang duduk belakang, terutamanya orang yang dah berusia bila jalan jarak jauh.

    Kenapalan Proton buat macam ni. Kusyen belakang tu guna kusyen waja kan bagus. Half past six punya pereka kusyen. Lepas ni pasti akan ada komplen pasal kusyen belakang tu.

    Thanks

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  • K.A.R.R (Member) on Aug 25, 2007 at 9:54 pm

    why the 2 fuel gauges?..they think we are blind?

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Aug 26, 2007 at 1:45 pm

    i went to proton showroom yesterday,
    i met the saleman asked him a few question..
    congrat proton for the new baby,
    but…why the irrestible White (if im not mistaken) does not apply on the high line??
    this color is really amazing..

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  • nazri (Member) on Aug 26, 2007 at 1:56 pm

    why… when we produce new car, we not produce totally different design?
    A thousand of ideas…just only can make version gen2 SEDAN (persona) ?
    If satria can come out with NEO, totally new…why not persona?
    Budget or just laziest design to come out?

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  • tokmoh (Member) on Aug 26, 2007 at 5:46 pm

    @sikkigoh
    Recently, Proton MD launched i.Care to solve most of the probs u brought up, read more abt it here: http://paultan.org/archives/2007/07/17/proton-icare-centralized-customer-service-system/

    As for the newbie salesperson, that’s a pretty common case when there’s a new product. It would take some time usually before they can finally know well abt their product more than just what’s printed on the leaflets. I’ve come across more clueless P2 salesperson abt the Viva, saying it’s just “to replace Kelisa n Kancil” because “it’s abt time” =.=…….that guy watched too much Starcraft 2 trailer is it……..

    @K.A.R.R.
    That’s a pic from the prototype model. Real ones sold now are not like that obviously……

    @mr_chubab
    Bcuz bluberry tea is more tempting for H-line :P

    @nazri
    You need to understand, buildin a car isn’t a cheap affair. Proton for once, isn’t an exclusive supercar manufacturer like Bugatti, Pagani or Koenigseggegeggegggeggeggegegegggikeanviking. Sharing parts in different models make economic sense to bring cost down per part. That would be necessary in order to make profit with affordable selling price, cuz a +ve cash flow is what Proton needs now to get them financially out of the red. And then to further be able to expand and develop better model(s) in the future.

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Aug 26, 2007 at 6:53 pm

    to tokmoh,
    blueberry tea not suit foe young and dangerous person like me…
    hahahahah

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  • whodz (Member) on Aug 27, 2007 at 1:17 am

    ‘Velocity’ book in glove box? Isn’t that book about serial murder by Dean Koontz. LOL. I wonder who read that.

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  • tokmoh (Member) on Aug 27, 2007 at 1:40 pm

    I tot ppl like the bluberry tea more….reminds ppl of the old Putra colour. I liked that color too more than any other color for persona ;) . Bt anyone, diff ppl hv diff taste, so I guess iridescant white suits u more :) .

    Cheers n happy motoring.

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  • misyha (Member) on Aug 27, 2007 at 1:59 pm

    idris said,
    August 25, 2007 @ 9:48 pm

    Persona Bagus? Kusyen Belakang Tak Guna

    Aku memang nak beli kereta baru. Oh nasib baik aku tak order awal-awal Persona. Semua bagus, kecuali KUSYEN BELAKANG TAK GUNA – TEGAK DAN PENDEK. Nampaknya aku kena beli Waja, sebab tak puas hati dengan Persona.

    Kasian kat penumpang yang duduk belakang, terutamanya orang yang dah berusia bila jalan jarak jauh.

    Kenapalan Proton buat macam ni. Kusyen belakang tu guna kusyen waja kan bagus. Half past six punya pereka kusyen. Lepas ni pasti akan ada komplen pasal kusyen belakang tu.

    Thanks

    idris..
    let me ask u one question
    how do u know that the cushion is using waja??
    any prove???

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  • garend (Member) on Aug 28, 2007 at 9:00 am

    to: misyha

    Hi ya Misyha,

    Well.. i think you misunderstand idris… he was saying that the cushion is not as good as Waja’s… and questioning why don’t they use the Waja one since it’s nice. well.. we can tell when we sit on it that it “feels” different

    hahaha.. anyway… I am still pondering to buy or not to buy.. will wait for second batch to see how… (I was adviced not to buy the 1st batch one..)

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  • shaif (Member) on Aug 28, 2007 at 10:13 am

    Misyha, you misinterpret what Idris is saying.
    The right interpretation is that he hope Persona will use Waja rear’s sear rather than current installed in Persona. I agree with Idris that the rear seat seat is short even compared to my wira A/B.
    Well everybody have their preferences just that some people value his occupants’s well being.

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  • garend (Member) on Aug 28, 2007 at 6:18 pm

    in reference to sikkigoh;

    Ya ya… I agree with you. the sales person lack the training.. and i was taken aback by their attitude.. they just keep on bangging on the fact that it’s cheap.. and they don’t know much about the car specs… and they don’t seems to have confident in the car…

    as said by tokmoh; the sales will better if the are better trained.. so currently i have to find more information abt it from other ppl.

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  • wong (Member) on Aug 29, 2007 at 12:34 pm

    ‘Untrained” sales person do exist in other non Proton showrooms too, for example,Toyota,Suzuki.Perodua,naza, always discount,cheap, a Honda salesgirl told me Honda design is very modern,Toyota is old style’very uncle’..???..Sales persons are only trained to sell…but the skillfull ones are the one who do their homework

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  • mohdjiman (Member) on Aug 30, 2007 at 11:29 am

    Saw one yesterday. Good car for me. The boot so big…its really really big. Can put big speakers there.Hehe. CPS n VIM? Not yet. I asked one of the sales person at Glenmarie branch about the CPS, he said Proton may put the CPS in Waja first on coming October. With CPS the Hp may rise to 120++. This was what he said to me yesterday. I sat on the back seat and it just fine for a 175 cm guy like me. Higher head room. :) This is a good car for me. Also saw a picture of Persona Envy.Cool! 17″ Rims, lower ride height and HID anyone? :)

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  • Reason (Member) on Aug 30, 2007 at 6:46 pm

    These comments are based on a person switching from a Wira GLM 1.5 (not GLi) manual to Persona baseline metallic manual.

    The Persona is a value for money car as far as looks are concerned and I agree with comments made previously in the print media such as pass the first look test. I have no complaints about the exterior of the car and to me the Gen2 rear lights are appropriate for the car.

    Getting into and out of the driver’s seat is surely easier than that of the Wira. Seat height is excellent as I usually drive behind and seated lower than the cars in front of me at traffic lights when driving the Wira. Maneuvering a larger size car naturally requires some adaptation and adjustment on my part. Not a major problem.

    With a new 1600cc it surely is more responsive than an older Wira. At the traffic lights, slight press of the gas (petrol) pedal sees a high rev (may be it is the technology) but does not jerk moving forward. May be I have to step on lighter on the gas pedal. When changing gears and as I lift my foot off the gas pedal the rev goes up!! This is something quite new to me! Or is there a problem with my driving or the car? The new Persona clutch is hard compared to the old Wira. Oh yes, steering wheel is Proton trademark!!! But it is OK.

    Yes, the sales man taught me how to open the door by pressing the thumb first against the stationary thumb portion of the door handle and then pulling the handle. “This is German technology”, he said. Fortunately he saw me pulling the handle and advised me against it as the handle may break.

    Shutting the doors from the inside gives a pretty good thud sound.

    I am have not familiarized myself with the odometer and its average fuel consumption (FC) computations. That may take a while. It is OK. And I thought that it is useful for me to check my FC from time to time. I was surprised at such gadgets in a new car. I am behind time-lah!!

    The air cond is good – controllable and cool. There is an intermittent swoosh sound sometimes coming from the air cond but it does not affect the performance of the car. I wonder why that is so and I will ask the serviceman the next time I go in for service. I hear the swoosh sound both when cruising and at stationary. When the air cond is switched off during cruising, I did not hear any more swoosh sound. This confirmed it is coming from the air cond, I think so. As long as it is not a mechanical problem, I am not rushing to the serviceman.

    The boot is surely larger than the old Wira from the looks of it. Opening and closing the boot is a new process for me. Not much of a problem though. But the catch or the grip in the inside boot panel to pull down the boot should be insulated or ringed with some form of insulation because the edges feel pretty sharp. A little care is needed when catching this catch. I request Proton to insulate this inner catch for all its Persona. This can be done when we go back for service.

    So much for now.

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  • sktan (Member) on Aug 31, 2007 at 9:33 pm

    Hi Reason, thanks for the review. Can u give more info on fuel consumption? By the way, what ‘gadget’ (fuel consumption odometer?) you are mentioning?

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  • Reason (Member) on Sep 03, 2007 at 6:32 pm

    For sktan

    The dashboard consists of among other things a digital display showing a digital clock and a digital odometer. The odometer in analog form is the dial showing how far the car has moved say 1000k or it has clocked 100,000km after several months or years. This digital odometer can give FC calculations as well – my sale person showed me. But I have not got to the point of learning the details. By the way, the digital odometer is lighted up only when the car is started. I will talk about the FC later.

    Time for some comments.

    The car was taken for a long ride – 1200km. Drove at 100km per hour. Breaking-in period.

    Temperature gauge. Weather conditions – noon day (hot) sun, traffic jam in a not so hot sun (inching for about 25 kilometers), heavy rain, night etc etc . The temperature gauge indicator (the needle OK?) is stable because it stayed in the second quarter i.e before 90 degrees. Does not move visibly. I suppose the cooling system works. Good.

    Lights – at night along N-S highway. Distance and breadth of road lighted up by Persona car lights – good coverage and bright enough. Remember our N-S is not lighted up save for exits and toll plazas. Raining, visibility still Ok without fog lamps. Of course got to be careful whether good lights or poor lights. Hi-light or beam worked.

    Signal lights – worked.

    Brakes. This is unlike the Wira. Persona brakes are soft (may be new?). I need a longer braking distance. So I keep my distance. I recall other newer cars are also like this – soft brakes. I test drove two other cars (one made by Proton and the other by Perodua) months ago when I was test driving. And so sometimes I wondered if I should have gotten the Hi_end auto Persona that comes with disc brakes and EDB. But I suppose I will get use to these soft brakes anyway and to keep my distance.

    Seats height is fixed for baseline but suitable for my height. So the driver’s seat is OK. Guess the seats are hard and so bottom is painful but it was a 10 hour journey with three short breaks. I should have stopped longer to take a relax before continuing my journey.

    Sound – sometimes there is a sound coming from the engine compartment (?) of the car. Sounds like the vibration of a leaky exhaust pipe. Not good at describing the exact sound. Will let the serviceman know when I go in for my first service. I think there is sound also coming from the speaker board but rarely. Not too sure if it is from the speaker board.

    Wipers – good since it is new but did not test its speed etc etc. Actually not sure yet if the speed and the cycles can be regulated. In the beginning it left a line looking like a scratched surface. But it is not. So it is OK.

    Leaks – none. But there seems to be some water on the doors steps?) Not sure if it is rain water when I open my car door. Not sure. May be I should dry it, wash my car and check if it is still wet. No time to wash car OK?

    Tyres – normal and balanced. Not necessary to waste money to do wheel alignment. Wait till the steering tells me so.

    Fuel consumption

    Methodology of filling in petrol.
    At point A – auto cut off and then keep on filling petrol until it overflows a little. Then check fuel gauge. Fuel indicator points to last marking i.e. full (no more no less than the marking.) I did this myself.
    Arriving at point B – auto cut off and then pump in another RM5.00 (the petrol attendant claims he is an expert. He said for Waja? must pump in another RM10.00. I wonder how he knows it is another RM5.00 for a Persona?? When did he try out enough Personas to have expert knowledge.) Anyway check fuel indicator, it points to last marking (no more no less). So now assume it was full tank at the beginning and full tank at the end.

    Driving conditions from point A to pint B – old Federal road, town driving, back to old Federal road, N-S highway, traffic crawl for about 22 kilometers stop start stop start like as though it was going to be forever (you can check with PLUS. Happened on 2 Sept before Bukit Beruntong north bound meaning towards Thailand OK! South bound also.), then normal driving. Total distance traveled is 655 kilometers. Max speed is 100km/hr. Total cost of fuel is RM95.54. Therefore it works out to be 14.58sen per kilometer or 7.59 liters for 100 kilometers traveled. Or it works out to be 37 mpg (or miles per gallon). Reasonable given the 1600 cc car and the traffic conditions. (Remember a 1980 then NEW Madza 323 hatch back gives about 40-43mpg!!) If I have done the conversion wrong, please re-do it.

    So much for now.

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  • quest (Member) on Sep 04, 2007 at 3:16 pm

    Haven’t bought one, but I’ll still critic if I got something to say…..

    To begin with, Persona is a quantumn leap in terms of quality compared to Gen 2, Sawwy. If the quality remains the same and consistent with what they have in the showroom, then it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

    What I like about the car is the regular quality of interior, they don’t pretend to be what they’re not. It’s a Proton. They have improve markedly on door handles, door-boards and quality of the seat. Even the gaps between doors, engine hood and car body seem neatly made.

    Having said that, all we’ve seen are the top-line model in showrooms. Anyone notice that none of the showrooms have the basic or medium level models.

    Now, what I don’t like. Basically a Gen 2 sedan, so shape wise, nothing to shout about. To even get some basic stuff like rear disc brakes and ABS, you’d need to buy Top-line. These are good features to have because of safety. It should be standard incorporated feature. Also the trunk opener (like most Japs and Koreans come standard with) is only available for top-line.

    The boot, while looks big, is not really usable. Sure the capacity in terms of cubic centimeters is big, but the opening is small. Unlike say Wira which opens at the bumper level, makes the space usable. When Perdana first came out, it had the same boot opening, big space but not usable if you got to fit in something big. The rear roof, which is touted to give more head-room, is just very marginally so.

    So all in all, based on current price, good value. They can definitely win back a lot of Myvi’s market (which basically swung everyone from Proton to Myvi). Definitely a step in the right direction.

    Now for a comment by a Proton sales person. Had a long chat regarding this car. He said, personally he’d hold back 6-8 months and see how the car detiorate and comments from user before he would make a decision in buying a Proton again….. coming from a Proton sales person.

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  • Vengeance (Member) on Sep 07, 2007 at 5:41 pm

    Sorry for being off topic, last time i heard ppl mentioned bout waja cps will launch together with persona, but it didnt…so when will it be launched? any insider news or estimation?

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  • mohdjiman (Member) on Sep 11, 2007 at 3:53 pm

    I read from Metro Newspaper yesterday – 14,000 unit Persona already booked. That’s a very good achievement for proton.

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  • Reason (Member) on Sep 13, 2007 at 8:11 am

    The sound of the vibration of a leaky exhaust which I wrote earlier was similar to the sound of a Proton Perdana which I have heard before when a Perdana passed by. It was a kind of hollow sound. I am unsure if it was good or bad. Just that it was similar to the sound of a Proton Perdana. The sound could still be heard irregularly when i drove the Persona.

    A correction. The aircond was cold especially on long journeys and during rainy days as opposed to what i said earlier about being controllable and cool. I now remember that I did turn down the thermostat to max (i.e. clockwise.) Well, I then wore an additonal shirt. Not much of a major problem.

    Average Fuel Consumption (AFC). This is especially for those who are interested in knowing AFC. I tried pressing the AFC button. The digital display showed 7.6 liters for 100 kilometers over a span of about 1300km in a mixture of (different) driving conditions.

    So much for now.

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  • jaymashimaro (Member) on Sep 26, 2007 at 2:43 pm

    i agree of what reason said,
    i driving a persona at the moment .
    the brake is indeed failure , i suggest taking the hi_end auto persona for its disc brakes and EDB. the truth is that when i driving my persona, i feel scary,
    the braking is responding slow.

    the seat is also horrible. but lucky for driver seat , the front passenger seat will suffer the hardness of the seat, like seating on a hard rock with a thin cloth.

    there is also weird sound coming out from the front dashboard. still havent found out where it came from. anyway, the sound is not so loud , and can only be heard when u turn off the radio.

    anyway, my purpose here is to advise people to buy topend proton persona. for safety.

    and other important thing is i want to ask about the persona driver’s side mirror . i feel that the mirror is a bit weird and if i looking at it for abit longer, i feel dizzy.dunno whether the side mirror is not the car side mirror( means the mirror is like normal mirror using inside our house).

    anyone can please give some comment on the side mirror???

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  • jaymashimaro (Member) on Sep 26, 2007 at 2:55 pm

    i feel that my driver seat side mirror got some problem .
    any1 can give comment ???

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  • DL (Member) on Sep 27, 2007 at 12:51 pm

    The only problem I face with the side mirrors is that they are too small for a car of this size. They provide too limited side/rear view. If Proton were to maintain this (small) mirror size, at least, they can consider using a slightly convex surface mirror (instead of pure flat surface) so as to give a wider angle of side/rear view and this can also minimise blind spots.

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  • Drift_guyz (Member) on Sep 27, 2007 at 11:31 pm

    I already received this “PERSONA CAR” 1.6 A/T… the main problem so far that i find out was during night time..my head lamp is blink every 2-3 minutes and i already sent it for checking purpose (proton service) …n the bad thing is…all types of A/T facing the same problem…so sad….

    *Not like GEN-2… :)

    Hope that it will not effect the electrical part of the car for long time purpose..

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  • Reason (Member) on Oct 01, 2007 at 7:41 am

    Yes, Jaymashimaro. The right side mirror gives distorted images – images that look fatter and this happened only when viewed at a certain angle. I am not sure of the left hand side mirror. And because of safety implications Proton should replace this mirror.

    Yes DL, I tried adjusting the mirrors to get greater coverage but it was less than satisfactory. Hmmm. However I am unsure if it is because of my seating position because I pushed my seat more towards the front – wanting to see how close to or far from the car in front during a traffic crawl. I am not familiar with the size of this car yet. May be pushing the seat back a little may help. I am really not sure.

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  • jaymashimaro (Member) on Oct 08, 2007 at 6:08 pm

    sad to tell u guys, that persona is a failure car

    i must admit that the exterior good
    interior , except the cushion , the rest is ok

    the engine, big dissapointed
    i just send my persona to the workshop again
    for checking my car
    dunno wtf problem is,
    when i drive on gear D, around 70-90, it sometimes auto change to gear to 3
    the prove is i can feel the engine is like gear 3 instead of gear 4 which is smooth, the engine became loud, and the rpm suddenly shoot to 3.0( from 2.0) and i have to change the gear to make the engine normal again.( from D -> N -> D).

    oo gosh, buying persona give me big troubles.
    oo gosh , using my hardly earned money to buy a national car
    oo gosh , i got nothing to say about persona alreadi.

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  • manaboleh (Member) on Oct 11, 2007 at 10:38 pm

    How long to get Persona from booking? I make booking for Medium line manual on 24 Aug, the sales agen said 6 weeks I can get my car, now is the 7th week and still no car. I call up i-Care, they told me the sales agent is wrong, it should be 2.5 months to get a Medium line. I clearify with the sales agent, and he said i-Care doesn’t know, i-Care is just to listen to complain and can’t do nothing about that. Now the sales agent said this is Proton side delay the delivery and now have to wait till after Raya to get the car…..Anyone has experiece how long you get your new Persona.

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  • Reason (Member) on Oct 12, 2007 at 7:57 am

    Dear Manaboleh

    What I am writing will not help you in getting your car but i hope it will help you to manage delivery expectations.

    Proton had 2000 units (?) of varied models of Persona ready for sales before launch and that was 15th Aug. By 24th Aug(?) or thereabout, Proton mentioned it was enjoying sales of about 12,000 units(? Please check the newspapers.) You placed an order for your car on 24th August.

    To meet the 12,000 units, Proton had to produce another 10,000 units. Find out how many Persona cars Proton is producing a month. In other words, what is Proton’s production plan ONLY for Persona cars during SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER. Better still find out what was the Persona OUTPUT for the month of SEPTEMBER. You can then manage delivery expectations.

    Here is what i believe you wish to know. If you had placed an order for a baseline on 16 Aug, i believe you would have gotten your car no later than 2 weeks because your car in some likelihood would have come from the 2000 units pre-launch available cars.

    As i have said, what i have written will not help you get your car, but at least manage delivery expectations.

    Regardless, Selamat Hari Raya and selamat bercuti. Be alert on the roads. Huh!! Easier said than done, but we must make the difference. Period.

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  • DL (Member) on Oct 12, 2007 at 12:59 pm

    I booked my High-Line Persona (Iridescent White) on 15 Sept. At that time, the salesman told me the waiting time would be about 1 month. So when I checked with him again early this week, he told me I gotta wait for another 4-5 months! He further told me that Proton has yet to produce any High-Line model in Iridescent White colour. I don’t know how true is this. So has anyone out there seen any High-Line model Persona in Iridescent White colour on the road already?

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  • drzack (Member) on Oct 17, 2007 at 4:11 pm

    jaymashimaro said,

    October 8, 2007 @ 6:08 pm

    sad to tell u guys, that persona is a failure car

    hellooooo…i just got my blueberry tea persona before raya…travelling from kl-melaka-johor…already 1500km..no problem..who said its a failure??????????/

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Oct 17, 2007 at 9:22 pm

    to DL,
    i had checked in the nearest proton outlet..no iridescent white for H-line Persona..only three oprion of color for H-line..
    blueberry tea..
    Light gold….
    triguilty(dont how to spellhahaha) black

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  • clark_gamble (Member) on Oct 17, 2007 at 11:22 pm

    I ordered a Hi-Line model sometime in late August, just before Merdeka. I’m still yet to receive car. My sales guy informed me that Captor Anti-Theft systems supplier is unable to cope with demand..hence the delay. He added that Proton might slash prices to give buyers an option to purchase the Hi-Line minus the Captor system. Apparently no Hi-Line models have been produced yet. Is this true ?

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  • clark_gamble (Member) on Oct 17, 2007 at 11:27 pm

    i ordered mine late August. Its a Hi-Line model. After calling up my sales agent, I was informed that the delay was due to the delay caused by CAPTOR anti-theft system. Apparently, the supplier is unable to meet demands. Not sure how true this is. Also heard that Proton might cut-down pricing for Hi-line to exclude CAPTOR. Decision after Raya. Betul ke ni ?

    Anyone driving a Hi-Line yet ?

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  • drzack (Member) on Oct 18, 2007 at 10:21 am

    im driving a h-line blueberry tea now…. ;)

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Oct 18, 2007 at 7:10 pm

    to clark_gamble,
    im still waiting for my light gold H-line…
    i had ordered it a week after persona launched..
    this morning,i went to the proton outlet..
    the salesman said that,
    the H-line car will be on road really soon,
    because the captor things has settle their problem..
    and i saw one H-line persona just arrived in the area..
    ahhaahah..xsabar utk dapat kereta..ahhaha

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  • pipzs (Member) on Oct 19, 2007 at 6:25 pm

    drzack: how was the car? is it satisfying? hope it is….

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Oct 19, 2007 at 10:32 pm

    ye la..how the car??
    good ride hah??

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  • drzack (Member) on Oct 23, 2007 at 3:10 pm

    overall to me its nice, ok..not giving much problem except the back seat,got some noise on bumpy roads but already fixed la..they added some extra sponge…oil consumption is not a burden..the transmission very smooth..on 120km/h felt like 90km/h on myvi..tak puas kalau bawak slow sgt..hahah

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  • duffayoi (Member) on Oct 24, 2007 at 11:57 am

    drzack said,
    October 23, 2007 @ 3:10 pm

    overall to me its nice, ok..not giving much problem except the back seat,got some noise on bumpy roads but already fixed la..they added some extra sponge…oil consumption is not a burden..the transmission very smooth..on 120km/h felt like 90km/h on myvi..tak puas kalau bawak slow sgt..hahah

    what do u mean ‘on 120km/h felt like 90km/h on myvi’……it’s feel like when u speed up, u didn’t notice it like mercedes car? or 120km/h persona similar to 90 km/h myvi? which i don’t think so…….any failure on brek and elctrical component? just to know bcoz i plan to buy black hi-line persona…hehehhehe…3 weeks waiting list (don’t know true or not or the salesmen lie to me)

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  • xstan (Member) on Oct 24, 2007 at 12:19 pm

    Whoa…didnt know this thread is still active.

    Go check out the Top Gear latest issue where they compare & pit with City VTEC & Spectra 5. Guess who won?? go check it out.

    Yes…normally Persona or Waja Campro when u speed on highway is very stable & comfy. No feel of speeding. City handling on this highway drive also loose out. As claimed by my fren who sold its Gen 2 & upgrade to City.

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  • drzack (Member) on Oct 25, 2007 at 3:01 pm

    ‘on 120km/h felt like 90km/h on myvi’ i mean the speeding la..very comfy..dont feel the gegar2 like myvi lohh..
    i’m not that expert in commenting bout cars..but its all about how i feel when driving persona vs myvi…coz before this i drove myvi 1.3..
    ahh..the brek..initially it was quite slow, hav to brek early before stop..but now i think its ok,i hav experienced to brek mengejut, and its fine..saved me from the crash..huh..
    what make me like it the most is because it is very spacious and affordable plus sporty look yet cute..ermm..thats the way i feel bout my persona..anyway, i’m a proud malaysian…its a good start for proton to rebounce..and i just dont understand those who keeps on condemning proton…just giv some support..

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Oct 31, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    anyone had other experience wit persona..good to share la..
    i also like to buy one…

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  • clark_gamble (Member) on Nov 01, 2007 at 12:12 am

    I just took delivery of a black HI-Line Persona today. Proton decided to deliver the car minus the CAPTOR. That wasn’t a big deal for me. My first impression of the car is that it is in most respects much better car than my Wira. The engine is very smooth to the extent that you hardly realize its running when idle. Driving position is comfortable and both the front and rear seats are firm and comfortable. The seats provide ample thigh support as well. The handling is good and the suspension seems just right (compared to the rather soft suspension on my Wira). NVH is very much improved, so you get a quiet ride even at higher speeds. The ABS +EBD provide adequate braking power. The steering and the dashboard is rather functional, although it may not appeal to everyone. The car was fitted with Continental tires. … which was different from what the press experienced while test driving before the launch, I believe.

    My main concern is regarding the viewable area through the rear windshield. As the rear speaker console is rather high, I find it difficult to get a clear view of rear of the vehicle, especially when trying to maneuver a parking. So, reverse sensors are absolutely vital for this car.

    I smelt burning rubber after halting the engine, perhaps this is the case with new cars. I do not seem to remember smelling anything like this when I bought my Wira.
    The sound system is rather good I’d say, and perhaps may appeal to mainstream crowd rather than hardcore audiophiles.

    No squeking sounds, vibrating parts or other nuisances in the car. I can see that Proton has put in rigorous QC to ensure the quality of their cars. They’d better or risk losing business.

    I’ll try to update with more of my experiences in the next few weeks. I may be in to some surprises, but I sure hope they’re pleasant ones though. For those who are having second thoughts about purchasing this car, think no more. This is a practical and well-built car, worth every ringgit you pay for. At the end of the day, its the ringgit and sense that matters.

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  • duffayoi (Member) on Nov 02, 2007 at 8:35 am

    come on clark_gamble………….tell more next time!!!

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  • DEFIANT (Member) on Nov 05, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    i hope with the new facelift they will not only change the back lights design but also the metering, i think it would be better if the dashboard interior is similar to the new waja, as it give a more dynamic and classy look, what you do think?

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  • DEFIANT (Member) on Nov 05, 2007 at 2:24 pm

    it has been said that the campro 1.6 lt engine consumes more fuel than the previous engine, how much true is this, ( i;ve never driven a proton before so have no idea) but how is the fuel consumption on the persona like especially with the AT-high end model? previous comments stated around 13km/Litre, currently still driving a mazda 626, getting around avg 260 km per tank for city driving, how much better is the persona’s fuel consumption?

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  • clark_gamble (Member) on Nov 06, 2007 at 12:01 am

    You can find some feedback on Persona’s FC in Paul Tan’s Automotive Forum. I have only driven about 3xx km in it, comprising of 80% city driving + 20% highway. As one would expect of ANY car, the fuel consumption is higher during city driving rather than the highway. I get on average about 10.3 L / 100km in the city if I rely solely on the tripmeter reading. I have heard numerous posters saying that this is rather innacurate. But I guess it should be quite close to the true FC. The Fc also depends a lot on the load, the diving conditions and the driving style. I’d rate my driving as conservative and light-footed. I’ve also read some feedback saying that the engine usually consumes more petrol during “break-in” but to what extent this is true remains to be proven.
    To sum things up, given the engine characteristics , the weight of the vehicle plus my driving style and conditions, I’d rate the Persona to be reasonable, definitely NOT the “monster fuel guzzler” as what some uninformed people may put it as. So far I’m rather happy with my Hi-Line.

    ps: for H/L owners, if you are hearing annoying squeaks emanating from the rear, it is just the seats. Lock the reclining panels of the seat a good thump to engage them into their latching positions and the squeaks automagically disappear.

    Finally, doesn’t the Persona’s ignition key hole illuminate like the Wira ? I find it difficult to find the ignition keyhole at night.

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  • DEFIANT (Member) on Nov 06, 2007 at 3:36 pm

    wow, thats if according to the tripmeter is only a mere 9.7 km/ liter………,i think the waja does better isnt it?, but yeah i think it is reasonable as well

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  • mr_chubab (Member) on Nov 06, 2007 at 5:15 pm

    Guys,
    i heard that every H-line for persona will not occupied with CAPTOR..isnt true?? so the price should be reduced la??
    any comment..h-line driver

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  • David Seem (Member) on Nov 08, 2007 at 6:50 pm

    I bought the H-line 6 weeks ago, had travelled slightly more than 1,200 km and did the first service done a week ago. My car did not come with the captor. The salesman told me that the supplier could not supply them and I was not charged for it (rebate RM1,000). Yes, unlike the wira, the ignition key hole does not have the light. In fact, it is difficult to find even in the day time because of its position.

    The car is powerful and stable and I loved to drive it on highway. FC was 9.78/100 km, rather high as I have used it half the time on the NS highway. I am not from KL and there was not much of traffic jam in my area.

    The side mirrors are too triangular and small. The fuel gauge does not show “full” even though the tank is full. The reading drops very quickly at the initial stage giving a wrong impression that the car has consumed 1 quarter tank of fuel after 30-40 km. There are many compartments but same are not practical. They are small, I can even put the sun shade in the compartment at the doors.

    I feel the boot is too big, I have difficulties retrieving things as it is too deep. It would be more practical if the back seats were push back a little, say between 8 to 10 inches and provide more leg room for the back passengers.

    Anyway, it’s value for money

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  • David Seem (Member) on Nov 09, 2007 at 11:01 am

    There is a typo error in my previous comment. I meant I can’t (not can) put the sun shade in the compartment at the doors.

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  • DEFIANT (Member) on Nov 09, 2007 at 12:00 pm

    wow, the persona FC seems to stick at 10.22/litre, kinda bad if compared to other cars of the same class, seems like either the vios or honda city is the better choice,

    David, were there any problems when you drive at low RPM’s ?as mentioned earlier the car only excels at high RPM’s but struggles at low RPM’s.

    not sure if what i read is true, but i was just browsing through the internet regarding the campro engine from proton, and somewhere i read that they might put in either a vvt-i, or a cvt drive along with the new engine,( have to check the site) how true is this? does anyone know

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  • xstan (Member) on Nov 09, 2007 at 1:04 pm

    Whoooo…this section still active after since Persona launch.

    Norm that FC will improvise after 5,000 km after the engine well lubricated then. Dont compare City or Vios which record the best FC to date at about RM0.14-0.16 p.km as compared to FC of Waja/Persona campro at RM0.18-0.19perkm.
    They are much better than the high guzzers of Kia /Hyundai model which in average consumed RM0.25 pkm.Chevy optra 1.6 already consumed RM0.25 per KM.
    Do not evaluate ur FC by driving the car till empty tank & lights up coz the float reading is inaccurate.
    Use pump till click nozzle.Set readings to nil. Pump the next filling till click. Read the readings compare to RM / Litre used up.Simple & accurate.

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  • David Seem (Member) on Nov 09, 2007 at 2:28 pm

    I did that whenver I pump petrol. I made sure the tank was completely full, made a few attempts after the nozzle clicked, in fact I only stoped when the tank could not take in any more petrol. My FC was obtained from the total of 4 fillings, i.e. 1154.3 km and 112.93 litres – 10.22 km/litre or 9.78 litre/100 km and 19sen/km

    The car changes gear at low speed when going down hill. I think that is the charateristic of this car and there is nothing wrong. I had a Perdana when it was first lauched in 1995 and the car behaved the same, kind of safety feature. Those who are not used to it may find it irritating. This car performs better on high speed. I too feel it struggles at low RPM.

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  • clark_gamble (Member) on Nov 13, 2007 at 11:41 am

    Dear David Seem,

    You are right spot-on about value for money. Even as I was signing the booking form, I was having some reservations about this car. There were several things that I did not like from the start, such as the dashboard, the steering wheel, side-view mirrors etc, but I am so impressed with the overall quality of the build, and the handling of the Persona, that the minor quirks seems tolerable.

    Consider this, someone pays almost RM30K extra for a Japanese make of the same car category, and expects to save say RM0.05 per km compared to the Persona. How much would you actually end up saving in five years, compared to the higher monthly installments and the interest you pay to the bank ? For the budget conscious or the practically minded, this simply doesn’t make sense.

    Essentially, you get what you pay for. If you have the vitamin M ($$), by all means go for the better cars out there. But Persona does give one heck of a value-for-money considering all the goodies you get for a mere RM54K.

    As for the low-RPM torque, it is a bit better than Gen-2 or Waja Campro for that matter since the TCU ‘s characteristics have been improved. This engine excels at high rev. So, put your hesitations to rest and hit the pedal ..and you will experience the exhilaration of raw power!

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  • David Seem (Member) on Nov 14, 2007 at 2:56 pm

    I tested the car the other day, driving at 90 kph from Senawang to Ayer Keroh and then between 100 -120 kph from Ayer Keroh to Seremban. Guess what’s the FC? It was 6.3 l/100km and 7.5 l/100km respectively!! Not bad on highways but a bit high for town driving.

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  • DEFIANT (Member) on Nov 16, 2007 at 6:12 pm

    hi, for those who has driven the persona, how often do you pump petrol?

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  • Reason (Member) on Nov 23, 2007 at 3:39 pm

    FC information.

    Total kilometers = 803km (107km city driving and 696km NS highway) OR 13.3% city driving and 86.6% NS Highway.
    Total fuel = RM120.54 = 62.78125 liters at RM1.92 per liter
    Therefore it is:
    15.01 sen per kilometer OR
    7.818 liters for 100 kilometers.

    Speed along NS highway
    70km/h for stretches being resurfaced
    110km/h-120km/h for the rest
    Traffic crawl approaching landslide at Bukit Berapit
    Load is driver and one other passenger plus luggage for 2 nights stay.
    Weather conditions = travelled during daytime and sunny.

    Car is Persona manual. Car has done 2882km so far. Already done first servicing.

    Bye for now.

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  • David Seem (Member) on Nov 23, 2007 at 4:28 pm

    That’s good mileage but it’s a manual. I have travelled 2500 km and the average is 9.84 litre/100 km and 18.90sen per km, about 65% highway and the rest town driving.

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  • gey2718 (Member) on Nov 29, 2007 at 3:25 pm

    went to the show room yesterday for test drive 1.6auto
    comments are:
    1. underpower , slow auto drop gear
    2. adjustable seat height is only lower butt portion, not the whole seat,
    funny design
    3. driving positon adequate height, but dashboard somehow feel low.
    4. full disc brakes but spongy brakes, noisy brake during brake holding
    ( when applied brake, not fully locked, brake pads slightly intact)
    5. door closing sound like my 1st car – 35 yrs old toyota corolla KE20..
    6. value, improvement on material quality, huge boot space.
    7. good for tight budget buyer, good upgrade option for those who currently
    driving or plan to buy proton saga (chopped off bumper version)

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  • DEFIANT (Member) on Feb 19, 2008 at 9:26 am

    does anyone know if the new campro cps will be available in the newer batches of the persona?, and up until today, has there been any major problems for those who owns the car, and are the gear transitions between each gear smooth? for auto car.

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  • JamsLee (Member) on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:58 pm

    WTH

    My friend bought the Persona H line.

    Initially the car specs said it came with CAPTOR. When we went to book, Proton told us they changed their mind and put in a GPS mynavi system that you mount on your dashboard.

    First of all, the maps in Malaysia is lousy.

    Second of all, when we did the test drive, the mynavi was perpetually telling us we were going the wrong way.

    I simply cannot comprehend what is going on in the minds of those people at Proton.

    Why would I want a mynavi when I can get a Garmin for $1,300 or a Nokia 6110 for $1,200 – both superior products than this lousy piece of trash.

    Malaysians are more concerned about safety and what happens when the car is stolen. Can we get it back? I used to own the Gen2 and was happy with the CAPTOR service.

    Why change something that ain’t broken?

    Proton’s actions are baffling.

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  • rsrulz (Member) on Jun 05, 2008 at 10:37 pm

    I believe that this car is good. I read a Singapore review on it today, they thought it was very good. They said it would have no problem competing with japanese cars of similar price and specs in Singapore.

    I really hope Proton will carry on improving.
    MALAYSIA BOLEH!!, PROTON JUGA BOLEH.

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  • V8 (Member) on Jul 03, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    rsrulz said,

    June 5, 2008 @ 10:37 pm

    I believe that this car is good. I read a Singapore review on it today…

    What’s the name of the review? Can u provide any link to the said review please?

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  • moonier (Member) on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Frost & Sullivan winner. Impressive. But, if rear seat comfortable and spacious as waja’s rear seat. Plus CPS+VIM. It will be the perfect car that proton ever built, really. Congratulation Proton.

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  • car_lose (Member) on Aug 11, 2008 at 8:41 am

    waw..nice car
    fight myvi

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  • BanyakMasukBengkel (Member) on Sep 08, 2008 at 12:27 pm

    hu..
    i think this car got better FC than my old wira.

    only 5.1km/100km.. before 1000km service.

    but

    after service, it increase to 5.5km/100km.

    my car manual, M-Line.

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  • BanyakMasukBengkel (Member) on Sep 08, 2008 at 12:32 pm

    oh i forgot,
    my RPM needle never touch 3000 when gear less than 4.
    i’m carefull driver.
    Dan aku adalah orang yang kedekut nak tekan minyak.
    biar tak pikup asal minyak tahan.
    haha…

    i’m not using ANY 3rd party fuel saver…
    just default.
    now my odometer car record at 1122km.
    still new…

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  • adc243 (Member) on Dec 10, 2008 at 2:19 pm

    Hello people…

    I bought a Persona 1.6 H two weeks ago in South Africa. It’s a great car to drive, but I’ve noticed that the Ave Fuel Consumption computer is not even close to accurate (typically shows a much lower consumption than I’m actually getting), and that the fuel tank does NOT seem to be 50L like everyone claims. I’ve filled up twice now after driving with the reserve light on for a while, and both times the tank didn’t even take 40L to refill…?? Can anyone verify the REAL fuel tank capacity?

    Another annoying thing is that the knob of the manual gearshift turns so that the numbers face any direction and cannot be tightened. Any idea’s?

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  • encikbeliau on Feb 18, 2009 at 5:54 am

    ape maksud persona B-line , M-line , H-line tuh ?

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  • Terence on Feb 26, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    Hi all,

    I bought a one yr old Persona recently (2007 model, 2008 registered). I find the fuel consumption is very high. The Average Fuel Consumption (AFC) shows 11.3L/100km. It's rather high isn't it? The car has travelled 17,000km & has been serviced by Proton Service Centre by previous owner. Any suggestion on what can I do to improve the fuel consumption?

    Thanks in advance.

    Regards,

    Terence

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  • Sexythang on Feb 27, 2009 at 4:50 am

    do a fuel consumption test manually. fill till the petrol filler thing 'clicks'. zero your odometer. and drive normally without thinking about saving fuel as you usually drive and calculate from there.

    that type of fuel consumption is for about 220kw engine. computer calculated consumption isnt accurate. 1.8 litre civic engine takes about 7.1litre/100km on an auto so base your figure around that. 7-8.5litre/100km is acceptable.

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  • Aplox on Mar 23, 2009 at 12:34 am

    This new CPS is 4-gear auto or 5-gear? 55k is quite cheap but still got space for improvements for the audio part, wiring like what paul mentioned, gear knob(Lol!)… And esp the rear seats, dam ugly cover…

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  • The defect KL boy on Apr 01, 2009 at 10:35 pm

    The Proton Persona exterior and interior looks wonderful for a Malaysian design car. However I am here to critique about the Pricing and the Quality of Proton. Proton, by comparison is similiar to KIA, Hyudai and other korean car makes( where the company motive is to earn money rather than to create a distintive reputation of the car, for example: Volvo= safety).. So Malaysian has been brain wash( especially those that are not highlky educated) that Proton is a cheap car for the Malaysian to own. For god sake, the cheapest proton car is the saga which is 31k and the normal mid range Persona is 50k.. Imagine a basic fresh graduate salary is about RM 3000 and u really need a car. So u take a loan then and of course u will charge with interest ( Unless ur rich u can pay outright.. I bet someone who has that money would but that car). So if u choose 50k persona and with the interest, you end up paying around 55k( depends on the plan u choose). In all western nations, basically most people would also earn the same as malaysia. HOWEVER, the car pricing there is different. For 50k u can get A MERCEDES BENZ BRAND NEW… So Fuck u Proton for bullying us. About the quality, U know is always down to drain. My dad own a proton iswara for 14 years now and he says is a good car than any other car. But in my heart, i can tell that he doesn't like the car at all- is because we can't afford overseas make is because the stupid gov impose high tax on these cars. AND Again i would like to say fuck u to the man behind the proton ( not our former PM). The one that manage proton..

    And thats why i study and plan to mirgate to Australia now have good life.

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  • Congratulation to The defect KL boy, you are the lucky no. 600 comment.

    Please your guys don't always use KL income as a standard. Many people only earn 1K~1.5K income or below. That's why we saw many P2 kotak mancis around the road, some of that are too junk to swim.

    Your dad never try a mercs, he took the car is only for rich man.

    As a student your need to study hard to make dreams come true.

    Don't like me, I am losing in the midway to Japan…

    Arrrr…GTR…EVO…SUPRA…

    Living in the taxgilaland is our fate to…P…P2…

    Please don't forget us in the future and please keeping your fxuk…

    All the best to us…

    That's OKlah Persona can convert to Mark X.

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  • hi

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  • hi good people here….

    i just booked a Persona M-Line Auto at a 10% down payment with a 9 year 3.75% loan…..

    was pondering betw a new M-Line saga and this persona….

    now after calculations….i figured that i'm losing abt rm14k+ for interest to the bank in the case of persona and abt rm9k+ for saga!

    I'm just a single guy earning rm2.5k a month staying with parents….now abt to pay this rm545 monthly….how can i save up for a house?…please console me people…or i should change my order to saga instead? thanks..

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  • matteno2 on Jul 14, 2009 at 3:49 am

    Hi

    ive bought a persona b-line last month

    so happy with it. just to drop by. =)

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  • marcell on Aug 23, 2009 at 7:49 am

    guys, anybody who want to sell their Neo or Gen2 front seat…?

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  • Chris on Aug 26, 2009 at 4:08 am

    hi kien! how is the persona so far?

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  • boy melaka on Sep 06, 2009 at 7:04 am

    persona is a perfect car but need something example some acsoseries to look the persona is a much better and fully perfect from the now persona….tq..

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  • persie kew jo on Sep 11, 2009 at 7:43 am

    proton car is stupid car

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  • Peter Q on Sep 14, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    Acquired a manual base-line Persona and had travelled to Kuala Kangsar to familiarise myself with the car. It worked perfectly. The engine was smooth with no hassle transmission. The car was effortlessly able to overtake many vehicles without much strain to the accelerator. The Persona passed with flying colours. The second trip was to Kuantan from Ipoh. The Persona did not fail to impress. It glided through proudly on all situations – rain or shine. I am now a proud owner of a Persona.

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  • miekal on Sep 16, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Proton Persona.. i saw a video on youtube that 1 guy from gombak drive Persona Auto for speeding at mountain road or what they called taugeh and he calim their name as Touge-g. I Wonder how come he drive that car in Initial D road.. hahaha.. stupid guy. Go check it out – http://youtube.com/takashisupreme

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  • Between saga and persona…

    Of course the saga is more cheaper than persona price, but sometime i asking myself, how about the performance between saga and persona…

    Then, can saga maintain its performance for 5 years….

    Anyone here has the info about this? Help me….

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  • Oh God… after a long time having think that persona is a good buy.. i beg to differ. Now 6 months and a mileage of 18k. i am mega dissapointed in it. Firstly…Steering vibrates at 110km'/h. i have send in 3 times for retification. Breaking sux big time and virates also. i think it might effected the steering.

    Secondly..IAFM got malfuction has a unit replaced.

    Third. Power window(drivers side) making knocking noise when operation up and down.

    Fourth..aircond diffuser making noise. i think the blower is making that wistle noise.

    Fifth..Sterring make 'tud' noise when cornering. Those guys told me that the aircond pipe is hitting the body. They covered it and it was reduced only.. the noise is still there.

    Sixth. high fuel consumption. YES! Very high… RM30- 180. that is driven at crusing speed. 90-110km/p. I tried not to hit more than 3000 rpm.

    Finally…Endless Visits to SS!.. like 5 times just to fix things up in the car…

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    • pentium4 on Oct 15, 2010 at 3:04 pm

      Steering vibrate can be solve by doing balancing and alignment… My sis persona also facing the same problem coz did not do balancing and alignment for 15 000 km…!

      If braking vibates, maybe the disc sudah bengkok… my kancil also face the same problem and the mechanic at perodua service center told me the reason…

      fuel consumption… do not drive above 120 km/h at highway then you will get 100 km for just RM 10 (1.85/liter)…

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    • 1. Your IAFM got problem? = Mine after 90k still no prob
      2. The Power window making noise = Mine smooth!!
      3. Steering make tud noise = Mine silky smooth
      4. Aircond make noise = Mine so quiet till u can sleep in the car
      5. Fuel consumption = It all depends on how you drive the car, make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended pressure.

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  • i think o.166 cents perkm is pretty acceptable for a1.6cc car as for the other problems, well, claim warrantyla. they gave u 5 years warranty so claim kaw kaw friend

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  • Dear kien….

    no worries about ur financial dude (i make the calculation between 1.3 and 1.6 cars,with huge body of it)….

    its ok to buy a car in performance 1.6's (persona) compare to 1.3's (saga blm) car…

    although it cause u more than 5k extra interest, but for others side of maintenance its quiet save dowh,example fuel and etc,compare to 1.3 cars….

    more higher the performance,more saving u can get…i bet the saving from other part will cover the extra interest that u have to pay, PLUS u will earn more than 5k saving in others part of 1.6 car's for the 9years onward….

    hopefully my consultation can give u a hand kien….

    peace and regards to all personarian…me a personarian too…:)

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  • how exactly does higher performance gives more savings? sorry I thought the higher cc the car, the more the FC (hence less savings)?

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  • coldman on Oct 23, 2009 at 12:08 am

    for it class kinda better than vios…. 1.6 vs 1.5 vios win in term of fc only ride i felt persona got better grip with the road..

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  • mechanical (Member) on Nov 04, 2009 at 2:19 am

    Please produce high line Manual..

    It is a passion to drive manual cars..

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  • anyone want to sell their persona or gen-2 left back lamp??

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  • Newbies on Nov 10, 2009 at 1:55 am

    Hi everyone,

    I am planning to get a new car. Still considering between Persona and Kia Spectra. Due to a recent promotion, for a Spectra 2002 model, 2009 car, you can get it by almost 10K cheaper than Persona. Based on my research, the only main issue with Spectra is the FC. Can you guys give me a hint on the FC for Persona so that I can make a comparison
    Thanks..

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  • aremere on Apr 28, 2010 at 9:49 am

    boleh tahan laaa

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  • N.gunalan on May 11, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    saya nah tukar kerata saya kancil 850 ex tahun 2002 nah beli persona 1.6 boleh tirayen tak

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  • Is this car only got manual mode? Or got both manual and auto?

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  • john chan on Oct 25, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    * New Proton Persona With Many Colours
    on Ready Stock…
    * Low Interest Rate
    * High Loan
    * Low Down Payment
    * Low Monthly Payment
    * Trade in Accepted (High Value)…
    * Deal With Profesional Advisor From Proton…
    * Many Free Gift…Etc….
    * Door To Door Service (KL & Selangor Area)…

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  • meira ziana on Feb 10, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    good but i want to know about car more than this.. because i have exam about car .. oh please help me …. i need your help ;)

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