Bookings for the new Proton Persona has reached 8,000 units, with 2,000 units already delivered by the national carmaker. This was revealed by Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali at the flag off of the Proton Persona media drive event today.
Of the 8,000 total figure, 45% are for the top Premium variant, which is a pleasant surprise for Proton, which had originally projected for the Standard to be the most popular variant. The Premium is only available with a CVT and is priced at RM59,350. That’s a full RM10,000 more than the Standard CVT, the most affordable automatic variant. The new Persona starts from RM46,350 for the Standard M/T.
Another interesting fact revealed today was that 35% of orders were for the Persona’s Carnelian Brown, the “impact colour” exclusive to the new model. The hero colour is an unusual, opinion polarising hue, and Proton expects demand to eventually taper off.
The company is also happy that 5% of those who booked the Persona opted for the “SE”, which is essentially the Premium CVT with an additional two-tone bodykit for RM1,000 extra. 10% of the cars delivered so far had a manual transmission.
This latest set of figures are up from the 7,000 bookings reported last week, and Ahmad Fuaad says that Proton is on track to achieve its monthly sales target of 3,000 to 4,000 units per month. The Persona was launched on August 23.
Will the Persona’s early popularity affect Iriz sales? Proton Edar CEO Rohime Shafie said that while the 1.6 litre version of the hatchback might overlap with the “Iriz Sedan” in price, there’s still demand for the 1.3 litre Iriz, which has a sportier flavour thanks to the hatch bodystyle.
Not that it’s likely to come about, but nothing like a bit of creativity to imagine what could transpire by slapping a further volumetric extension to the new Proton Persona. The new sedan, very is based on the Iriz hatchback and looks very much derived from it, has been imagined by automotive manipulator Theophilus Chin as an estate.
Actually, estate sounds very much a stretch here, pardon the term. As the rendering suggests, the end result isn’t quite wagon-esque in its proportions, the original car’s height lending the creation an MPV-like profile. Theo definitely thinks so, saying that the vision is more of a MPV rival to the Honda Mobilio and Datsun Go+ than a B-segment wagon.
The Persona, which was launched last week, is powered by a 1.6 litre DOHC four-cylinder VVT unit lifted from the Iriz, offering 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm in this application. Drive is sent to front wheels via a five-speed manual (Standard only) or a CVT.
The car, available in three trim levels, goes up against the recently-introduced Perodua Bezza. The latter is going great guns, having accrued over 25,000 orders since bookings opened on July 16, and 10,000 units have been delivered as of today.
So, what do you think of the extended-tail interpretation of the Persona? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
GALLERY: Proton Persona 1.6 Premium with optional bodykit
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d have known that the 2016 Proton Persona was launched two days ago. You’ve read our usual comprehensive launch report and watched our walk-around video tour, but if you’ve been looking for a detailed breakdown on the specifications and equipment of the cars on offer, now’s your chance, as we have a full spec-by-spec gallery for your perusal.
The Persona is available in Standard, Executive and Premium variants – standard kit includes 15-inch wheels, height-adjustable reflector halogen headlights, power-adjustable wing mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity. Items like keyless entry, push-button start, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear USB charging ports and a reverse camera are available further up the range.
What’s more, all models get Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard – making the entire range eligible for a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating – with six airbags on the top Premium variant.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated VVT engine from the Iriz, making 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm; it’s mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Only the Standard is available with the manual option, while the Executive and Premium models are offered exclusively with the stepless automatic transmission.
So, let’s get to it then:
Proton Persona 1.6 Standard – RM46,350 (M/T), RM49,350 (CVT)
1.6 litre naturally-aspirated VVT engine, five-speed manual gearbox or CVT
107 hp, 150 Nm, claimed fuel consumption 5.6 l/100 km (M/T) or 6.1 l/100 km (CVT) at 90 km/h
Two airbags
ABS with EBD and brake assist
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TC), Hill-hold Assist
15-inch alloy wheels in grey, 185/55-section tyres
Wing mirror indicators
Black door handles, wing mirror caps
Body-coloured B-pillar
Rear fog light
Front and rear parking sensors
Remote key fob and manual key start
Dual-tone black-and-grey interior
Fabric seats
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Power-adjustable wing mirrors
Matte black interior trim
Single-DIN radio/CD player with Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers
ECO Drive Assist indicator
Fixed rear seat
510-litre boot with space saver spare tyre
ISOFIX rear child seat anchors with top tether
Alarm and immobiliser
Front disc brakes, rear drums
Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT – RM55,350
All of the above, plus:
CVT only
Follow-me-home lighting
Front fog lights
Body-coloured door handles, wing mirror caps
Rear spoiler
Remote boot release
Titanium chrome interior trim
Fabric door trim
Steering wheel audio switches
Double-DIN head unit, four speakers
Rear USB charging ports
60:40 split-folding rear seats
Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT – RM59,350
All of the above, plus:
Six airbags
Automatic headlights
15-inch alloy wheels in silver
Black B-pillar trim
Keyless entry, push-button start
Leather seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, door trim
Power-folding wing mirrors
Touchscreen infotainment system (Android-based) with navigation, DVD player
Reverse camera
All-around two-tone bodykit (RM1,000 option)
NOTE: Metallic paint is a RM450 option across the range – these include Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Midnight Black, Fire Red and the new hero colour for the Persona, Carnelian Brown. Cotton White is the only solid colour available.
At the launch of the 2016 Proton Persona yesterday, the national carmaker put extra emphasis on the new model’s safety credentials, highlighting the aspect repeatedly. Proton also displayed a cutout of the new B-segment sedan outside the launch hall, and here’s a gallery of it.
UPDATE:The cutout is now at the Proton showroom in Mutiara Damansara, should you want to have a closer look
The cutout served to highlight the body structure of the new Persona, which utilises hot press formed (HPF) steel, a process that was first used on the Preve. The heating and subsequent rapid cooling results in high tensile steel, enabling Proton to build stronger, yet lighter cars – this Iriz-based Persona is around 20 kg lighter than the old one, despite having a stronger and safer body.
ASEAN NCAP has awarded five stars to the new Persona, applicable to all variants – Standard, Executive and Premium. In the Adult Occupant Protection test, the Persona is rated at 14.07 points out of a possible 16. In the Child Occupant Protection test, it’s 82% compliance. These are the exact scores obtained by the Iriz (see result sheet below) – the safety body did not crash test the Persona as it’s deemed a variant of the five-door hatchback.
“Although the Persona is an extended rating, ASEAN NCAP had verified the results by examining the crash data from the development test by Proton at MIROS PC3 and comparing it with Iriz’s crash data,” said ASEAN NCAP chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon.
All variants of the Persona come with ABS (with EBD and brake assist), electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold assist and Isofix child seat anchors (with top tether). The airbag count stands at six for the Premium and two for the Executive and Standard.
Proton has also released a video to underline the strength of its HPF steel. The clip, which is embedded above, features our bomba boys and their tools – including a sledgehammer, grinder and the jaws of life – versus two kinds of steel, regular and HPF.
It’s finally here! The new Proton Persona makes its official launch debut today, the second entry in a four-model resurgence for the national carmaker that began with the new Perdana.
The Persona arrives in a total of three trim levels – Standard, Executive and Premium – all of which are powered by a 1.6 litre DOHC four-cylinder VVT petrol engine. You’ll also get a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating regardless of your choice, thanks to the safety kit fitted.
Before we jump into the details, you can read out first impressions test drive report to find out what we think of the new Persona, to get some idea of what the sedan is like. Now, without further ado:
Iriz platform, tweaked design
Based on the Iriz platform, the Persona shares the same 2,555 mm wheelbase length as the hatchback, as well as its width (1,722 mm) and height (1,554 mm). Obviously, the sedan body style sees an increase to the vehicle’s length, which measures 4,387 mm, an increase of 467 mm from the Iriz. This also allows for a more spacious boot at 510 litres compared to the Iriz’ 215 litres, which can be expanded further by folding down the 60:40-split rear seats (except on the Standard).
In terms of design, the Persona is very clearly based on the Iriz hatchback, but with a few small revisions. The headlamps and grille are slimmer on the sedan, while the lower grille features a redesigned number plate holder section. On models with front fog lamps, they are circular in shape as well. With the extension at the rear, the Persona also gets its own tail lamp design separate from the ones on the Iriz.
Moving inside, most of the Iriz’ interior panels have been carried over, including the “stitched dashboard, the pod-like centre console and instrument binnacle, three-spoke steering wheel and door cards. However, much like the exterior, there are a few differences to note.
For starters, CVT-fitted models receive a new gearlever featuring a side-mounted release switch instead. More noticeable is the light grey colour scheme – a contrast to the all-black interior found on the Iriz. Proton says the palette choice is meant to increase the impression of space, and to tie in with the design theme of “stylish executive.” On lower-spec variants, matte black trim accompanies the grey for a dual-tone look, while titanium chrome is for higher-spec ones.
Iriz engine, adapted for use
Under the hood, the Persona comes with only a single petrol engine choice – the 1.6 litre DOHC four-cylinder VVT unit lifted from the Iriz, which produces 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to front wheels via a five-speed manual (Standard only) or a CVT. Although mechanically similar, Proton has done a few changes for the engine’s application on the Persona.
The Persona’s engine uses three-point engine mounts (instead of four), which is said to offer better refinement (claimed to be six decibels quieter than the equivalent Iriz). Additionally, the car’s ECU has been calibrated for the sedan, a new exhaust system made by Faurecia – reducing boominess at low revs – has been added, and the Punch CVT has been tuned to offer a more linear power delivery than before.
Following the car’s ECO Drive Assist indicator (standard on all trims), the Persona is capable of consuming up to 5.6 litres per 100 km with the manual transmission and up to 6.1 litres per 100 km with the CVT, at a constant speed of 90 km/h.
While some might question why Proton decided to leave out the 1.3 litre VVT from the Persona’s engine line-up, despite it being available on the Iriz, the company has said the decision to so was to create a clearer distinction with the new Saga (which will only be available with the 1.3), its next introduction.
Proton Persona pricing and equipment
The high-spec Premium trim will set you back just under RM60k, and comes with all the bells and whistles, including steering-mounted audio controls, front fog lamps, two rear USB charging ports, remote trunk release, leather upholstery and a 2-DIN touchscreen infotainment unit. The latter comes with DVD playback capabilities, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and accepts USB, AUX inputs.
In terms of safety, all variants of the Persona come with ABS (with EBD and brake assist), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors (with top tether). The airbag count stands at six for the Premium, while the Executive and Standard will have just two.
There are six colours to choose from – Midnight Black, Sterling Silver, Cotton White, Graphite Grey, Fire Red and a new Carnelian Brown. Prices for the three trim levels, on-the-road including insurance, are as follows:
1.6 Standard 5MT – RM46,350 (solid), RM46,800 (metallic)
1.6 Standard CVT – RM49,350 (solid), RM49,800 (metallic)
Proton has released a new video featuring the upcoming 2016 Proton Persona. Part of the company’s Safety 360 series, it drives home the car’s passive safety performance ahead of its launch tomorrow.
The two-minute film highlights the Persona’s structure, which utilises hot press formed (HPF) steel, a process that was first used on the Prevé. The heating and subsequent rapid cooling results in high tensile steel, enabling the national carmaker to build stronger, yet lighter cars – the Persona is around 20 kg lighter than the previous car, despite being safer and more sophisticated than before.
Roped in to demonstrate the sheer strength of HPF steel are the bomba boys, who tested their tools – including a sledgehammer, grinder and the jaws of life – on both the high-tensile stuff and regular carbon steel, to great effect. Also shown is a full frontal impact crash test against an elevated structure (likely a trailer) which lets us see the full side profile for the first time. One thing to note is that the wheels here carry a two-tone finish instead of the full grey or silver paint on the final production models.
The second Proton sedan to be launched this year, the Persona is now open for booking, with an indicative price range of RM47,000 to RM61,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM49,000 to RM63,000 in Sabah and Sarawak. The refundable booking fee is RM300.
For that, you’ll get an Iriz-based sedan powered by a 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated VVT engine as the B-segment hatchback, making 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Standard variant gets a choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT; all other models (Executive, Premium and Premium SE are the other trim levels) are only available with the CVT.
Active safety kit – including ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Isofix child seat anchors – comes as standard across the range.
Kit count on the Standard variant includes dual airbags, grey 15-inch turbine design alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors and a single-DIN Bluetooth-enabled radio. Move up to the Executive and one gains body-coloured side mirrors and door handles, front fog lights, a bootlid lip spoiler, a double-DIN head unit, USB charging ports and a 60:40 split-folding rear bench.
At the top of the range, the Premium gains six airbags, silver wheels, black B-pillar trim, power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, an Android-based touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a reverse camera and leather upholstery. Premium SE adds on a dual-tone bodykit.
Buyers can choose from six colours – Cotton White, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Quartz Black and a new colour for the carmaker, Carnelian Brown, which is the hero colour for the second-gen Persona. Proton is offering three years free service (parts and labour included) for bookings made by September 30.
Proton has released a video teaser of the new Proton Persona, which will be officially launched next week. The 15-second clip posted on the national carmaker’s Facebook page appears to be a short version of a launch “movie”.
It certainly has box office credentials. Produced by KRU Studios, helmed by Polis EVO director Ghaz Abu Bakar and featuring big local stars Nur Fazura and Zul Ariffin, the “Faz & Fairuz” film obviously takes inspiration from Hollywood’s successful Fast & Furious franchise.
The two stars find themselves in a mission to “hijack” the new Proton, and the very lawa actress comments that the Persona is lawa. Our macho man then thumbs the push start button of the sedan, which rolls out of a truck on to the road. The sporty and bodykitted face of the Persona is shown briefly at the end.
But you’ve already seen the face of the new Proton, which is now open for booking. The refundable booking fee is RM300, with an indicative price range of RM47,000 to RM61,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM49,000 to RM63,000 in Sabah/Sarawak.
For that, you’ll get an Iriz-based sedan powered by a 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated VVT engine as the B-segment hatchback, making 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Standard variant gets a choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT; all other models (Executive, Premium and Premium SE are the other trim levels) are only available with the CVT.
Active safety kit – including ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Isofix child seat anchors – comes as standard across the range.
Kit count on the Standard variant includes dual airbags, grey 15-inch turbine design alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors and a single-DIN Bluetooth-enabled radio. Move up to the Executive and one gains body-coloured side mirrors and door handles, front fog lights, a bootlid lip spoiler, a double-DIN head unit, USB charging ports and a 60:40 split-folding rear bench.
At the top of the range, the Premium gains six airbags, silver wheels, black B-pillar trim, power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, an Android-based touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a reverse camera and leather upholstery. Premium SE adds on a dual-tone bodykit.
Buyers can choose from six colours – Cotton White, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Quartz Black and a new colour for the carmaker, Carnelian Brown, which is the hero colour for the second-gen Persona. Proton is offering three years free service (parts and labour included) for bookings made by September 30.
Proton has issued a press release announcing that the new Proton Persona is now open for booking. The car will be officially launched next week on August 23. We know this already as the national carmaker recently posted an “open for booking” image on its Facebook page.
The booking fee is RM300, and the sum is refundable. A new bit of info is the Persona’s indicative price range – RM47,000 to RM61,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and from RM49,000 to RM63,000 in Sabah and Sarawak.
We’ve detailed the Persona’s specs, but here’s a recap. The “Iriz sedan” will be offered in three variants – Standard, Executive and Premium – with a Premium SE adding a dual-tone bodykit on top of the range topper. Active safety kit, including ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Isofix child seat anchors, comes as standard across the range, just like the Iriz.
Kit count on the Standard variant includes dual airbags, grey 15-inch turbine design alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors and a single-DIN Bluetooth-enabled radio. Move up to the Executive and one gains body-coloured side mirrors and door handles, front fog lights, a bootlid lip spoiler, a double-DIN head unit, USB charging ports and a 60:40 split-folding rear bench.
At the top of the range, the Premium gains six airbags, silver wheels, black B-pillar trim, power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, an Android-based touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a reverse camera and leather upholstery.
Despite carrying the same wheelbase as the Iriz, the Persona feels bigger inside thanks to a scalloped front seat back and a more reclined rear seat; the boot is also a massive 510 litres. It’s around 20 kg lighter than the previous-generation model thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, but between 20 to 30 kg heavier than the Iriz depending on the spec.
All models are powered by the same 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated VVT engine as the Iriz, making 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Standard variant gets a choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT; all other models are only available with the CVT.
Notable figures include a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.9 seconds with the manual, plus fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 km with the manual and 6.1 litres per 100 km with the CVT. Do note, however, that these figures were taken at a constant speed of 90 km/h. An Eco Drive Assist indicator, which lights up when the car senses you’re driving economically, is fitted as standard.
Buyers can choose from six colours – Cotton White, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Quartz Black and a new colour for the carmaker, Carnelian Brown, which is the hero colour for the second-gen Persona. Proton is offering three years free service (parts and labour included) for bookings made by September 30.
Proton has announced that the new 2016 Proton Persona is now open for booking ahead of its launch on August 23, just a week away. What’s more, the national carmaker is offering a three-year free service package (inclusive of parts and labour) for bookings made before September 30.
As we’ve written before, the Iriz-based B-segment sedan will be offered in three variants, these being Standard, Executive and Premium – with a Premium SE adding a dual-tone bodykit on top of the range topper. Active safety kit, including ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and ISOFIX child seat anchors, comes as standard across the range, just like the Iriz.
Kit count on the Standard variant includes dual airbags, grey 15-inch turbine design alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors and a single-DIN Bluetooth-enabled radio. Move up to the Executive and one gains body-coloured side mirrors and door handles, front fog lights, a bootlid lip spoiler, a double-DIN head unit, USB charging ports and a 60:40 split-folding rear bench.
At the top of the range, the Premium gains six airbags, silver wheels, black B-pillar trim, power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, an Android-based touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a reverse camera and leather upholstery.
Despite carrying the same wheelbase as the Iriz, the Persona feels bigger inside thanks to a scalloped front seat back and a more reclined rear seat; the boot is also a massive 510 litres. It’s around 20 kg lighter than the previous-generation model thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, but between 20 to 30 kg heavier than the Iriz depending on the spec.
All models are powered by the same 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated VVT engine as the Iriz, making 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Standard variant gets a choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT; all other models are only available with the CVT.
Notable figures include a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.9 seconds with the manual, plus fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 km with the manual and 6.1 litres per 100 km with the CVT. Do note, however, that these figures were taken at a constant speed of 90 km/h. An Eco Drive Assist indicator, which lights up when the car senses you’re driving economically, is fitted as standard.
So here we are again – and this time it has to work. After the opening salvo that was the Proton Perdana, it’s now up to the two upcoming cars, the Persona and Saga, to show what Proton is really capable of.
These are very important products for Proton; they replace its two biggest volume sellers, so any slip-up and the company’s standing in the market place – which is already slipping behind Honda and Toyota – is going to suffer even more.
The Saga will only be launched next month, so all eyes are on the Persona, which has just been launched. While its smaller sibling will be positioned as a budget-friendly first car, the Persona will play to a more aspirational audience – those that will be cross-shopping with higher-end versions of the hot new Perodua Bezza on one end and entry-level foreign B-segment sedan variants on the other.
The question is, does the Persona have what it takes to survive in this cutthroat segment? We take it on a short test drive session around Proton’s oval test track to find out.
The 2016 Proton Persona will soon make its debut in Malaysia, after the national carmaker teased the model’s arrival yesterday. The new model will be open for booking from August 15, before its official launch on August 23. Before all that, we have some initial specifications and details on the upcoming model.
Four variants will be offered to Malaysians at launch – Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium SE. Under the hood, all variants are fitted with a 1.6 litre VVT petrol engine lifted from the Iriz, with updated three-point engine mounts (instead of four) for better refinement – it’s said to be up to six decibels quieter than the equivalent Iriz.
The engine is mechanically identical to that on the Iriz 1.6, with 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm, but it has been calibrated for the sedan, with a new ECU. Transmission options include a five-speed manual (Standard only) and a CVT (all variants). According to the carmaker, the CVT has been tuned to offer a more linear power delivery than before.
In terms of performance, the Persona will make the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds, and use 5.6 litres per 100 km for the manual, or 6.1 l/100 km for the CVT – both at 90 km/h. With VVT, Proton added that CVT models are 10% more fuel efficient than before, while the manual version is up to 13% better.
Aside from the improved fuel economy, the new Persona also gets better braking performance. With the use of front discs and rear drums setup (as opposed to all-round discs in the outgoing Persona), it will need just 41.4 metres to come to a stop from 100 km/h rather than 44.6 metres previously.
The new Persona is up to 20 kg lighter than its predecessor, but up to 30 kg heavier when compared to the Iriz. The latter is to be expected given the different body styles of both models (hatchback vs sedan).
Now comes the important bit – the equipment each variant will receive. We’ll start with the entry-level Standard, which is offered with both transmission choices. The big ticket item here is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which comes as standard, Isofix child seat anchors, dual airbags, a single-DIN head unit, rear fog lamps and grey-finished 15-inch wheels (wrapped in 185/55R15 Silverstone Kruizer tyres). It also gets unpainted wing mirrors and door handles, fabric seats and no front fog lamps.
Next up, the Executive, which only comes with a CVT, adds on a double-DIN radio head unit (with gloss grey centre console housing), body-coloured wing mirrors and door handles, front fog lamps, rear bootlid spoiler and twin USB charging ports. A 60:40 split-folding feature for the rear seats is also added here.
The Premium on the other hand, gets a lot more goodies – leather seats and steering wheel, colour touchscreen head unit with reverse camera, keyless entry, power-retractable wing mirrors, silver-finished 15-inch wheels (wrapped in 185/55R15 Goodyear Assurance tyres) and six airbags. The Premium SE is identical to the Premium, but with the addition of an all-around two-tone bodykit.
On the outside, all models get reflector headlamps with no DRLs, and the tail lights use conventional bulbs rather than LEDs. Both front and rear light clusters, though, feature prominent Proton letterings, as seen on the Iriz (front only) and Perdana (both).
Inside, CVT variants get a new-design gear lever with a thumb button, while all models get a two-tone black and beige (lower half) interior, which Proton claims gives a better sense of space like the previous model. The Persona has a 510-litre boot (up from 430 from before) and a space-saver spare tyre.
Here’s the variant breakdown in detail:
2016 Proton Persona 1.6 Standard MT/CVT
1.6 litre VVT engine
107 hp at 5,750 rpm, 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm
5.6 l/100 km for 5MT (at 90 km/h)
6.1 l/100 km for CVT (at 90 km/h)
Ecodrive Assist
Reflector halogen headlamps (height adjustable)
Rear fog lamps
Front and rear parking sensors
15-inch wheels in grey (with 185/55R15 Silverstone Kruizer tyres)
Unpainted side mirrors and door handles
Power adjustable wing mirrors
Body-coloured B-pillars
Remote key fob and manual key start
Single-DIN head unit with Bluetooth
Fabric seats
Height adjustable driver’s seat
510-litre boot with space saver spare tyre
Isofix child seat anchors with top tether
2 airbags
ABS with EBD and BA
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Hill-hold assist
Front disc brakes, rear drums
2016 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT
Adds on:
Front fog lamps
Body-coloured side mirrors and door handles
Rear bootlid spoiler
Double-DIN head unit with Bluetooth
Gloss grey centre console housing
USB charging ports
60:40 split-folding rear seats
Fabric door trim
2016 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT
Adds on:
15-inch wheels in silver (with 185/55R15 Goodyear Assurance tyres)
Black B-pillars
Keyless entry with push start button
Touchscreen head unit (Android-based) with Bluetooth and reverse camera
Leather seats and steering wheel
Leather door trim
Power retractable wing mirrors
6 airbags
2016 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium SE CVT
Adds on:
All-around dual-tone bodykit
The Persona will be the second model to be introduced this year after the Perdana, and the company is hoping to shift about 3,000 units per month. That’s about all the info we have on the new Persona so far. What are your thoughts on what the new model has to offer? Will you be interested to get one for yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
To add to the first set of silver photos, we now have pictures of a high spec variant of the upcoming 2016 Proton Persona. Sent in by paultan.org reader Jun Kit, the new B-segment sedan was spotted in The Strand, Kota Damansara, in the middle of a video shoot.
Though less detailed than the earlier set, the red car seen here sports a larger set of grey alloy wheels (presumably 15-inch items compared to the 14-inchers fitted on the lower-spec silver car), body-coloured wing mirrors and door handles, along with a chrome garnish piece above the rear number plate holder.
The rest of it is as per what we’ve seen before. The Proton Iriz-based sedan features a sharper face up front, featuring slimmer reflector headlights, an almost Honda Civic-like “floating” chrome grille and a revised lower bumper design. A subtle character line above the rear wheelarches neatly lead into the new almond-shaped tail lights, which are mounted high on the short boot.
Expect the 2016 Proton Persona to get the Iriz’s range of 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre VVT engines. So folks, do you like what you see here? Tell what you think in the comments section below.
Now what do we have here? Why, it’s the 2016 Proton Persona, in the flesh, completely undisguised! The Iriz sedan has been spotted in Kuala Lumpur by paultan.org reader Arvin R ahead of its official launch later this year.
In what appears to be a photo/video shoot done out in public, we can now have a very good look at the next-generation Persona, which is clearly based on the Iriz. The A-pillar quarter windows, door-mounted wing mirrors and 14-inch wheels are taken straight off the B-segment hatchback.
Everything else seem to be unique to the new model, though, with a sharper face featuring slimmer reflector headlights (with very intricate inner graphics, no less), an almost Honda Civic-like “floating” chrome grille and a revised lower bumper design. It’s a rather handsome look, especially from the front.
Moving back, the Iriz’s sideblades on the bottom of the doors have been retained, but they now extend past the rear wheels, into the rear bumper section. A subtle character line above the rear wheelarches neatly lead into the new almond-shaped tail lights, which are mounted high on the short boot.
This particular model appears to be a base variant, fitted with unpainted door handles, wing mirrors, body-coloured B-pillars and small wheels. You can expect higher-end models to have the necessary upgrades, along with either fog lamps or LED daytime running lights up front.
The Iriz’s range of 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre VVT engines are expected to be offered on the 2016 Proton Persona at launch, but we’ll know more in due time. So folks, do you like what you see here? Tell what you think in the comments section below.
