A fresh batch of spyshots of the upcoming 2016 Proton Persona have been sent in by reader Kamal Mcd Asn – these new photos show the Iriz-based B-segment sedan wearing a trippy new circular camouflage that is sure to make anyone’s head spin.
Apart from the new design for the disguise, the Persona also wears a little bit less of the disguise itself, revealing a few more details. The large rear “diffuser” makes a reappearance, while the Iriz’ distinctive “side blades” can also be seen. The almond-shaped tail lights and tall bootlid have been seen in earlier spyshots.
Previous photos have also shown a new headlight shape compared to the one on the Iriz – the Persona’s is slimmer and sleeker, flowing to the grille. The expanded “Proton Wings” chrome upper grille trim that run across the headlights is also visible in these photos. This matches the renders done by both resident Photoshop expert Theophilus Chin and Proton Design Competition 2014 winner Pow Ying Hern.
The front bumper with the gaping lower grille and protruding chin splitters is reminiscent to the one on the Iriz, although the fog lights are now round in shape instead of triangular – again matching Theo’s render. Down the side, the Persona is visually similar to its hatch sibling, with the exception of the C-pillar kink.
The Persona looks to be taller than most of the competition, keeping the Iriz’s considerable height – the hatch is around 75 mm taller than both the Honda City and the Toyota Vios. This would explain the slightly awkward proportions compared to some of its rivals.
The Persona will be unveiled some time after the soon-to-be-launched Perdana, but ahead of the new Saga. The Iriz’s range of 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre VVT engines are expected to be offered on the Persona at launch, but the car could gain Proton’s new 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre direct-injected (GDI/TGDI) engines after production of the new mills begin by the end of 2017.
