Info of Proton Persona Facelift 2010

Some of the research i have gone through, this is some of my thought about Proton Persona.

The Proton Persona is a compact car introduced by Proton in 2007 for the same model year. Being an in-house design by Azlan Othman, the Persona replaced the saloon variant of the successful Proton Wira, whose export name is not confused with this model's same name, as Proton's compact car.

It is available as a sedan and is based upon the platform also shared with the Proton Gen-2 and the Proton Satria Neo. Also available is a Special Edition variant. All Personas are currently manufactured at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Design 

Body

The Proton Persona is essentially a saloon based on the Gen-2 hatchback introduced in 2004, and inherits the Persona name from re-badged Wiras sold in certain countries. It addresses several main flaws of the Gen-2, although the Gen-2 itself remains in sale.

The most noticeable difference of the Persona from the Gen-2 is the a separate, larger boot, making it better suited to the local market, as Malaysians prefer saloons. More importantly, the roofline slopes less, addressing the many complaints on the lack of rear headroom.

Interior

The interior was redesigned to incorporate a glovebox at the dashboard, an accessory that was not available in the Gen-2. The obtrusive analog clock present in the Gen-2's dashboard has also been replaced by a digital one that now resides in the digital display on the instrument panel. In addition, the door trims and panels were modified to feature more ergonomic window switches and door handles, and the pseudo-racing seats were replaced by more conventional and comfortable ones. Fit and finish is noticeably improved a lot and so are the suspension setting as well because it is tuned more to comfort.

A revised version of the Gen-2 launched on March 3, 2008 also incorporates the interior trims of the Persona.

Engine

The 1.6 litre Campro engine in the Persona is the same 82 kW (110 hp) unit used in other Proton models but with an improved cast aluminum oil pan design that reduces the chances of damage. A transmission control unit re-calibration on models with automatic transmissions reduces the hunting of gears and improves gear changes in an attempt to mask the dip in the torque curve in the lower and middle rev ranges. It has been announced that in early 2008 the Persona will be equipped with new Campro engines that incorporate a new variable-geometry intake manifold module (Campro IAFM engine) which improves low-end torque and high-rev breathing.

Now, Proton Persona Facelift 2010, or as Proton would like to call it – Proton Persona Elegance. The car just launch and manage to get many photos from the local Proton Showroom. The Proton Persona Elegance has new bumper, new foglights design, new headlights with black background and the new grille to match the refresh look. Not to forget the new facelift version of Persona comes with new design full bodykit as standard.

From the rear of the Persona Elegance as many claims from spyshot before the launch it has rear LED lights. I was wondering where did i saw similar rear lights design before – Top and Bottom Red, Middle transparent. After digging through my memories of automotive industry – i recall that, The New Mercedes E-Class is also having the similar design. No wonder, it’s call Persona Elegance.

Of course it also comes with a rear bodykit and a nicer finish of tailpipe. A bootlip is also fitted into the New Persona.As a side note, the model with photos here it’s a Proton Persona Elegance Medium Line with manual transmission.

Many wonder is there any improve in the power/engine of the New Persona Elegance. The answer is No. There’s no Campro CPS option still as for now. It is still the 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with 110 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm which is available from the old Persona.

However the dashboard meter design has been change to have a sportier look. We also got to know that this Persona is equipped with a new 32-bit siemens ECU that allows more configuration and integrated to more systems in the car.

The dealer was nice to me and  explain almost every single new feature in the new Proton Persona Elegance to me. I was also told that the new fabrics has been fitted in to the B-Line and M-Line model. I had a chance to sit and feel it, in my personal opinion – i think it has better quality than the older one. The older one was softer and more “towel” type. As for the H-Line it is fitted with leather seats.

New side mirrors now come with signal lights fitted to the new Proton Persona.However there’s still no auto folding for the side mirrors. Medium line and High Line get electric adjustable side mirror.

The facelifted Persona, is also equipped with a new audio system by Blaupunkt. The new audio USB jack for thumbdrives and Aux in capabilities. Only the Baseline does not get steering audio controls for the audio system.The Medium Line and High Line gets GPS system from Proton as an external piece.

The Medium Line and Baseline gets rear drums brakes and as for the High Line,disc brakes is fitted front and rear.  As for the wheels, Base Line gets steel rims, Medium and High line gets Alloy rims both tyres are 195/60R15 as the specs indicated. Medium Line and Base Line has an option of Manual or Auto Transmission. The High Line Proton Persona Elegance only comes with Auto transmission.

The price of Proton Persona Elegance/facelift as below,

Base Line (M) – RM46,499

Base Line (A)  – RM49,499

Medium Line (M) – RM52,999

Medium Line (A) – RM55,999

High Line (A) – RM59,499

I was told that the baseline has a slight reduction, medium line has an increment of RM2000+ as for the Highline, the price remains the same. The sales adviser  also claim that it is more value for money to purchase the High Line version. For those who into white cars lately, there’s no white Persona this round, and Red which code name as Brilliant Red is only available if you choose to purchase the High Line Persona Elegance.

On top of that, Proton Persona Elegance come with two new colours which is Bronze Garnet and Chiffon Green. The above photo is Bronze Garnet Proton Persona (more photos check out our gallery below). Of course the all time  Malaysian’s favourite colour – Silver is also available and Black too.

The Highline of Proton Persona Elegance gets much more goodies, such as remote trunk release, auto cruise. Notice in the photo there’s one nice luggage tray which is only available for Medium Line and above.

Proton Persona Elegance comes with ABS & EBD  for High line. High Line Persona also gets dual air bag & both pre-tensioner seatbelts while Medium Line Persona gets driver side air bag & pre-tensioner seat belt. As for baseline Proton Persona, not of the above is available with it, so drive extra safely.

The Facelifted Proton Persona is available in most of the Proton Showroom. The Proton Persona Elegance comes with with a 2-year or 50,000 km  warranty and a 3-year/125,000 km extended warranty program – that’s total of 5 years and 175,000 km.

As summary the facelift Proton Persona definately it’s a better car compare the the old one overall. At least, in my opinion.