Proton Persona Drive Impression

Proton's pushing hard with price and practicality

It's the right size car at the right price so what else is Proton offering to make you want to own one?

Proton is eager to make its mark on the Australian automotive landscape with its new Persona which was launched in May at Mt Hotham in the Victorian Alps.

With a strong design influence from Europe, Japan and its subsidiary Lotus, the only thing the new and previous Persona share (which was sold in Australia from 1995 til 2005), is the name. The new model is based on the Proton designed and developed GEN.2 platform. Proton is confident that its fresh styling, improved build quality, price and impressive list of standard features will make it a winner in the Australian small car market.

It's only available in one specification level - the GX - but it's loaded with everything you could wish for in a sub $20k small car.

The Persona has an extensive list of standard features not matched, for the price, by other manufacturers.

Standard equipment
Power steering, airconditioning, reverse sensors, front and rear fog lights, remote central locking with alarm and immobiliser, front and rear power windows, electric door mirrors, 6 function audio controls on the steering wheel, AM/FM radio and CD/MP3 player, remote keyless boot entry, front and rear cup holders, 15" alloy wheels, front and rear cup holders, 60/40 split rear seats, auto door locking and a multi-function trip computer that displays distance to empty, average fuel consumption and journey time.

Standard safety equipment
ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, dual front airbags with seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, reversing sensors

The Persona's impressive starting price is just $16,990 for the five-speed manual and $18,990 for the four-speed automatic, putting it a long way in front of its competition. It's targeting young families, young new car buyers and retirees with its great starting price and long list of standard features.

Along with all the creature comforts, the Persona benefits from R&D undertaken in tandem with Proton's subsidiary Lotus. This has resulted in a very impressive ride and handling package that makes the Persona fun to drive in all conditions, as we found out while testing through the snow-covered mountains around Mt Hotham. Even when pushed hard on poorer second-class roads in country Victoria, the Persona managed to keep its composure remaining a pleasurable driving experience at all times.

An economic 1.6 litre Campro engine generating 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm powers the new Persona. The engine is matched to a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.

Proton's sales brochure lists the Persona's fuel consumption at 6.6 litres per 100km for the manual and 6.7 litres per 100km for the automatic. With fuel prices continually on the rise this is good news; however, unfortunately the Persona requires premium fuel (95 RON unleaded).

The automatic transmission in the Persona is a little sluggish at times, struggling to find a suitable gear. With a small capacity engine, the auto was quick to jump back through the gears when confronted with any decent incline. The manual was a much better match and handled the mountainous driving conditions with ease.

The Persona is spacious and comfortable to drive, even on long journeys. A real benefit for families is the roomy 430-litre boot which gets even better when the 60/40 split rear seat folds flat, providing excellent cargo space.

When the Persona is released, cruise control will not be available as a factory option but it can be fitted for around $700 plus labour. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side airbags are also not yet available but Proton may look at introducing both of these safety devices in the future.

No ANCAP or NCAP score is available, as the vehicle has not yet been tested. Proton's Managing Director John Startari said, "Proton is confident it will surpass its competitors when or if it is tested by ANCAP or NCAP." This is a big call, as ANCAP requires both side head protecting airbags and ESC as standard equipment for a vehicle to earn 5 stars, which the Toyota Yaris and Mazda3 with safety packs have achieved.

Proton continues to grow in Australia with 41 dealers nationally and two new dealers expected within the next three months.

The cost of servicing the Persona should be approximately $130 for a minor service up to $450 for the major service with service intervals of 12 months/15,000km.

Proton is quick to acknowledge that the Persona is no powerhouse but it has very low fuel consumption - one of the main areas of concern for today's new car buyers. The green credentials of the Persona have been given official endorsement with the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide awarding it a four out of five star rating. This rating is based on both fuel consumption and the low level of emissions achieved from its 1.6 litre Campro Twin cam 16 valve engine.

The focus of Proton's marketing campaign is its:

• High specifications (standard features)
• Fuel consumption
  Euro styling
  Lotus-developed ride and handling package
• Interior space
• Value for money.

All of these features should make the 2008 Proton Persona a standout in the small car sector.