2008 Proton Persona Sedan First Steer

A typical recipe of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear end, Persona’s Lotus overlords have done exceptionally well in tuning the small car for a brilliant ride. Mid corner lumps and bumps are digested with no real issues though there is some kick back present through the otherwise decent hydraulic assisted power steering.

I’d almost go so far as to say it out-handles the drive offered from 1.6 litre engine and in my opinion were it to have an extra 25kW on board, would be a real performer attracting a younger modified car audience, similar to the way the much loved GTi Satria once did, but alas no such plans are in the pipeline… yet.

On the practicality side of things, Persona has a huge 430 litre boot with a side hinged lid that opens past 110 degrees for easy access. Easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs, the luggage area can be further increased through fold flat 60:40 rear seats.

Visibility is excellent all round and interior space is very generous given the vehicle’s proportions. With 40mm more headroom than the GEN.2 even taller adults are made feel comfortable. Front leg room is ample, as is shoulder and hip space, though the back seat is better suited to two adults or three children with the middle seat being a little tight (there are three anchor points for children’s booster seats & capsules).

 

Build quality, fit and finish, and even the paint work has noticeably improved over previous attempts from the marque and panel tolerances seem much more uniform creating an impression that the brand is on the up-and-up. Inside there are almost no plastic rattles to speak of, even on coarse gravel roads, and though there is a little wind noise off the mirrors and wipers (which protrude above bonnet height), the cabin’s acoustic ambiance is not dramatically affected.

There’s a touch of road noise off the Goodyear tyres, exaggerated on rough sealed roads, and engine noise can be intrusive at higher rpm. But in all for a small budget vehicle, I didn’t find noise issues to be of any real consequence and would even say it is better than many of Persona’s dearer rivals.

Given the overall package offers a high level of standard equipment for the price, a stylish, modern appearance and a decent build quality, prudent buyers would certainly have a hard time doing better elsewhere. The Persona is sure to impress those who are conscious of spiraling vehicle running costs and those who are happy to enjoy an economic, more leisurely paced drive alike.

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Specifications:

• Engine: 1597cc DOHC four cylinder petrol 16 valve
• Power: 82kW @ 6,000rpm
• Torque: 148Nm @ 4,000rpm
• Top Speed: 180km/h
• 0-100km/h: 12.0 seconds (Man) / 14.3 seconds (Auto)
• 0-400m: N/A
• NCAP rating: N/A
• Safety: ABS, EBD, Dual Front Air Bags
• Turning Circle:
• Fuel Tank: 50 litres
• Fuel Type: 95RON Unleaded
• Fuel Consumption: 6.6 litres (Man) / 6.7 litres (Auto)
• Warranty: 3 Year / Unlimited Kilometre
• Service Intervals: 1 Year / 15,000kms
• Wheels: 15″ x 6.0″ Alloy
• Spare Wheel: Space Saver
• Weight: 1,250kg (Man) / 1,275 (Auto)