2008 Proton Persona Sedan First Steer
May 7, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Proton Persona Sedan First Steer
Prudence Persona-fied
Models Tested:
- 2008 Proton Persona Sedan 1.6 litre manual – $16,990 (RRP)
- 2008 Proton Persona Sedan 1.6 litre auto – $18,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $350; Cruise Control $700 (plus fitting)
Ride & Handling, Equipment Levels, Practicality, Price Tag
Performance, Brake Pedal Feel, No ESP or Side/Curtain Airbags
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
Following an extensive two day drive program through Victoria’s picturesque alpine region, CarAdvice is pleased to announce inspiring news that Malaysian manufacturer Proton may finally be on track to shake up the lower end of the small car market with an impressive new comer, the Persona sedan.
The all new single specification Persona shares only its name with the superseded model and is more reminiscent of the GEN.2 hatch on which the Persona’s platform is based. It’s a simple, yet elegant small sedan not too dissimilar in looks to the current Mazda3.
Smaller, recessed avian-esque headlamps and restyled grille with new black and silver corporate logo flow downward to a narrow air intake beset by standard front fog lamps. From the rear, a high boot line with bold chrome accent brings memories of Chrysler’s Neon of some years back.
Representing tremendous value for money, Persona offers an expansive array of standard equipment including ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, auto locking doors, climate control air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels and a single disc MP3 compatible Blaupunkt audio system.
Inside the cabin is similar to the GEN.2 in many respects boasting red back lit Lotus inspired instrument binnacle with inset white faced fuel and temperature gauges, door mounted power window switches, and centre stack under dash ventilation controls, which as nice as they look, can be a little difficult to reach.
The re-designed centre console houses two front and two rear (fold down type) cup holders, a small enclosed storage area under the armrest and two mobile phone/sunglasses trays to each side of the gearstick, further complimenting the in door map pockets, glove box and small under dashboard (driver’s side) mounted shelf.
Test Drive!! Then get back here and give comments!!