Proton Persona 2008 review

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton has introduced its new Persona model to the budget car segment of the small car market. The Persona four-door sedan with five-speed manual is $16,990, which is the cheapest in its segment since it's based on the replaced Gen.2 platform but slightly more.

The Persona hatchback will arrive later this year, while the five-seat sedan is still available in one specification level.

A second model will arrive in mid-2009 and is expected to bring stability control and additional airbags over the sedan's two front airbags.

A four-speed car adds $2000, and aftermarket cruise control will cost $700 plus installation.

Proton has fitted the car with a list of features, including power windows and mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, Blaupunkt audio system with steering wheel controls, reversing sensors and fog lights. Under the hood is Proton's 1.6-liter four-cylinder CamPro petrol engine with claimed fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100 km for the manual transmission and 6.7 l/100 km for the automatic transmission, with emissions figures of 157 g/km (manual) and 160 g/km (mechanical). auto). But the engine is not a dynamo, with 82kW of power and just 148Nm of torque only available at high revs.

Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says the company is targeting young families, first-car buyers and retirees: "People who are looking more at running costs than power," he says. "We believe we have found the right compromise between power and fuel economy."

Mr Startari says only 600 people have been allocated to Australia this year due to unexpected demand in Malaysia and limited production. Cynics rightly suggested that launching the Proton Persona from the top of Mount Hotham to Melbourne might mask the engine's lack of power.

Peak power is 82kW, which is decent for the class and by no means the weakest, but that's at 6000rpm and the rev limit is just a few cycles higher. More importantly, the maximum torque of 148 Nm is only reached at 4000 rpm.

In the real world, where you have to work with a gearbox for even meager results, the economy will collapse. At launch, my Persona was using fuel at a rate of 9.3 liters per 100 km.

Although the engine needs revs, it doesn't feel rough as the tach needle moves towards the redline. Chassis, suspension and steering are capable of handling a much greater load.

There is little body roll or pitch and the ride is ok.

There is a lot of wind noise in the cabin, especially around the side mirrors.

The cabin is generally stylish and modern, and the interior finishes and quality are good.