New Proton Persona debuts, priced from RM46,800
THE STAR CAR SIFU
SHAH ALAM: The second-generation Proton Persona is launched today, priced from RM46,800 to RM59,800.
It is available in three variants - Standard, Executive and Premium (with and without body kit) - and comes with a choice of six body colours - Cotton White, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Quartz Black and a new colour, Carnelian Brown.
The new Persona uses back the same 1.6L VVT engine and CVT as before but Proton said they have been refined it further for better Noise, Vibrations and Harshness (NVH) levels as well as fuel economy, while also featuring an ECO Drive Assist indicator for the first time in a Proton car to improve fuel economy.
The Persona is said to be the first Proton car to have an ECO Drive Assist indicator to improve mileage.
The interior is touted as spacious, with ergonomically designed seats and console layout, providing a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. It has seven cupholders. The car also comes with 510 litres of luggage space.
Other features include a redesigned headlamp, rear spoilers, all-round sensors, 15” alloy wheels as well as electric headlamp levelling.
Proton will offer a three-year free service (parts and labour included) for bookings made by Sept 30. Prospective car buyers can make a booking with a refundable fee of RM300.
With a 5-Star Asean NCAP rating across all variants, it provides comprehensive active and passive safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Hill-hold Assist, ISOFIX and top tether, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as well as 6 airbags for the Premium variant.
The Persona was launched by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Sri Mustapa Mohamed.
Proton expects to sell between 3,000 units and 4,000 units of the new Persona per month.
With that target, chief executive officer Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said the company expects to break even investments for the model within the next two to three years.
"Based on the recent media preview, feedback for the car has been positive," Ahmad Fuaad said at a press conference today following the launch.
He said the car will compete in the B-segment - the same segment where the Perodua Bezza occupies - and would not cannibalise sales of its Saga model, which the company plans to launch next month.
Since the launch of the original model in 2007, some 250,000 units have been sold both locally and worldwide.
