Sunday, February 24, 2008

Proton Persona 1.6

The Proton Persona is a car manufactured by Malaysian national carmaker Proton since August 2007 and is the successor to the Proton Wira.

The Proton Persona is essentially a saloon based on the Gen-2 hatchback introduced in 2004, and inherits the Persona name from rebadged Wiras sold in certain countries. It addresses several main flaws of the Gen-2, although the Gen-2 itself remains in sale.

The most noticeable difference of the Persona from the Gen-2 is the a separate, larger boot, making it better suited to the local market, as Malaysians prefer saloons (an obvious fact overlooked by Proton's former management).[citation needed] More importantly, the roofline slopes less, addressing the many complaints on the lack of rear headroom.

The interior was redesigned to incorporate a glovebox at the dashboard, an accessory that was not available in the Gen-2. The obtrusive analog clock present in the Gen-2's dashboard has also been replaced by a digital one that now resides in the digital display on the instrument panel. In addition, the door trims and panels were modified to feature more ergonomic window switches and door handles, and the pseudo-racing seats were replaced by more conventional and comfortable ones. Fit and finish is noticeably improved a lot and so are the suspension setting as well because it is tuned more to comfort.

The 1.6 litre Campro engine in the Persona is the same 86 kW (115 hp) unit used in other Proton models but with an improved cast aluminium oil pan design that reduces the chances of damage. A transmission control unit re-calibration on models with automatic transmissions reduces the hunting of gears and improves gear changes in an attempt to mask the dip in the torque curve in the lower and middle rev ranges. It has been announced that in early 2008 the Persona will be equipped with new Campro engines that incorporate a new variable-geometry intake manifold module (Campro IAFM engine) which improves low-end torque and high-rev breathing

With a more attractive price tag that ranges from RM44,999 to RM55,800 (about RM10,000 cheaper than the equivalent Gen-2), demand of the Persona continues to outstrip supply. Over 2,000 pre-launch bookings were made.[1] Within two weeks after launch, the figure increased to 11,000 bookings. Demand hit close to 19,000 bookings barely 2 weeks later. Originally intending to produce Personas at a rate of 4,000 cars per month, Proton has pledged to ramp up the production to 8,000 units per month to meet the unforeseen demand.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Proton Gen-2

Engine and tonic
The 1.6-litre petrol engine is a four-cylinder sixteen-valve unit with a double-overhead camshaft. 110bhp gets produced, but you'll need to get the rev-limiter to 6000rpm to wring that out if it; maximum torque of 109lb ft is reached at 4000rpm. Performance figures are 0-60mph in 12.6sec (14.7 auto) and a top speed of 118mph (114.9mph auto). Fuel economy is a claimed 39.2 mpg (24.7mpg auto).

Spec sheet
Three trim levels are offered on the Gen2: GL, GLS and GSX. Basic GL cars' exterior get edged with nasty black plastic bumpers and mirrors; inside air-con appears, but essential safety gear such as ABS goes missing. GLS-specced models colour-code their bodykit, and pick up the anti-lock stoppers, while GSX models get a ten-disc Blaupunkt CD system, a rather pointless rear spoiler, cruise control (auto models) and automatic air conditioning.

The best bit
Proton's three-year, 60,000-mile full warranty and six-year, 100k-mile powertrain cover is pretty commendable. The Malaysian firm also gives a three-year RAC breakdown package with its new cars.

Service department
There may be a decent warranty on the Gen2's powertrain, but beware, you'll have to bring the car in ever 9000 to have Proton's mechanics have a look under the bonnet. This should be done after the first 1000 miles for the initial check-up. Compare this to most manufacturers' 12-15,000 miles...

Proton GEN-2 is a car made by Proton launched in the third quarter of 2004. It is the first Proton model to use an in-house developed engine, the 1.6 CamPro Engine. The engine is alleged to be sluggish at low revs but Proton claimed that the peak power and torque is well above the 1.6 engines used in other cars. However, later in 2005 the ECU was remapped back to raise the low-end torque, but the maximum power and torque remained unchanged. Lotus Cars which is owned by Proton was instrumental in the development of the car which is evident in the car's ride and handling capability. In Malaysia, the car is rivalled by Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio.

In 2005, a lower-spec version of Proton Gen-2 powered by 1.3L Campro engine was made available in Malaysia with automatic transmission option only.

Trivia

The Proton Gen-2 was one of two models (the other being the Proton Savvy) that MG Rover was looking to rebadge when it entered talks with Proton's parent company in the mid 2000s. Both Auto Express and Autocar published shots of the car with digitally recreacted Rover grills.

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