Proton Persona vs Proton Tuah

Proton Persona Replacement Model in 2012-Proton Tuah Concept

After the KLIMS 2010, many people especially the local are aware about the upcoming 2012 Proton Persona replacement model.



During the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, Proton exhibited all of their concept car models – Tuah, Lekir, Lekiu, Kasturi and Jebat. The Tuah is most likely the upcoming Proton Persona replacement model.



The front looks like one of the popular Korean car model. From the side, it looks a bit like one of the German car model. The rear looks like the Subaru Legacy sedan (BD). However, the prototype concept may not fully render into the production model. Apparently, the entire design looks good and fit to be seen.



In addition, Proton’s MD Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin is currently working to change the power window perception of Proton. Therefore, the primary auto parts maker is working to develop a better and more reliable window regulator for Persona replacement model.

Photo Gallery: Proton Tuah concept at KLIMS 2010

The Latest Proton Persona

Proton Persona Elegance facelift – FULL DETAILS!

We just got back from the launch of the facelifted Proton Persona, which is officially called the Proton Persona Elegance. Available in three trim levels – Base Line, Medium Line and High Line – the Persona Elegance is powered by the familiar 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with 110 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm. Buyers can choose between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, but the High Line model only comes with the auto ‘box.
Although output remains, the Campro IAFM in the Persona Elegance comes with a new 32 bit ECU from Continental, which also supplied the previous 16 bit version. According to a Proton source, the new 32 bit ECU has more capabilities compared to the older 16 bit version – capable of more inputs, you can configure more parameters, and it can also interconnect with more systems such as “talking” to a Body Control Module such as the one in the Exora.

It is more of a future-proofing and cost-effectiveness move. Torque and power output remains the same as before. Firstly, Siemens VDO have been moving their global ECU manufacturing to 32 bit being the minimum, so it is not feasible for Proton to continue ordering 16 bit ECUs when the 32 bit version can be had at a far more competitive price. This move is also in preparation for the new Project Phoenix engine that we will soon see in Protons, which will require the capabilities of the new ECU.
UPDATE: Since we first published this article we’ve received more information on the new Persona Elegance. The changes go beyond just an aesthetic make-over. We already know there’s a new bodykit, front grille, bumpers and new LED tail lamps. But beyond that, here’s what’s different:

• The seat backrest angle has been changed to offer better comfort.
• Extra soundproofing material has been added to pillars to improve interior NVH.
• Despite power output and torque being the same, a source has indicated that the engine should feel livelier and more responsive. We’ll try to get an initial impression from the showrooms over this weekend.

The original story continues below…
There are a couple of changes to the exterior. As all of you already know from our previous reveals, the Persona Elegance comes with a new rear lamp cluster, now with LED brake lights. The nine LEDs are arranged in two rows – four up and five down. All trims except for the Base Line come with a bodykit, slim rear spoiler and foglamps, although the turning lamps on the side mirrors (illuminates in a cool light bar form) and chrome door handles are standard across the board.

Up front, the facelifted Persona uses the same nose as the Gen 2 CPS along with its “black out” headlamp housing, but with a different grille design. The Proton logo and its “wings” is pushed up to the top of the grille while the Gen 2 CPS has a central emblem. The 15-inch rim design is also new, although the 195/60 size of the tyres are unchanged. As before, the Base Line makes do with steel rims and hubcaps.
Inside, the most apparent change is the replacement of the previous custom designed audio head unit for a conventional single-DIN unit, once again by Blaupunkt. The USB compatible unit should be easier to operate than before with minimal and large buttons, and all trims but the Base Line get steering wheel controls. The meter cluster graphics are also new, now with white numbering and red needles plus a red inner ring, much more “premium looking” than the plain orange dials used before. Proton also says that the angle of rear seat has been changed for improved comfort.

Medium and High Line cars get a GPS navigation set stuck on the windscreen, driver’s seat height adjuster and electric side mirrors. Only the High Line gets leather seats and trim (Base and Medium Line sports a new fabric material), cruise control and remote release for the trunk.
Safety kit wise, the High Line comes with ABS and EBD, two airbags and two pre-tensioner seatblets. Out of this, the Medium Line only gets a driver’s airbag and pre-tensioner seatbelt, while the Base Line gets none of the above.
Here is the price list for the Persona Elegance:
Base Line (M) RM46,499
Base Line (A) RM49,499
Medium Line (M) RM52,999
Medium Line (A) RM55,999
High Line (A) RM59,499
Proton’s latest is available in two new colours – Chiffon Green and Bronze Garnet – in addition to silver and black. Brilliant Red is a colour exclusive to the High Line. Now in showrooms and ready for booking, the Persona Elegance comes with a 2-year/50,000 km manufacturer’s warranty plus a 3-year/125,000 km extended warranty programme – that’s a total of 5 years.
Pictures from the launch this morning, studio images, a video and a full scan of the brochure showing the equipment list of all variants are after the jump.


Click for enlarged version of image

Proton Persona Elegance Studio Image

New Proton Persona Special Edition

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT PERSONA SE?

PROTON already launched a special edition of its award-winning car, the Persona Special Edition SE which features new enhancements on 26 august 2008. What makes this Persona SE so special? Lets take a look. Is it so special?

Well, exterior wise, we unfortunately will say “NO”! Why? because of there are not many changes on the looks of the Persona SE compared to Proton Persona basic model. Unlike Proton Wira SE that showed much different with the exterior compared to the basic wira model.

The exterior should be made differently so that people would easily identify “oh! that is the persona SE! Its cool!” from far without looking at the writings “persona SE” behind of the car.
There is only bezel black head lamp which I would say “cool”. The sport rim is not so sporty compared to wira SE and the door handle? Uh.. Not important to make it in chrome.
Instead of hitting the bad of the exterior changes, I would like to say the interior is cool! Why? Because of integration with GPS, auto cruise and full leather finishing. This features is what we call “special” for a car that priced at about RM60k.

The winner of the Frost and Sullivan 2008 Best Model of the Year, the Persona will now spot a more elegant and exclusive look following a comprehensive re-styling on both the car’s interior and exterior.

Persona Special Edition (SE) is positioned to provide value-for-money and at the same time giving drivers the luxury of comfort with premium accessories.

New improved meter design with analog fuel meter which most of us prefered more than digital one because of the accuracy.

The new Persona SE features the following enhancements specification:

Luxurious Comfort
The new Persona SE will make driving more comfortable with its rich, beautiful and soft finish leather seat. It is easy to clean and is more durable than fabric. Fine leather trimmings and detailing are extended on to its steering wheel, gear knob and door panels lending further refinement to the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Best Model of the Year.
Navigation at ease
The Persona SE comes complete with an extra-large screen GPS system which makes navigation in and out of town a breeze. The driving experience will be further enhanced with a new meter combi-finishing which is race-inspired for a “minimalist” look. Its laser-red backlight provides good readability. For fuel-conscious drivers, the PROTON Persona SE is fitted with Auto Cruise. The feature functions at a touch-of-a-button that keeps speed constant, thus saving fuel by decreasing unnecessary accelerations.
Premium Design
To match the outstanding interior, the Persona SE is dressed with new body kit which enhances its sporty and premium look The design not only complement the silhouette but gives the car better aerodynamics. PROTON offers discerning car buyers two new exclusive colours – Brilliant Red and Blue Haze – guaranteed to create “a statement” for its driver.

Sporty & Stylish
To complete the top down refinements, Persona SE is given a more personal touch with black bezel head lamp which adds to its sporty and stylish look. The design is complemented with alloy rims and silver matte door handles.
The enhancements made to the Persona SE do not compromise on the Persona family’s standard features like the 1.6L CamPro IAFM engine as well as the Lotus ride and handling technology.
Product enhancements are a continuous process in PROTON to offer more value to our customers. The launch of the new Persona SE is aimed to excite new buyers and make them view the car as their first choice
Despite its comprehensive enhancements, PROTON kept the on-the-road (OTR) price of Persona SE at under RM60,000 which makes it very competitive against other models in the same category in the market.

The price of new proton persona SE Special Edition is RM59,800

Introducing Of Proton Persona

Proton Persona

This article is about the 2007 car model by Proton. For the previous car model sold in Europe and Australia, see Proton Wira.

Proton Persona

The Proton Persona is largely similar to the Proton Gen-2 hatchback, with an added boot, slightly extended roof-line and higher profile tyres.
Manufacturer	Proton
Also called	Proton Gen-2 Persona (UK, Indonesia) Lotus/Europestar L3 Sedan[1][2] Lotus/Europestar JingYue[3]
Production	2007-2010
Model years	2007–2010
Assembly	Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia
Predecessor	Proton Wira (sedan)
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Proton Gen-2
Engine	1.6 L Campro I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Related	Proton Gen-2
Designer	Azlan Othman

Proton Persona (rear)

The Proton Persona is a compact car introduced by Proton in 2007 for the same model year. Being an in-house design by Azlan Othman, the Persona replaced the saloon variant of the successful Proton Wira, whose export name is not confused with this model's same name, as Proton's compact car.
It is available as a sedan and is based upon the platform also shared with the Proton Gen-2 and the Proton Satria Neo. Also available is a Special Edition variant. All Personas are currently manufactured at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

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. 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.

A revised version of the Gen-2 launched on March 3, 2008 also incorporates the interior trims of the Persona.

The 1.6 litre Campro engine in the Persona is the same 82 kW (110 hp) unit used in other Proton models but with an improved cast aluminum 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.

Year-to-year changes

Proton Persona SE

• 2008: A variable-geometry intake manifold-equipped Campro IAFM engine is introduced on all trim levels of the Persona. All Proton badges now bear the black and silver, rather than a blue and gold. Also, the Proton Persona SE was added to the lineup on 26 August 2008. It was created with help of feedback from Persona buyers.^[4] The Proton Persona SE has a bodykit, different alloy wheels, matte silver door handles and front grille, a leather interior and a GPS navigation system mounted on the windshield, which can be used by SD cards. Its available colors include Blue Haze and Brilliant Red.^[4]
• 2009: There are no changes, although the bottom part of the vehicle license plate bears the text "2008 Best Model of the Year by Frost & Sullivan", replacing the previous "Our Pride and Joy" tagline.

Proton Persona Elegance

Proton Persona Elegance

• 2010: The Persona given a facelift under the name Proton Persona Elegance on 18 March 2010. It features new headlamps, front grille, front and rear bumper, bodykit, and LED tail lamps. The Campro IAFM engine's power output remains but it uses a completely new 32 bit ECU from Continental's VDO division.^[5]

Reception

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.^[6] 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.
As a result of the Persona's debut, sales for the Proton Waja and the Proton Gen-2 significantly slowed down, causing Proton dealers to offer large amounts of discounts up to RM 9,000 to sell off the remaining models of Waja and Gen-2. This has been somewhat offset by the release of the new CPS engine in the Waja and Gen-2, which attempts to place the latter two models in a slightly higher market segment.

Export market

On 10 March 2008, Proton UK announced the new addition of the Proton Persona sedan to the British market, which is known as the Proton Gen-2 Persona,^[7] while the Personas sold in other countries (such as Singapore and Australia) retain the name Persona. Besides the United Kingdom, Proton also uses the Gen-2 Persona name for the Indonesian market,^[8] and had also been launched in Saudi Arabia on November 22, 2008 and in Egypt on November 24; the Gen2 model was also jointly launched in Egypt.^[9]
While officially marketed in the UK, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders sales figures for 2008 revealed only 4 units of the Persona were sold in that year, ranking the car as one of the least sold car models in the country in 2008.^[10][11]

Awards

During the 2008 Asian Auto - Bosch Fuel Efficiency Awards, the Proton Persona won the first place of the Family Car category, with the reported average fuel consumption of 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg_-imp; 35 mpg_-US).^[12] It also won the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Best Model of the Year.