Proton have taken steps to ensure the Proton Persona is what the customer wants and features a number of significant improvements over previous models meaning that with nice lines, good use of space and a competitive price tag, it will appeal to many medium sized families.

The boot is a respectable 430 litres in size, which is larger than the Toyota Vios at 400 litres and with a 60/40 rear seat split, a full set of golf clubs is no problem!

Rear headroom has been improved thanks to a redesigned roof curve at the rear. It now measures 980mm, compared to 950mm in the Vios and 970mm in the city.

The dash twin-pod instrument panel features fully black meter faces which look smart and are easy to read. The centre dash buttons do not provide much feedback to tell you that you have pressed them; however they work well.

The door panels have been completely redesigned for this new model. The power window switches are now on the armrest which is the preferred location for many and the armrests feature cloth trim which gives a nice feel. The seats also are newly designed and now the front seats are more conventionally shaped and feature head restraints. There is a glovebox, although not a particularly cavernous one, as there are both driver and passenger airbags which take up space.

Central locking and power windows all round are standard on all of the Persona models from the base model to the top of the range. You can control the central locking either from a button near the power window button cluster or a button on the dashboard which the passenger can use in case of an emergency; a clever safety feature! The dash button also doubles up as the alarm de-activation button in case you mistakenly trigger the alarm system. The doors automatically lock themselves once the system detects all doors are closed, the handbrake is released, and the brake pedal is pressed.

The tried and tested Campro engine is pretty much the same as in previous models; still the same 110 HP (82kW) at 6,000 rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine really comes into it's own at high revs.

The base model has 15 inch steel wheels and wheel covers with 195/60/R15 tyres, central locking, alarm with immobilizer, front disc and rear drum brakes, reverse sensors, fixed rear seats, and a normal CD player with 2 speakers.

The mid range model is further enhanced with alloy sports rims and 195/60/ R15 tyres, a driver’s SRS airbag, a foldable split rear bench seat, steering wheel audio controls, an MP3-capable CD player with 4 speakers, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, and foglamps.

The top of the range high-line model offers additional features over the midrange model with antilock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, disc brakes on all four wheels, and remote boot opening.

For more information contact:
Lifestyle Auto Co., Ltd.
9/9 M. 6 Thepkasattri Rd, T.Rasada, Muang Phuket 83000
Tel: +66 (0)76 218838-43
Email: muangmai@e-mail.in.th
Website: www.phuketlife.net