Proton Persona (CM)

The Proton Persona (CM) is a C-segment saloon produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton. The CM series represents the second generation in the Proton Persona lineage, and the first Proton model to use the 'Persona' nameplate in its home market. It was unveiled on 15 August 2007 as the successor to the Proton Wira in Malaysia, and the C90 Persona in its export markets.

For a complete overview of all Proton Persona models, see Proton Persona.

Proton Persona (CM)
Second generation
Overview
ManufacturerProton
Also called莲花 L3 两厢 (China)
Productionearly 2007–early 2016
AssemblyMalaysia: Proton City (PTMSB)
China: Jinhua, Zhejiang (Youngman)
DesignerDamian Chia[1]
Azlan Othman
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car (C)
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
RelatedProton GEN•2
Youngman Europestar L3
Powertrain
Engine1.5 L 4G15 I4 (China)
1.6 L CamPro S4PH I4
1.6 L CamPro IAFM I4 (Gasoline)
1.6 L CamPro IAFM I4 (Gasoline/CNG)
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length4,477 mm (176.3 in)
Width1,725 mm (67.9 in)
Height1,438 mm (56.6 in)
Kerb weight1,170–1,190 kg (2,580–2,620 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorProton Persona (C90)
Proton Wira saloon
SuccessorProton Prevé (spiritual)
Proton Persona (BH) (de facto)

The CM Persona is based on an extended Proton GEN•2 platform, and was sold as a saloon complement to the GEN•2 hatchback. The CM Persona was succeeded by the C-segment Proton Prevé in 2012. However, Proton continued to produce the Persona as a low-cost alternative to the more sophisticated Prevé. The CM Persona was later decisively succeed by the B-segment BH Persona in August 2016.

The CM series was also sold as the Proton GEN•2 Persona in some export markets, and it is one of two Proton models that were rebadged and manufactured by the Youngman company in China. Over 250,000 CM Personas were sold over the course of nine years.

History

Post-launch
2007–2010 Proton Persona

The Proton Persona (CM) was unveiled on 15 August 2007 as the decisive successor to Proton's ageing Wira saloon range.[2]

Proton Persona SE

Proton launched a special edition of the CM Persona on 26 August 2008. It was pitched as a premium version of the existing Proton Persona with exclusive kit and luxury equipment. Only two colours were available; Blue Haze and Brilliant Red respectively, and the car retailed for RM59,800.[3]

Proton Persona Elegance

The CM Persona given a facelift under the name Proton Persona Elegance on 18 March 2010. It featured a revised front grille, headlamps, front and rear bumper, bodykit, and LED tail lamps. The Campro IAFM engine's power output remains unchanged, but was upgraded with a completely new 32 bit ECU from Continental's VDO division.[4] Five trim lines were available; Base-Line (Manual or Automatic), Medium-Line (Manual or Automatic) and High-line (Automatic) along with five colours; Brilliant Red, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Bronze Garnet and Chiffon Green respectively. A sixth colour, Solid White, joined the range in May 2011.[5]

After the launch of the Proton Prevé, the Persona lineup was reduced to a sole Standard variant which was effectively the B-Line model.

Proton Persona SV test drive car.

Proton launched the Persona SV (in which ‘SV’ is an acronym for ‘Super Value’) at the Proton Bola! Bola! Bola! Mega Test Drive Carnival on 30 November 2013.[6] The launch comes six months after the introduction of the well-received Proton Saga SV. Like the Saga SV, some trim and equipment were removed in an effort to lower its pricing, but Proton did not compromise on safety as the Persona SV is equipped with dual front airbags, front seat belt pre-tensioners and all-round disc brakes with ABS and EBD. Such safety equipment is comparable to its main competitors, the Toyota Vios, Honda City and Nissan Almera. The Persona SV is offered as a larger and more powerful alternative to the Saga SV and is priced between RM44,938 and RM48,388. In comparison, the Saga SV retails between RM33,438 and RM36,888 respectively.[7]

In July 2014, Proton re-launched the H-Line variant now known as the Executive variant with a different finish to the wheels.[8]

Proton has sold 265,882 units of the CM Persona as of 31 August 2015, since its original début on 15 August 2007.[9]

Design

Exterior

The CM Persona was largely based on the then three-year-old Proton GEN•2 hatchback platform, albeit modified to fit saloon specifications. The entire section aft of the B-pillar was re-engineered, amounting to a 167mm length extension over the GEN•2.[2] The extended rear overhang incorporates a larger 430-litre boot, while the boot lid itself was redesigned and features space-saving twin gas strut hinges.[10] Rear headroom in the Persona was also increased by 43mm over the GEN•2 courtesy of a redesigned rear roof design.[2]

Pre-facelift styling

  • Front
  • Rear

Post-facelift styling

  • Proton Persona rear view
  • Proton Persona Post Face Lift

Interior

The interior was redesigned to incorporate a glovebox in the dashboard, which was noticeable by its absence in the original GEN•2.[2] The analog clock on top of the GEN•2's dashboard has been replaced by a digital one that now resides in the digital display in the instrument panel. In addition, the door trim and panels were modified to feature power window switches (which were in the centre console in the GEN•2) and more ergonomic door handles. The pseudo-racing seats have been replaced by more conventional units with improved comfort. Fit and finish has also been improved and Proton made significant improvements to comfort and refinement, in line with this vehicle being more family orientated than the GEN•2.[2]

A revised version of the GEN•2 launched on March 3, 2008 incorporated the interior trim upgrades introduced in the Persona.

Powertrain

The 1.6-litre CamPro S4PH engine in the CM Persona is the same 82 kW (110 hp) unit used in other Proton models, but with an improved cast aluminium oil pan design that reduces potential damage risks.[2] 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.[2] In the following year, the Persona came equipped with a new variable-geometry intake manifold module (Campro IAFM engine) which improves low-end torque and high-rev breathing.

The new Proton Persona CNG Version is the Mixed Fuel From Gasoline and CNG.

The new Proton Persona addressed many of the GEN•2's flaws, but the GEN•2 remained in production and received a major facelift several months after the launch of the Persona.

Export market
The Proton Persona REEV during the RAC Future Car Challenge 2011, U.K..
Youngman Lotus L3 (Mainland China)

On 10 March 2008, Proton Cars UK announced the new addition of the Proton Persona sedan to the British market, which is known as the Proton GEN•2 Persona,[11] 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,[12] and had also been launched in Saudi Arabia on November 22, 2008 and in Egypt on November 24; the GEN•2 model was also jointly launched in Egypt.[13][14]

While officially marketed in the UK, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders sales figures for 2008 revealed only 4 units of the GEN•2 Persona were sold in that year, ranking the car as one of the least sold car models in the country in 2008.[15]

Proton participated in the RAC Future Car Challenge on 6 November 2011 with plug-in electric versions of the Persona, Saga and Exora, in which the company claimed 2 awards despite their shortcomings.[16]

The Persona was rebadged and manufactured by the Chinese car manufacturer Europestar as the Youngman Lotus L3 in China. Production ran from 2009 to 2013. A 1.5 and 1.6 litre engine were available paired with a 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic gearbox.

On 12 July 2018, 13 units of Proton Persona CM were exported to Middle East countries, together with 440 units of Proton Gen2.[17]

Reception

Awards
  • 2011 Best Practices Award – Value-for-Money Car of the Year (1.31 and Above) Malaysia Excellence Awards – Frost & Sullivan
  • 2008 Asian Auto – Bosch Fuel Efficiency Awards – 1st place Family Car category (reported average fuel consumption of 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US).[12] )
  • 2008 Frost & Sullivan Best Model of the Year.
Proton GEN•2/Persona (CM) sales & production between 2004 and Q2 2016[18][19]
CountryModelTotalQ2 2016Q1 2016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004
 MalaysiaGEN•26641,6322,0554,14310,71918,92532,92720,066
Persona9461,04411,143N/A46,41544,39142,98842,31018,333
 AustraliaGEN•24964188328190186308506609878174
Persona6792241173250351339
 United KingdomBothN/A5038449971,1771,256246
 ThailandGEN•21,186103798195271584
Persona5,321269941,5881,326978409
 TurkeyBoth500707715682N/A856748862552
 EgyptGEN•2390753593496290N/A
Persona3765394564311421,418N/A
 IranGEN•222,3751,400925
 United Arab EmiratesBoth14260346
 Saudi ArabiaGEN•216
Persona5119
 South AfricaGEN•2375560
Persona230617748
 IndonesiaGEN•218248382451
Persona222
 New ZealandGEN•2801
Persona9
Total global salesGEN•2N/A
PersonaN/A
Total producedGEN•2 01025112451,4891,1489814,2483,051N/A
Persona 1,6156,60923,35217,03228,83147,37049,88444,071N/A
Notes: Q1 2016 applies for the months of January, February & March 2016 respectively.
Q2 2016 applies for the months of April, May & June 2016 respectively.
Total applies for units sold in the specified country between sales inception and June 2016 respectively.
Total global sales applies for combined units sold in all active markets.
Total produced applies for all units produced between January 2009 and June 2016 respectively.
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References
  1. "Damian's a good omen at Proton". New Straits Times. 29 June 2004. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  2. Paul Tan (15 August 2007). "Proton Persona launched: Proton's new sedan". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  3. Paul Tan (26 August 2008). "Proton Persona SE now on sale for RM59,800". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  4. Danny Tan (18 March 2010). "Proton Persona Elegance facelift – full details!". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  5. Anthony Lim (26 May 2011). "Proton Persona – now available in signature solid white". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  6. Jonathan James Tan (30 November 2013). "Proton Persona SV launched – from RM44,938". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  7. Anthony Lim (15 June 2013). "Proton Saga SV launched – from RM33,438 OTR". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  8. "Proton Persona Executive – new trim level unveiled with higher spec, from RM49,938". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 7 July 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  9. "Proton ramps up Persona production". The Sun (Malaysia) / Bernama. 6 September 2015. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  10. Kon Wai Luen (23 April 2014). "Proton Persona SV Test Drive Review". autoworld.com.my. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  11. "Proton Cars (UK) announce new addition to GEN-2 range". Proton Cars (UK) Limited. 10 March 2008. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  12. Paul Tan (11 July 2008). "Proton Persona launched in Indonesia". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  13. Paul Tan (25 November 2008). "Proton Persona now sold in Saudi Arabia". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  14. Aizat (26 November 2008). "PROTON LAUNCHES PROTON PERSONA IN SAUDI AND EGYPT". kereta.info / Proton. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  15. Mike Rutherford (13 March 2009). "The cars that nobody wants". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  16. Danny Tan (6 November 2011). "RAC Future Car Challenge Brighton to London: Proton wins two awards, Gordon Murray T.27 is overall winner". Driven Communications. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  17. "Proton resumes exports to Middle East; Gen2, Persona". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  18. "MarkLines - Statistics - Annual Sales by Model". marklines.com. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  19. "MarkLines - Statistics - Annual Production by Model". marklines.com. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
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