Review: Proton CC Persona (1996-04)

Review: Proton CC.I Persona (1996-99)

Overview

Released in November 1996, the Proton CC Series I (CC.I) Persona was available as a small sedan or five door hatchback. Manufactured in Malaysia, the front-wheel drive Persona was available with 1.5- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines (the GLi and XLi variants, respectively) which were supplied by Mitsubishi.

4G15 and 4G92 engines

Of the engines,

• The 1.5-litre 4G15 engine had a single overhead camshaft, three valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.2:1, while transmission options consisted of a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual; and,
• The 1.6-litre 4G92 engine had similar specifications albeit with a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and the availability of an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the fourth generation Mitsubishi Lancer (produced from 1991-95), the CC Persona hatchback was 4270 mm long, 1680 mm wide, 1385 mm tall and had a 2500 mm long wheelbase; the Persona sedan was 90 mm longer (at 4360 mm), though its other dimensions were unchanged.

The CC Persona had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with trailing arms and upper and lower lateral links.

Safety equipment

The CC Persona was not fitted with safety equipment such as airbags or ABS.

Features

Standard features for the Persona GLi included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, central locking, power windows and a rear spoiler. The XLi was further equipped with a six speaker sound system and power mirrors.

Review: Proton CC.II Persona (1999-00)

Overview

Released in August 1999, the CC Series II (CC.II) Persona featured a revised line-up and equipment levels. The CC.II Persona was solely available as a five-door hatch and an entry-level GLi variant was available with a 1.3-litre 4G13 four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Features

Standard features for the Persona GLi included a two speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser.

The Persona GLi Limited Edition was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, remote central locking and power mirrors. The Persona XLi omitted alloy wheels, but was further equipped ‘sports’ suspension and second row headrests.

Review: Proton CC.III Persona (2000-02)

Overview

Released in November 2000, the CC Series III (CC.III) Persona featured a revised line-up as the 1.6-litre models were discontinued and a range-topping XLS variant was introduced.

Safety equipment

In a first for the CC Persona range, the CC.III Persona XLi and XLS variants were fitted with a driver’s airbag.

Features

Compared to the CC.II Persona, standard features were substantially unchanged for the GLi and XLi variants. The newly introduced Persona XLS, however, was differentiated by its 14-inch alloy wheels, body kit and rear sun shade.

Review: Proton CC.IV Persona (2002-04)

Overview

Released in July 2002, the CC Series IV (CC.IV) Persona was reduced to a single variant, the GLi. The GLi was also powered by a less powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine than that which had been used in the CC.III Persona.

Safety equipment and features

The Persona GLi was fitted with a driver’s airbag; standard features included a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, central locking, tilt adjustable steering wheel, power windows and immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Proton Wira/Persona