- Economical 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- Manual transmission
- Large boot
- Automatic transmission blunts performance
- Limited safety equipment: no side airbags, curtain airbags, traction control or ESC
- Cheap interior plastics
Overview
Released in May 2008, the Proton CM Persona was a small, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Malaysia, the CM Persona was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder S4PH CamPro petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
The Persona range initially consisted of the GX variant, but was expanded in March 2009 with an entry-level G variant (when the engine also received a slight power increase). In April 2012, the G and GX variants were replaced by a single Elegance variant; visually, the Elegance variants were distinguished by their blacked-out headlight surrounds and rectangular lower grille.
Compared to the CM Gen.2 hatchback , with which the CM Persona shared its platform, the Persona was 167 mm longer (at 4477 mm) and 3 mm taller (1438 mm), though width (1725 mm) and wheelbase length (2600 mm) were unchanged. The CM Persona had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars).
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX | 2008-09 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
82 kW at 6000 rpm | 148 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| G, GX |
2009-12 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
88 kW at 6500 rpm | 148 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Elegance | 2012-13 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
88 kW at 6500 rpm | 148 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the CM Persona included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners; the GX and Elegance variants were further with ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
Features
Standard features for the Persona G included 15-inch steel wheels with 195/65 R15 tyres, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Persona GX was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured side protection mouldings; compared to the GX, the Persona Elegance was further equipped with a USB audio input.
Brochure
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