17^th November, 2000

Persona gets equipment and engine upgrades

Proton has used the Sydney International Motor Show to unveil an upgraded Persona model line-up, offering better value for money and higher levels of standard equipment.

One of the major features of the model upgrade is the availability, for the first time on the Persona, of a driver’s side SRS airbag.

A new sportier version of Persona, the XLS, has been introduced featuring a factory fitted full body kit alloy wheels and drivers airbag.

The XLS joins the Persona GLi and XLi as part of the new Proton line-up in offering what the Malaysian carmaker describes "the highest levels of fuel economy and value for money with an impressive standard equipment list and new reduced prices".

Prices for Persona have been cut by up to $2500, making it not only the most economical five-door hatch but also the best value.

The XLi and XLS come standard with air conditioning, colour coded exterior body hardware including mirrors and bumpers, alloy wheels, driver’s air bag, power windows, central locking, engine immobiliser, rear washer/wiper, adjustable steering wheel, Blaupunkt sound system, full instrumentation, and height adjustable driver’s seat.

The Persona XLi will retail for $16,750 in manual form while the XLS has a retail price of $18,290, further underlining their value for money credentials.

With a retail price of $14,950, the Persona GL 1.3 manual is arguably Australia¹s best-priced five-door hatch.

Proton has a solid track record of providing extensive equipment in their cars at affordable prices but the new models take this philosophy a step further, according to Proton Cars Australia national sales manager Bill Gillespie.

"Currency advantages, production efficiencies and a power plant alteration have enabled us to reduce prices and increase value with the Persona line-up, " said Mr Gillespie.

"Apart from metallic paint there are virtually no other options available because everything is standard equipment."

Persona XLi and XLS are powered by a 1.5L, SOHC, multi point fuel injected, 12 valve, four cylinder offering maximum power of 66kw at 6000rpm and 126Nm of torque at 3000rpm.

Already an acknowledged record breaker in fuel economy testing, the new Persona goes a step further with the 1.5L engine.

Proton engineers selected gearing to take maximum advantage of the engine’s power and torque while retaining the fuel economy for which Persona is renowned.

Persona five door shattered the Australian fuel economy record for its class last August (and come close to breaking the outright record held by an 800cc micro car) when it completed an across-Australia economy run with an average fuel consumption of just 3.5 litres per 100kms.

Driven by fuel economy specialists Bruce Constable and Richard Whitford, the economy run was supervised throughout by an observer from the Royal Automobile Club of WA.