Apart from the Honda Accord-based Proton Perdana, Proton will be launching several other new models later this year, including the long overdue Proton Persona.
The upcoming Proton Persona, when it arrives, will be re-positioned in terms of segment. The 2016 Proton Persona will be going head-to-head against other B-segment sedans, including the Kia Rio Sedan, Honda City, Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera. The Proton Saga, on the other hand, will challenge the upcoming Perodua Sedan.
From the spyshots, it is evident that the new Proton Persona now sits on the Proton Iriz’s platform. The Persona gets design cues from the Iriz, including the door-mounted side mirrors and front quarter windows. Though not very visible, the Persona also gets the Iriz’s swept-back headlights, though with some design updates.
Moving to the back, the Persona’s rear end is all new. It does appear that the Persona gets a rather large rear diffuser piece, with what seems to be a rear fog light positioned in the centre of the diffuser piece. A large chrome strip that connects both tail lights cuts across the rear boot. Like its predecessor, the Persona’s third brake light is located inside the cabin, where the rear window touches the roof.
According to our friends at automachi, the 2016 Proton Persona could be powered by three engine choices, ranging from the 1.3 VVT, 1.6 VVT and the 1.3 Turbo. The latter was previewed at the 2015 Alami Proton Carnival, producing 142 PS and 190 Nm. Expect the Persona to be made available with a five-speed manual and CVT options.
Interested? Hold your horses. Proton has yet to officially debut the 2016 Perdana, though some speculate that the Persona could be launched at the same time as the Perdana.
Photo credit: automachi
