Insurance Group: 16
MPG: 41.5
CO2: 161
0-62 Mph: 14.3 secs
BHP: 110 BHP
Range: N/A miles
PROS: The Proton GEN-2 1.6 Persona ecoLogic Auto 4dr is a saloon that is more sophisticated than the hatchback version. The ecologic 1.6 engine runs on either petrol or LPG translating to savings on fuel costs. It’s very affordable.
CONS: The interior is a big disappointment. The engine and gearbox are noisy. The engine is slow and does not offer an engaging drive.
The 1.6 litre engine was developed for a model that can comfortably cruise at speed. This version is an automatic 4-speed gearbox saloon more popular to mature drivers. The ecologic or dual-fuel version engine runs on both petrol and LPG. Performance is generally ok but the engine is at its best at higher speeds.
Solid road grip is key to the ride of the Proton GEN-2, enabling it to take corners with ease and minimal body roll. However, though the steering is quick, it lacks the necessary weight and feel of rivals such as the Ford Focus. Refinement is not great and wind and road noise can be rather intrusive, particularly at speed.
The Proton GEN-2 is fitted with a 1597 cc engine with 4-cylinders and 16-valves. It reaches 62 mph in 14.3s and tops the speedometer at 115mph. The ecologic engine produces 110 bhp at 6000 rpm of power and 109 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.
The dual-fuel model is not more expensive than the conventional version. The interior quality of the Proton GEN-2 1.6 Persona ecoLogic Auto has improved but it is still not on par with its rivals. For the most part, it looks cheap because of the use of poor plastics. The dashboard is well-laid out but the buttons and knobs are quite fiddly. However the same buttons and knobs are easy to read and are quite functional.
The Proton GEN-2 saloon has a trim level with a respectable amount of equipment. It is fitted with air-conditioning, electric mirrors, electric front and rear windows, MP3/iPod connectivity, split/fold seats, a rear boot spoiler and front foglights. The automatic gearbox is a cost option. Other options are metallic paint and leather seats.
The Proton GEN-2 1.6 Persona ecologic features a respectable level of practicality and safety equipment. The roofline is sloping and that gives this version limited headroom but there’s enough space in the front and rear seats. The boot has decent size and shape. It has 430 litres of storage with the seats up and around 860 litres with the seat down.
The Proton GEN-2 has a braking system composed of ABS and a string of electronic braking distribution which makes this version very stable when heavy breaking occurs. Missing though is stability control. The Proton GEN-2 saloon has quite a strong body shell with a petrol tank that has been positioned on the centre of the car’s shell to lessen the risk of damage. The usual air bags, Isofix and belt pre-tensioners are inclusive. Security kit such alarm, immobiliser, remote and central locking are also included. Deadlocks are not standard.
The overall build quality of this model is disappointing. The engine’s reliability still remains to be seen. The Proton GEN-2 is covered with a 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years roadside assistance coverage.
Priced at £11,995, Proton GEN-2 1.6 Persona ecologic surely undercuts many of its competitors. It has a combined mpg of 41.5 thanks to its dual-fuel system. Its CO2 emission rating is 161g/km, under insurance group 16 and Road Tax Band G which indicates fairly cheap running costs for the class.
The GEN-2 is certainly far from being a class leader but undoubtedly offers great value for money for what it is. However, depreciation is heavy so don't expect good resale values.
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