Insurance Group: 7
MPG: 42.8
CO2: 157
0-62 Mph: 12.0 secs
BHP: 110 BHP
Range: 471 miles
PROS: The 1.6-litre engine is quick enough for most people's driving needs, and the ecoLogic can run on either LPG or petrol, potentially resulting in significantly lower fuel costs.
CONS: Poor build quality, poor refinement, lack of interior space.
The GEN-2's 1.6-litre engine develops 110bhp at 6000rpm and 109lb-ft of torque. However, it is extremely coarse and noisy, especially at higher revs.
The ride is pretty decent and the handling is fairly good thanks to the Lotus-developed chassis. However, the Proton still can't match its European rivals for driving enjoyment. The GEN-2's refinement is absolutely shocking. In addition to the engine noise, wind and road noise are evident even at moderate speeds, making the cabin very uncomfortable indeed.
The saloon Persona ecoLogic comes with its own unique trim level, different from that of the Hatchback body style. On top of the basic GLS trim including twin front airbags, air-conditioning, electric front windows and alloy wheels, the saloon is equipped with a rear boot spoiler, electric rear windows, front fog lamps and electric mirrors.
Although the cabin’s styling is neat and contemporary, it feels very cheap and the quality if the plastics is very low indeed. Many of the control feels weak and flimsy too, and will probably break if you're not careful with them.
There's plenty of legroom in both the front and rear, but the steeply sloping roofline compromises headroom. The boot has a decent size and shape, offering 430-litres with the rear seats up and 860-litres with the rear seats down.
The car comes with twin front airbags and anti-lock brakes but side airbags are unavailable which is pretty poor by modern standards.
The Proton doesn't feel very well built but it is offered with a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty as standard.
The GEN-2 1.6 Persona ecoLogic Auto 4dr is relatively well priced at £11,995 but resale values will be very poor indeed.
The 1.6 engine has average fuel consumption of 41.5mpg (combined) and the car falls under group 16 for insurance and road tax band category G. Running the car on LPG will save you money but if you really want to save cash, you're better off buying a hybrid or a vey economical diesel car.
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