Melbourne show: Proton personified

PROTON’S new Persona made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show on Friday.

Built off the same platform as the Gen.2 hatch, the small sedan was presented by the director of Proton Holdings Berhad, Dato Syed Zainel. Proton chairman Dato’ Mohammed Azlan Hashim also attended the presentation, outlining the importance of the new model.

Proton did not announce pricing in Melbourne, but said the Persona would be very competitive when it goes on sale in May.

Standard equipment includes ABS brakes and dual front airbags, but electronic stability control is not available. It runs the same engine as the Gen.2 and Satria, a 82kW/148Nm 1.6-litre Campro four-cylinder.

The Persona features a 430-litre boot and a split/folding rear seat.

Proton Australia also hinted at a future performance model with the R3 Satria concept car. Still under development, the R3 should bring power and design upgrades when it comes to market.

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