Elegance From Proton
Proton’s new Persona Elegance shows a way forward for the national auto company as unlike most other car manufacturers who try and fool the media and customers with mere plastic bits to signify a full facelift model, Proton has taken a more serious position and extended the appeal of the Persona by replacing all previous versions and introducing a new set of versions to excite Malaysians into visiting Proton showrooms. Wiith all versions come new features as well as exterior and interior trim improvements. Available with three equipment levels – Base line, Medium line and High line the Elegance selling price has only moved upwards a smidgen.
Price increases range from RM500 to RM2,600 and equipment levels have improved across all versions. Immediately the cosmetic changes in the Elegance are obvious. Front and rear changes are easily noticed with improvements in the grille, lights, bumpers and also door handles. At the rear the tail light units are new. Two new colour choices have been added, Bronze Garnet and Chiffon Green whilst Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black and Tranquility Red remain however the Red is exclusive to the High Line model only. Under the hood the ‘Elegance’ still has the same CAMPRO IAFM engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions to choose from.
Inside there is a new fabric for the upholstery of the two lower versions while the High line has leather. Plastic trim on the interior has also been improved with a more up market two tone colour and better fit. In terms of equipment, the Elegance has almost everything and the audio system now accepts a USB thumb drive.
Audio controls are on the steering wheel for the two upper versions which also get the route navigation system. The Medium Line and Highline have airbags for the driver and the latter also has one for the passenger. ABS + EBD are also available only for the High line.
Like other Protons, the Elegance comes with a 2-year/50,000 km factory warranty plus a 3-year/125,000 km extended warranty.
PRICES (manual/automatic)
Base Line : RM46,499/49,999Medium Line : RM52,999/RM55/999High Line : RM59,499 (automatic only)
