Proton Persona sedan 2008 review

For Proton to be competitive the price needs to be $14,990 instead of the list $16,990 which is only a grand short of a Nissan Tiida.

You can argue that it comes with more year than a Tiida until you're blue, but in the end most people would rather buy a Japanese designed car.

THE GOOD:

Built in Malaysia. Sedan version of the Satria hathback. 1.6-litre four cylinder Campro engine produces 82kW of power and 148Nm of torque from 4000rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 6.6 litres/100km (we were getting 7.3). Handles okay thanks to input from Lotus which is owned by Proton. A long equipment list includes two airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, temperature controlled air, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking with boot release and 15 inch alloy wheels with Goodyear rubber. Asymmetric layout of centre instrument console shows some artistic flair. Bonuses include a biggish boot, trip computer and rear parking sensors.

THE BAD:

Comes out of a modern factory but the finish is not as good as competitors. Especially noticeable inside the boot where exposed speaker wiring could easily be damaged. Ticks all the right boxes but lacks even a hint of excitement. Boxing above its weight in terms of the engine department. Misses out on the cam profiling promised by the engine name. Performance okay but suffers from a lack of torque. Doesn't get going until you have at least 3500rpm on the dial. Takes pricier 95 RON premium unleaded too with no apparent gains. Steering wheel is rough on the hands. MP3 compatible CD sound with a handy 12 volt outlet but no AUX input for iPods. Only a space saver spare.

THE DECISION:

It's time Proton acknowledged its position in the market place and started to price its cars accordingly. How can it hope to sell more than a sprinkling of cars if it is not competitive?