We just got back from the launch of the facelifted Proton Pesona,which is officially called the Proton Pesona Elegance.Available in three trim levels-Base Line,Medium Line and High Line-the Pesona Elegance is powered by the familiar 1.6 litre Campro IAFM engine at 110 bhp at 6500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm.Buyers can choose between a 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual,but the high line model comes with the auto box.
Although output remains, the Campro IAFM in the Pesona Elegance comes with a new 32 bit ECU from Continental,which also supplied the previous 16 bit version.According to a Proton Source, the new 32 bit ECU has more capabilities compared to the older 16 bit version-capable of more inputs,you can configure more parammeters,and it can also interconnect with more systems such as "talking" to a Body Control Module such as the one in the Exora.
It is more of a future proofing and cost effectiveness move.Torque and power output remains the same as before.Firstly,Siemens VDO have been moving their global ECU manufacturing to 32 bitbeing the minimum,so it is not feasible for Proton to continue ordering 16 bit ECUs when the 32 bit version can be had at a far more competitive price.This move is also in preparation for the new project Phoenix engine that we will soon see in Protons,which will require the capabilities of the new ECU.
The changes go beyond just an aesthetic make over.We already know theres a new bodykit,front grille,bumpers and new LED tail lamps.But beyond that here's whats different:
:the seat back rest has been changed to offer better comfort
:Extra Sound Proofing material added to pillars to improve interior NVH
:Despite power output and torque being the same,a source has indicated that the engine should feel livelier and more responsive.
As for the exterior,there are a couple of notable changes. From previous reveals,Proton Elegance comes with a new lamp cluster,now with LED brake lights.The 9 LEDs are arranged in 2 rows:4 up and 5 down.All trims except for the Base Line come with a bodykit,slim rear spoiler and foglamps,although the turning lamps on the side mirrors(illuminates in a cool lighy bar form)and chrome door handles are standard across the board.
Up front,the face lifted Persona uses the same nose as the Gen2 CPS along with it's "black out" headlamp housing,but with a different grille design.The Proton logo and it's wings is pushed up to the top of the grille while the Gen 2 CPS has a central emblem.The 15 inch rim design is also new,akthough the 195/60 size of the tyres are also unchanged.As before,the Base Line makes do with steel rims and hubcaps.Inside,the most apparent change is the replacement of the previous custom designed audio head unit for a conventional single DIN unit,once again by Blaupunkt.The USB compatible unit should be easier to operate than before with minimal and larger buttons,and all trims but the Base Line get steering wheel controls.The meter cluster graphics are also "new", now with white nimbering and red needles plis a red inner ring ,much more "premium" looking than the plain orange dials used before.Proton also says that the angle of rear seat jas been changed for improved comfort.
Medium and High Line cars get a GPS navigation set stuck on the windscreen, the driver's seat height adjuster and electric side mirrors.Only the High Line gets leather seats and trim(Base and Medium Line Sports a new fabric material) cruise control and remote release for the trunk.
Safety kit wise,the High Line comes with ABS and EBD, 2 airbags and 2 pretensioner seatbelt,while the Base Line gets none of the above.
The prices are as follows:
Base Line (M): RM 46,499
Base Line(A): RM 49,499
Medium Line (M): RM 52,999
Medium Line(A): RM 55,999
High Line (A): RM 59,499
Protons latest is available in two new colours -Chifon Green and Bronze Garnet-in addition to silver and black.Brilliant Red is a colour exclusive to the High Line.Now in showrooms and ready for booking,the Personna Elegance comes with a 2 year programme / 50,000 km extended warranty programme-thats a total of 5 years.
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