Reviews - Proton

Overall Rating

Persona once represented a big step forward for the Malaysian manufacturer Proton, but it's based on early Nineties Mitsubishi technology. Practical and functional, it's simply reliable low-cost family transport.

• Very cheap to buy
• Reasonable equipment for the money
• Compact 1.6 and 1.8 are quite sporty

• Characterless, anonymous and looking dated
• Lacks refinement and ride quality
• Feels a bit lightweight and cheap

At today's low prices, Persona makes some sense. The saloon and five-door hatchback are slightly squashed middleweight contenders. There's also a two-door coupe, a scarce but entertaining car for not a lot of cash. Proton used recycled Mitsubishi technology extensively in the early Nineties, which is good news on the reliability front. Persona is a Lancer (sort of). The Persona models fall short on space and refinement compared with mid-market rivals such as Mondeo and Laguna. Driving a Persona won't raise your pulse rate, but the engines are willing enough and handling is predictable and assured.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: Persona Coupe

Worst Models: Persona 2.0 SDi

Replacement: by Wira in mid-2000

• Hyundai Lantra (1995-01)
• Mitsubishi Carisma
• Seat Cordoba (1994-99)