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Proton 

Proton - Persona

 (  1996-01  )
3 / 5
+ 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
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.
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.

Best Vehicle Model

Persona Coupe

Worst Vehicle Model

Persona 2.0 SDi

Alternatives

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