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Proton Persona I Coupe 1.8 i 16V (135 Hp)
Overall Rating
Proton Persona:
The Proton Persona is a series of compact and subcompact cars produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton.
The first generation Proton Persona refers to the export name given to the Proton Wira. The first use of the 'Proton Persona' nameplate dates back to November 1993 in the British market. The original Persona was later joined by the 3-door Persona Compact, and 2-door Persona Coupé.
The second generation Proton Persona launched in August 2007. The CM series is the first Proton model to use the 'Persona' nameplate in its home market. It is based on an extended Proton GEN•2 platform, and was sold as a saloon complement to the GEN•2 hatchback. The CM Persona replaced the Proton Wira saloon in Malaysia and the C90 Persona in its export markets....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Coupe Overview:
Proton Persona (I Coupe). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1075 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 203 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 i 16V (135 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.8L 16V engine provides a respectable 135 Hp, offering brisk acceleration for its era, making it a lively performer for a compact coupe.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is moderate, with urban consumption around 11.9 l/100 km. It's acceptable for a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine from the late 90s, but not particularly efficient by today's standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive coupe styling for its segment
- • Respectable performance from the 1.8L engine (135 Hp)
- • Affordable entry into the compact coupe market
- • Mitsubishi-derived mechanicals often imply robustness
Cons:
- • Dated interior design and material quality
- • Relatively poor fuel economy compared to modern cars
- • Limited advanced safety features (typical for its era)
- • Brand perception and resale value could be a concern
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Hatchback: 1993 - 2007).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Proton |
| Model: | Persona |
| Generation: | I Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V (135 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 135 Hp @ 6500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 73.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 164 Nm @ 5500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1834 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 203 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 125.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 152.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1075 |
| Max. weight: | 1550 |
| Max load: | 475 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 400 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4220 mm [50mm less] |
| Width: | 1690 mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1360 mm [25mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2440 mm [60mm less] |
| Front track: | 1450 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Proton Persona rank in your book?