PROTONPersona 2007 - 2016

　　The Malaysian brand Proton replaced the aging Wira model in its home market with the Persona in 2007 and reshaped the company's future.

　　With the second generation of the Persona, Proton introduced the nameplate on its home market, which previously used the Wira name for the car. But, unlike its predecessor, the new model was no longer a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Lancer. Moreover, its longer wheelbase solved the problem of the rear passengers' legroom.

　　Proton hired Azlan Othman on the design team, and he shaped the Persona in a new-edge design style. Thus, the car's front got a pair of headlights bigger on the outer side, flanking a new, bolder grille. Moreover, the apron got a more aggressive stance thanks to the lower grille and the side scoops that hosted the foglamps. At the back, the carmaker chose a more affordable solution for the taillights, which were mounted exclusively on the quarter panels flanking the trunk's lid. Depending on the trim level, the Persona also received a set of light-alloy wheels, while the base version got a set of steelie wheels.

　　Inside, the carmaker offered the Persona with an option for cloth or part-leather upholstery. Even though the dashboard and the door cards were made from budget materials, they revealed Proton's struggle to keep up with the market's demands. Moreover, on the center stack, a Blaupunkt stereo showed the carmaker's concern for its customers. Last but not least, the car was available with modern amenities such as cruise control, and on the safety side, it offered a dual-airbag.

　　Under the hood, Proton installed a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. As an option, the carmaker offered an LPG version.