THE Gen2 and Persona have plenty to shout about as they have contributed much to Proton's impressive turnaround.
According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, the Proton Gen2 and Persona have ascended to the top five in the national cars segment, chalking up sales of 3,271 and 480 units respectively for January 2009.
At first glance, these two models may only appear to differ from the length of their derriere’s but in truth they are far apart as chalk and cheese, or even celery and chocolate for that matter.
While the Gen2 received the sporty treatment, the added boot space on the Persona was more than just to set the cars apart.
The hatch silhouette on the Gen2 ensured it appealed to the younger crowd while the bigger rear on the Persona made it a more viable option for the family man.
Exterior
Apart from the earlier mentioned implant-induced rear, the majority of the touches on the outside are cosmetic.
It is undeniable that the hatchly Gen2 will definitely get the second looks from the younger crowd.
Black has long been tied up with the sporty aura and giving the Gen2 CPS some subtle touches like the blacked out headlights and lower bumper garnishes go quite the distance in making it stand out together with the front and side skirting.
Spinning it 180 degrees, the rear is blessed with a decent spoiler that does not scream outlandishly. Perhaps the wheels could have been beefed up to match the sporty theme associated with the CPS version as that is something the target market will find appealing.
The Persona on the other hand reflects an image that the older family man would take a fancy to.
The Persona SE gets a few extra touches such as the blacked out headlights as well and the silver grille to keep the all-round skirting company.
At the back, a lip spoiler and the silver garnish on the boot lid handle things well although the garnish is a bit overdone in our opinion.
Interestingly though, the wheels on the Persona SE are much better looking and look like sporty wheels that the Gen2 CPS was denied.
For convenience sake, the Persona SE scores points for having a keyhole to open the boot while the driver of the Gen2 CPS will have to open it from the inside.
Also, do not forget the additional boot space that is family-oriented.
Interior
Keeping with the sporty song it sings, the Gen2 CPS gets an off-black and red interior. Even the feel of the plastics are soothing to the hand.
Being the top of the line variant, the steering gets audio controls. There are sufficient cubby holes to keep everyone happy.
All in all, the Gen2 CPS does a fine job of staying with the sporty theme. Even the leather seats hold the driver well and the fixed head design definitely adds to the sporty theme.
While not much may differ from the interior of the Persona SE as well, it does keep to its intentions as well as the Gen2 CPS.
The leather interior sticks to one colour, black, and the stitching is in white while even the automatic transmission gear fob gets the leather treatment.
Taking centre stage on both dashboards are the Blaupunkt audio systems that give excellent sound quality although MP3 capability is lacking and it is missing a preset button, having only five whereas six buttons has been the norm for some time now.
Engine
Calling the Gen2 CPS hood home is the 1.6-litre CamPro CPS that punches out a respectable 125hp and 150Nm of torque. Having put the engine through its paces, the CamPro CPS definitely has the go to match its show.
Being mated to a five-speed manual allows the driver to extract all the potential of the CPS engine.
The car is every bit capable of getting more than a go in everyday driving and when kept at sane speeds, the fuel gauge is equally rewarding.
The Persona SE on the other hand only gets the regular CamPro to call its own.
Nonetheless, the Persona was not positioned as a sporty car so it does make sense for now.
Producing 110hp and 148Nm of torque, the engine is more than able to power the Persona.
Although it may be lacking in outright power, it keeps pace with the torque that peaks much earlier.
The Persona SE only comes in four-speed slushbox guise that will probably find more fans in its customer bracket.
Driving impression
Undeniably, the Gen2 CPS exudes this eagerness to go more. The engine is willing and very rev-happy. Handling wise, it is reasonably sharp and will track decently through a bend.
Take into consideration the manual gearbox and it just adds to the sporty feel behind the wheel.
Steering feedback is present and enough to keep the driver informed of the front tyre activities.
Behind the wheel of the Persona SE, you would just want to cruise around all day as it is very comfortable.
The slushbox keeps the burden light for the driver and the cruise control will prove to be a blessing on the long family balik kampung trips.
It is definitely the more comfortable of the two, generating a soothing feeling to all the occupants.
Nonetheless, throw the car around a curvature and it will not fail. It does manage to keep the line to a certain extent.
Conclusion
Both cars have more than just a stretch setting them apart.
They have been tailored to appeal to different demographics with changes on the outside, inside and even under the skin.
One aspect that stood out was the improved quality of the whole car.
Ever since Datuk Syed Zainal Syed Mohamed Tahir took over the helm of Proton, the quality control has improved by leaps, bounds and even glides for that matter.
Everything, from the interior fitments to the exterior panels, have a more premium feel to them.
The parts are well nailed together and just by looking at the tighter gaps between the panels and fitments, this is clearly obvious.
Undoubtedly, things can only get better from here and in the end, the winners will be the consumer.
The sportier Gen2 CPS will always find a loving owner from the younger crowd while the Persona in SE guise will always make a family happy with its bigger boot space and comfort.
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