Essential Motoring 101

Launched in November 2007 in Thailand, the GEN2 was finally unveiled in KL today. Packed with many upgrades and fixes based on the feedback from previous GEN2 owners, the new hatchback now is much better in terms of power and comfort. So what is the difference between the previous and this new GEN2? Let’s find out together.

ENGINE

The mother of all upgrades is the Campro engine. Unlike before, the GEN2 now is available in 1.6L engines with 2 options - with CPS (Cam Profiling System) or with IAFM ( Intake Air-Fuel Manifold). The former was fitted in the new Proton Saga and was proven to be very powerful and fuel efficient. The CPS in the Campro engine apparently completes Proton’s years of research in developing its own engine, and will be the ultimate engine to be used in Proton’s future models.

The CPS solved the big ‘hole’ in the torque curve of the Campro engine that it suffered since the debut of the GEN2 about 3 years ago. It gives better pick up during city driving. Smoother gear change especially for the automatic tranny; no more useless ’searching’ for the right gears at different speeds. Overtaking will be easier when flooring the pedal for power on demand. Cruising on highways would be a breeze too.

In technical terms, the CPS engine gives 15 more horses at 125hp, compared to previous at 110hp. Torque is improved from 149Nm/rpm to 150Nm/rpm. Say bye bye to low-end speed lagging!

INTERIOR

The dashboard and upholstery are themed in black with red strips. Starting from the meter display, it now features a multi-function digital display that features an integrated clock, odometer, tripmeter, DTE (distance to empty) readings, AFC (average fuel consumption) meter and journey time. All these are displayed one at a time and is flipped via pressing the knob. This has already been fitted in the Proton Persona and is now available for the GEN2.

The steering wheel is wrapped with leather, with black colour on the top half and red on the lower hemisphere. Quite sporty feeling when I grip it though.

The dashboard is all-black but centered with a dark grey console where the unsightly clock is no longer there. Gear stick (for manual tranny) is shorter than the Persona and it gives the driver the short-shifting feeling when engaging/disengaging gears. The ball of my hand fits snugly onto the knob too.

Ah, yes, the dashboard is FINALLY fitted with a glove box! Nothing to shout about on the litres it is able to contain but at least the basic feature of a car with a glovebox is met. Again, it uses the same as the Persona’s. Of course, air bags were at its usual places - single airbag for driver in the medium line variant, and dual air bags for the high line.

The seats at the rear are foldable for added boot space when necessary.

EXTERIOR

The new GEN2 comes with new bumpers and bigger air vents in the center for better engine cooling. The headlamps are more sporty with black bezels for that meaner look. The wheels are 15″ alloy rims with Silverstone rubbers, rear and side skirts, side sills and a new rear spoiler are the few enhancements featured.

SAFETY

The High line variants is fitted with anti-lock braking system (ABS) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution, dual air bags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

The new GEN2 is the sporty version of the Persona and is targeted to the younger drivers in the market. According to Proton’s MD at the launch, the GEN2 is targeted to produce at 2,000 units per month. It is available in 4 colours -Nanbu, Hibiscus, Iridescent white and Metal grey.

Here is a video of the new GEN2 CPS :

The price?High line 1.6L (CPS) - RM60,488 (auto) and RM57,488 (manual)
Medium line 1.6L (IAFM) - RM56,488 (auto) and RM53,488 (manual)The new GEN2 is available at your nearest showrooms from 5th March 2008 onwards. A test drive report will be featured soon. Stay tuned to Andymervingeorge.com to find out!