For some time, Proton was one of Britain's fastest growing marques, selling sensible and affordable cars to sensible, cost-conscious people. The new car model range has increased too, with the family-sized Persona/Wira bringing the Malaysian marque a steady stream of value-seeking buyers, whose needs can't be adequately served by the smaller Compact/Satria three-door hatch.
With sales of all these new Protons registering healthy gains until the end of 1999 (sales have nosedived so far in 2000), the number of low-mileage, pampered examples entering the used market increased at almost the same rate - great news for used family car buyers on a budget.
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History
The Persona was first introduced in November 1993 as a four-door saloon and five-door hatchback with a choice of 1.5 or 1.6-litre engines.
The 1996 model-year saw the first major changes with a package of styling revisions and the introduction of a 1.8-litre engine, as well as a new 2.0-litre diesel.
For the 1997 line-up, the company introduced new four and five-door price leaders, featuring the 1.3-litre engine from the three-door Compact range. As for the plusher end of the Persona range, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel replaced the original non-turbo unit in both four and five-door body shells, while a special edition 'Penang' appeared, with standard air conditioning.
A new two-door Coupe variant, based on an old-shape Mitsubishi Lancer coupe never sold in the UK, was launched in September 1997 with a twin camshaft, 16-valve 1.8-litre engine also made under licence from the Japanese company. It was very well equipped and the specification included Recaro front seats. A limited-edition Evolution 16v version with body kit arrived in April 1999.
The range (except the Coupe) was renamed Wira in March 2000 and the line-up revised with new Li, LXi and Lux trim designations. A twin-cam SRi version also appeared. However, old stock remained on the price list so you'll find Personas registered later in 2000.
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