Spotted - Facelifted Proton Persona

Because Proton’s volumes are lower than the big boys, it has typically had to extend a model’s production run in order to get the necessary economies of scale. Seven to ten years or more seems to have been the norm before although Proton’s MD has said that model changes will be done more frequently because the market is competitive. Perhaps not five years that is typical for companies like Toyota but not as long as ten years either.
 
It’s coming up to almost two and a half years since the Persona, one of Proton’s best-selling models, was launched and for the big players, it would be about time for a mid-term facelift of a model to freshen its looks, and incorporate all the running changes made since the original launch of the model. 
 
A MTM reader (thank you!) recently spotted this prototype of a Persona in a basement carpark in Putrajaya and from the tradeplate (which we have blanked out), it is certainly from Proton as we’ve seen that particular number before on another Proton prototype. That some areas are taped over is a clear indication that it has cosmetic differences which Proton does not want the public to see yet. 
 

The thing is (and I have often told this to Tengku Azizan, who manages the prototype testing team) that taping up the car only attracts attention, especially from enthusiasts. If the model is only having cosmetic changes and retains the same overall profile, then leaving it uncovered may attract less attention. With so many after-market bodykits and accessories (even LED lights for the Satria Neo that are like the ones in the latest Audi A4!), many people may assume the 'new look’ is some adventurous owner who has personalized his car. There was a time I even suggested that prototypes with a new design be given the badge of another make to fool people!
 
Anyway, back to this facelifted Persona. As the pictures show, the main changes are in the grille area which is closer to that of the Gen2 with the grille flowing into the bumper. The bumper has a new profile too, matching the restyled grille area. It looks exactly like the same bumper as the Gen2, and could be one way Proton is reducing costs by using the same part for both models. 
 
At the rear, the uncovered areas of the rear lights suggest that the circular theme of the current light units is dropped and there will be more conventional shapes, probably with the running/brake lights occupying the entire upper half. 
 

Other than that, little else can be seen on the exterior that is different and unfortunately, shots of the inside were not provided so we can’t say if there are any significant changes.
 
This facelifted version could be in the showrooms during Q1 2010, I suspect; the fact that it was in Putrajaya could mean that it is going through homologation at JPJ which means it is already a finished product.

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