1998 Proton Persona Compact GLi review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has gone wrong with this car!

The tap-pits are slightly loose, but that is not a major problem- just a bit of a rattle (sounds quite pretty), and it is a quick job to fix!

There is a tiny tear on the right-hand side of the drivers seat (on the seam), however, the last owner had it sewn up, and it is not noticeable, for ease of cleaning I have put covers over the seats any way.

The drivers side window, can be difficult to shut- as it gets stuck, and has to be pushed backwards to carry on shutting. (I think it is just one of the pulley things are a-bit loose) And it is not much of a problem at all!

Apparently services are quite expensive, due to Proton not being a common car in this country; however, I found parts to be a good price, and in many cases, Mitsubishi Colt parts will fit! (In the engine)

This car is amazing. My last car (although it is amazing, and an ideal 1st car) (1.4 Corsa LS) resembles a slug next to a thorough-bread when put alongside this car. It does the same to mum's 1.9d Clio!

It is quite fuel efficient (around town, in constant traffic) I get around 35mpg (The log book says it will do LESS than this! And on open roads, it is very fuel efficient.

It sticks to the road like glue, even around corners, (it resembles my classic mini on this, so that shows how good it is!)

It doesn't have power steering- but this is not a disadvantage at all, it is so light, and small that it can be maneuvered in even a tiny space with ease.

From standstill, its acceleration is amazing- 0-60 in about 8 seconds on a slight up-hill. (Not that I would do that--- it scares me!)

Inside, it is very roomy, and the seating position is extremely comfortable. The height adjustable steering wheel makes it even better, as it can be changed to suit individual drivers.

It is a shame that the back seats are a 50/50 split, not a 40/60, but once again, not a major problem, as the boot is large.

Behind the engine, is Mitsubishi, (and apparently Lotus on some models.) This results in amazing performance for a small (ish) engine.

The body is that of a Mitsubishi colt (the thing that drew me to the car) just the boot is slightly rounder on the proton. Even the glass in the windows has the Mitsi sign on it, as does the petrol cap.

I have been told by a person I know who has the exact same car, that his has been a perfect car for many years, and has been in water up to 2', had a car go in to the side of it, and had much more abuse, and it is still going strong! Mine, has obviously had a graze the passenger side, and has had a re-spray, but it was strong enough not to dent, and looks fine.

The car is very impressive, both in looks and performance!

There is a slight down-fall in the insurance however... For a young guy - it is rather pricey! I looked it up for my boyfriend, as he likes he car, and it was between around £3000 and £8000 for third party, fire and theft. On the up-side, for me it is only £100 more than my corsa was, and that's for fully comp. (Advantage of being a girl.) It does however cost around £100 more than the equivalent Mitsi colt to insure, but the buying price of one of these is much less (generally) so also, not a major problem.