Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic 1.6 Persona
Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic 1.6 Persona
What is it?
This is the dual-fuel version of the Proton GEN-2 Persona.
The Proton ecoLogic has a 1.6-litre petrol engine that can either run on petrol or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). In most normal uses the LPG is the default mode, except for starting up. There is no price difference between the standard Persona and this LPG version.
However, the price of LPG at the pumps is half that of petrol – so there are substantial financial benefits for drivers who clock up large distances. Company car tax is also lower than the standard petrol car – by 2% thanks to a discount for LPG cars. This remains in place until the 2011/12 tax year.
What’s hot?
- LPG conversion is at no-cost – so why bother with standard petrol…
- …When you can save at the fuel pumps with cheaper LPG
- It’s also clean: according to the Energy Saving Trust…
- …LPG emits 10% less CO2 than a comparable petrol car…
- …and 80% less NOx, and zero particulates compared to a diesel
- But it’s not all squeaky clean green stuff
- The Persona has a tenacious chassis, which is Lotus-tuned
- There’s precise steering and a sporty but pliant ride
- Engine note is nicely rorty and engagingly responsive
What’s not?
- LPG has limited outlets…so check your route for filling stations
- MPG is worse than petrol or diesel
- Grey velour interior is throwback to the eighties
- And cheap plastics push it further downmarket
- Seats are woefully unsupportive
- Awkward boot opening mechanism
- Engine drone starts to intrude on the motorway
What you need to Know?
| P11D Value: | 10,760 |
| Monthly Rental*: | n/a |
| Tax Band when posted: | 17% |
| Monthly BiK: | 31 (20%)/£61 (40%) |
| Engine: | 1.6-litre dual fuel |
| CO2 Emissions: | 157g/km |
| Power/torque: | 110bhp/109lb ft |
| Economy: | 42.8mpg |
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
Look past the dreary interior and the unfamiliar Proton nameplate and what you have here is a surprisingly engaging car to drive that’s highly responsive. And there’s the prospect of all that cheap LPG fuel, too, in a car that provides a lot of metal for the money. If you are a high mileage driver, want a low-cost car and would benefit from the low price of LPG, then the Proton is absolutely for you. If not, there are other cars that are more up to date, have better fuel economy, and a lower company car tax band than this LPG Persona.
