It is the latest model to carry Proton's newfound 'affordable safety' USP, and all BH Persona variants have been awarded the full five-star rating by ASEAN NCAP.

The third generation Proton Persona (BH) was launched on 23 August 2016 at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

The BH Persona shares the Iriz's platform, basic structure, powertrains and interior, but its exterior design has been completely re-engineered in an effort to distinguish itself as a stand-alone model.

[2] Proton has also made several refinements to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the 1.6-litre VVT engine.

All BH Persona variants come standard with Proton's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) safety net, ECO Drive Assist, front and rear parking sensors and 15-inch alloy rims among others.

[4] The various trim levels differ mainly in terms of kit and cosmetic enhancements, and are otherwise mechanically identical with the exception of the airbag count.

[7] Of the 8,000 total figure, 45% were for the range topping Premium variant, contrary to Proton's original projections where the base model Standard was expected to be the best seller.

However, with respect to design and aesthetics, Proton has intentions to market the new Persona as a bespoke, stand-alone model, as opposed to an 'Iriz Sedan'.

[10] Additionally, the wheelbase length of the BH is 45 mm (1.8 in) shorter than the CM, but the boot volume is 80 litres (2.8 cu ft) larger.

[2] Nonetheless, the larger interior volume in the BH, made possible by short overhangs and increased height come at the expense of more balanced exterior proportions.

[2] Proton has maintained their original 'Stylish Executive' design philosophy from the CM Persona, fusing it with the newer 'Proton Wings' language first seen in the Prevé, as well as the company's new sculptured, three-dimensional badge.

[1] However, unlike the Iriz, the new Persona features more basic height-adjustable halogen reflector headlamps and bulb-lit rear lamps, in an effort to reduce costs and pricing.

[13] The BH Persona is produced in six colours, namely Carnelian Brown, Sterling Silver, Quartz Black, Fire Red, Cotton White and Graphite Grey.

[3] However, Proton did introduce several minor additions and cosmetic changes, the most prominent of which being the dual-tone colour scheme, a contrast from the all-black interior of the Iriz.

Proton has also fitted a new CVT gear lever with a side-mounted release switch and a headlight levelling dial which can be used to re-calibrate the front beam projection when the car is fully loaded.

[3] The driver's instrument cluster is largely unchanged over the Iriz, but it now features Proton's new ECO Drive Assist system, an indicator which lights up in green when the car is being driven in an economical manner.

[4] Additionally, both Executive and Premium models have two rear USB charging ports and a key fob with remote trunk release.

There are also redesigned semi-digital air-conditioner controls, X70-styled gear knob, six USB ports and new Proton logo emblem at steering.

[6] VDC is an active safety net which includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), hill-hold assist (HHA), emergency stop signal (ESS), traction control (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

Up to ten computer systems monitor all four wheels in addition to the driver's steering, throttle and braking input, in real time.

[17] Should the VDC system detect a loss of traction, the ESC and TCS components automatically apply braking pressure and reduce engine speed to prevent oversteer or understeer, ensuring that the driver remains in control.

[10] The suspension setup in the BH Persona, like the Iriz, consists of MacPherson struts with stabiliser bars at the front and torsion beam axles at the rear.

[10] In comparison, the CM Persona received MacPherson struts with stabiliser bars up front and more sophisticated multi-links at the back.

[10] In the event of a crash, the Persona's body control module (BCM) automatically unlocks all doors to facilitate an emergency exit.

The various safety features in the BH Persona helped it score the full five-star rating in its ASEAN NCAP assessment.

[18] The new BH Persona is powered by Proton's 1.6-litre VVT S4PH engine, a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC petrol unit with variable valve timing.

[1] Although the engine appears mechanically identical to its previous application in the Iriz, Proton has made further refinements for reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and improved fuel efficiency.

[3] Proton claims that the improved mounting configuration has reduced transmissions of engine vibrations into the cabin, and is six decibels quieter when compared to the equivalent Iriz model.

[3] However, Proton has refined the Punch CVT for a smoother drive, and in its latest iteration is claimed to be far more responsive and has narrowed the gap to its competitors.

The system assesses the driver's throttle input, and a green indicator on the instrument cluster will light up when the car is being driven in an economical manner.