JUST ANNOUNCED
Proton Gen2 Persona
Prices £10,795
On sale End of the month
What’s different? It’s a four-door saloon version of Proton’s
Gen2 hatchback that’s been nibbling at the edges of the established family
hatch market for nearly four years. It’s available with only one engine (a
110bhp 1.6 litre petrol), but for £800 more you can have it as an auto
Why should I care? Despite its reasonable looks and handling, in most
other regards the original, noisy, tinny and cramped Gen2 was miles off the
class pace when new in 2004. Making it slightly less practical by replacing
the hatchback with a boot is unlikely to boost its appeal much. But if you
order one now you’ll get £1,000 off the list price, so at least it will be
cheap
Consider also Ford Focus 1.6i Titanium £16,045, Mazda 3 1.6TS £13,340,
Renault Mégane 1.6 Expression £14,730
JUST ANNOUNCED
Honda Accord
Prices £19,250-£26,650
On sale June 1 (saloon)
What’s different? It may look familiar but this Accord is new
from the ground up. As before, there will be two petrol engines and one
diesel – the big-volume seller. Automatic transmission will be
available initially only with petrol power. An estate follows in September
Why should I care? The old Accord was an excellent car that didn’t feel
in need of replacing. Nevertheless Honda proudly admits to having used the
BMW 3-series as its benchmark for driving dynamics for this one, so hopes
are high that it will prove both practical and an excellent drive. Honda now
believes it has a product that’s worthy of taking on the premium German
brands. Time alone will tell if it is right
Consider also BMW 3-series £21,135-£36,450, Ford Mondeo
£15,895-£23,145, Volkswagen Passat £15,675-£26,365
