Persona GLi models use the same 1.5-litre, single camshaft, 12- valve engine as Mitsubishi's Mirage and Lancer

XLi sedan and hatchback get a 83kW, 1.6-litre, single camshaft, 16-valve engine

The 1.5-litre engines are available with five-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearbox. Four-speed electronically- controlled automatic is only available on 1.6-litre versions

The belt-driven overhead camshaft helps reduce mechanical noise

The Persona is available in four-door sedan or five-door hatchback versions

Front-end treatment with central "beak" identifies Persona from Mitsubishi Lancer

The instrument panel has a different crashpad shape to Lancer but instruments and controls are basically the same

Stainless steel is used for the rear muffler to give a long service life

GLi models are fitted with drum brakes while XLi uses solid rear disc brakes

Ventilated front disc brakes

Independent MacPherson strut front suspension

Rear suspension is designed with "passive" steering to improve stability when cornering

Engine-speed sensitive power steering is standard on GLi and XLi

Independent strut-style rear suspension with trailing arms and upper and lower lateral links

All models are fitted with a Blaupunkt sound system. The 1.5-litre versions have four speakers while 1.6-litre models use a six-speaker system

Headlights can be adjusted from inside the car to compensate for varying passenger and luggage loads

Hatchback versions are fitted with a rear spoiler as standard