Proton Persona Overview

The Proton Persona is a B-segment sedan based on the Proton Iriz. As a local car, it offers impressive space, comfort, and value for money. The Persona received a facelift in 2021 with cosmetic updates inside and out as well as improvements to its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Proton Persona goes against other sedans like the Honda City, Toyota Vios, and Nissan Almera.

General Information

Proton Persona Variants

The Proton Persona is available in three variants; the 1.6L Standard CVT, 1.6L Executive CVT, and 1.6L Premium CVT. All variants are powered by the same 1.6L 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Proton Persona Pricing

The price of a new Proton Persona in Malaysia starts from RM45,800 for the Standard variant, RM50,800 for the Executive, and RM55,800 for the Premium.

Colors Available

There are six colors available on the Proton Persona. However, only three colors are available on all variants, and they are Armour Silver, Rosewood Maroon, and Ruby Red. Snow White is available on all variants except Standard, Jet Grey is available on all variants except Premium, while Space Grey is exclusive to the Premium variant.

Proton Persona Basic Features

Interior

With the 2021 facelift, the Proton Persona received several interior updates as well. All variants have an Eco Drive assist with Eco Mode switch, power windows, front armrest with console box, manual air-conditioning with N95 cabin filter, and a digital air-conditioning display. The Standard and Executive variants share several interior features including a urethane steering wheel and fabric seats. Additional features on the Executive and Premium variants are steering switches for audio and hands-free telephone, a TFT multi-information display, intelligent entry with push-start button, as well as anti-trap feature on the driver window. Exclusive on the Premium variant are leatherette steering wheel and seats.

Exterior

The Standard and Executive variants share halogen headlamps, single-tone alloy wheels, and a body-color rear spoiler. The Premium variant, on the other hand, has LED auto headlamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, and a black roof with a black rear spoiler. The door mirrors with turn signal lamps on the Standard is electric with manual fold, while on the Executive and Premium, they are electric with auto fold.

Cabin Space

The dimensions of the Proton Persona are identical between variants except for the height. The Standard variant measures 4,366 mm long, 1,722 mm wide, and 1,554 mm tall, while the Executive and Premium variants are slightly taller at 1,564 mm. The Persona has a large, 510-liter boot which is the largest in class. Additionally, the Executive and Premium variants have 60:40 split-folding rear seats and remote trunk release. The latter allows users to access the boot without having to unlock the whole car.

Infotainment system

The Standard variant has a standard audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, six USB ports, and two speakers. The Executive and Premium, however, have an 8-inch touchscreen monitor infotainment system with additional smartphone connectivity and four speakers. Only found on the Premium variant are 4G and Wifi connectivity, voice command, online navigation, online music streaming, as well as online weather forecast.

Proton Persona Driving Performance

The Proton Persona is powered by a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) producing 109 PS of max power at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of max torque at 4,000 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and has a fuel consumption of 8.4 L/100 km. With its 40-liter fuel tank, it can travel up to 476 km on a single tank of fuel.

Proton Persona Safety Features

Basic safety features shared by all variants of the Persona include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Hold Assist (HHA). The Standard and Executive variant has four SRS airbags while the Premium has six. Also, the Standard only has rear parking sensors, while the Executive and Premium variants have additional front parking sensors and a reverse camera.

The Persona may not have the most advanced technologies or best level of refinement. However, it offers a lot for its price especially with its space and driving dynamics. There’s also more tech in the cabin with that came with the Proton Persona’s 2021 update. For buyers looking for an affordable family sedan that also handles well on the road, the Proton Persona is a great choice.