2019 Proton Persona: Know its alternatives

The all-new generation of the Proton Persona hit the Malaysian market back in 2016 and was based on the same platform as the new Iriz hatchback. However, despite the immense popularity of the affordable subcompact sedan, sales of the Proton Persona didn’t exactly skyrocket. This bore down to a couple of key factors such as the subpar interior quality and less-than-desirable exterior styling. But with the facelifted 2019 Proton Persona, indications are that the Persona might well transform into one of the best cars in its class.

The new 2019 Proton Persona’s improved exterior styling looks miles more appealing than before. And even though the interior is largely the same, the top trim of the new Persona does benefit from an upgraded 7-inch touch-display with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone mirroring, internet connectivity, a more up-to-date instrument cluster, and a slick leather-wrapped gear lever nicked straight from the X70 SUV. Its other features are automatic halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels, a dual-tone interior, partial leather seats, keyless entry with push-button start, a digital multi-information driver’s display, bootlid spoiler, plus front & rear parking sensors with a reversing camera.

While lower trims only get two airbags instead of the six on the top Premium variant, electronic nannies such as ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, and hill assist are standard across the range. The sedan stands at 4,387 mm in length, 1,722 mm in width, 1,554 mm in height, and its wheelbase stretches 2,555 mm. The new Persona boasts of impressive 510-litre boot capacity, one of the best-in-class. The motive force is provided by a 1.6-litre four-banger that sends 107 hp and 150 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox, or a revised CVT. The latter could yield up to 16 kmpl.

Alternative 1 – Perodua Bezza

If you’re on a tighter budget but would still like to fish around the subcompact sedan pond, the Perodua Bezza is worth taking a look at. Priced at RM 47,790 for the full-option 1.3L Advance trim, the Bezza is considerably cheaper than the new Proton Persona. Its 1.3-litre engine is a size smaller than the Proton’s, but it still manages 94 hp and 121 Nm of torque. Sent to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic, the Perodua Bezza will definitely not provide the same level of performance as the Persona, but it does return an even more impressive 21.3 kmpl on a combined cycle. It may be cheaper and more economical than the Persona, but the Bezza is not without its flaws. Even its top-spec variant only gets two airbags, and the awkward styling and smaller cabin aren’t positives, either.

Alternative 2 – Nissan Almera

If you can bump your budget by an extra RM 15,000 over the Proton Persona, the Nissan Almera (E trim) is an option. It’s obviously a larger car (4,425 mm long) and as a result, you get a more spacious cabin and some extra street cred. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre engine with 100 hp and 139 Nm of torque, and pushes all that through a 4-speed automatic transmission. It does feel dated in terms of its design and cabin equipment when compared to the Persona, but it also boasts of a far roomier cabin and better build quality. However, the low-end variant of the Nissan Almera only offers a driver’s airbag and there’s no stability or traction control.

Alternative 3 – Proton Preve

If the Nissan sounds like too much of a compromise for the money, try the Proton Preve. It’s not only less expensive than the Almera, but it’s far more powerful and offers all the safety kit that you’d expect from a car costing RM 61,000. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that chucks out 138 hp and 205 Nm of torque, all channeled through a 7-step CVT gearbox. This translates into a top speed of 190 kmph and a sub-ten second 0-100 kmph sprint. On the flipside, the Preve’s boring design and styling, along with the lack of modern features hurt its case.

Alternative 4 – Haval H1

If it’s an SUV you prefer, then the RM 62,000 Haval H1 is worth your consideration. With its jacked-up suspension and boxy styling, along with a reasonably stylish and decent interior, the H1 looks promising. Thrust comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder that makes 105 hp and 138 Nm of torque, while transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed AMT unit. It isn’t fast, but does offer the most passive and active safety features as standard.

Write down in the comments section explaining which one would you pick and why.