Proton Persona: Reasons to buy

Unlike earlier times, when a model would live through a particular generation for a longer span, the newer vehicles get a quick refresh, increasing the frequency of updates before they move into the next generation. A mid-life facelift is usually rolled out sooner than expected, sometimes with mild updates, or in some cases with comprehensive changes to stay alive amid cut-throat competition. While Malaysia sees a plethora of launches every year, most of the new releases comprise facelifts of existing models. One of our home-born auto manufacturers, Proton is at the fore in the local market with a variety of vehicles catering to different customer base.

The Persona is primarily a sedan version of the Iriz hatchback, which received a facelift in March 2019 after it was previewed publicly in Malaysia. An updated design language is among one of the major changes seen on the sedan apart from other additions which improve it over the previous model. It continues to source power from the same unit from the pre-update version with an option of a manual and a CVT gearbox. While there are several reasons that make the car a good buy, here are some reasons which may compel you to make it your next car if you are planning to change your vehicle.

Proton Persona Specifications and Engine Details

Engine	1.6-litre, four-cylinder
Power	109 PS
Torque	150 Nm
Transmission	5-speed MT/CVT

Under the hood, the Proton Persona comes with a four-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum power of 109 PS and 150 Nm torque. This unit is available with a conventional five-speed manual gearbox and an automatic continuous variable transmission.

Affordable pricing

Pricing is one of the primary factors that drive a car’s sale, and provide it with an easy start in the segment. As for the Proton Persona price, it has been tagged modestly with the base trim available at RM 42,600. Speaking of standard features, it packs halogen lights, door mirrors with auto fold function, rear spoiler, LCD MID, power windows, height adjuster for driver’s seat, standard audio with Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers and USB ports, etc.

Aggressive front styling

The face is built in tandem with Proton’s new design tenet with a thin chrome lining, adorning the new grille featuring Proton’s Ethereal Box and Infinite Wave pattern. It meets with the pulled-back halogen headlamps that come with Follow Me Home Function, and indicators at the edge of the unit. The upright bonnet features sharp creases and the bumper houses large inlets along with LED daytime running lights on the lower end. Moving to the side, the wheels now sport newly designed rims, and electric side mirrors with auto fold function. At the back, there is a proton lettering, mundane tail-lamps and modish bumper with side skirts.

Larger dimensions

While Perona witnesses cosmetic tweaks for enhanced appearance, it also undergoes dimensional changes. This means it has grown in size over the previous version. It now measures 4,362 mm in length, 1,722 mm in width, and 1,554 mm in height. The cabin I stretched on a long wheelbase of 2,555 mm which provides ample space for the occupants at both ends with comfortable legroom and knee space.

Premium interior

Besides comfort, the cabin features premium styling, thanks to the use of good quality materials and trims. The seats continue to feature semi-leather covers for a plush look. There is also a push start button inside for the convenience of driver along with a bunch of other goodies that enrich the ride and driving experience.

Spacious boot

A spacious boot is a must in a car, especially if you have a large family and travel together. With increase in dimensions, the new sedan now offers a large cargo volume of 510-litre, spacious enough to accommodate three-four bags.

Large touchscreen display

The talking point inside is the large 7.0-inch display. Most of the modern vehicles get a touchscreen display, and Persona is no exception. The car also benefits from a TFT multi-info display with ECO Drive Assist which provides basic information such as mileage, petrol level style and trip meter.

Advanced connectivity features

The Proton Persona specs sheet also includes an e-sim that keeps the occupants connected to the outer world while on the move. While the touchscreen infotainment unit misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it benefits from voice command, navigation, Bluetooth, 4G Wi-Fi online music streaming.

Safety suite

The standard safety features on the entire line-up consists of driver side airbag, co-passenger airbag, rear seat ISOFIX & top tether anchorage, anti-lock-braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Other features that are standard include electronic stability control. Traction control system, hill hold assist, two front & rear parking sensors, impact sensing door unlock and immobiliser & anti-theft alarm.

In addition, the reverse camera with dynamic lines are available with Executive and Premium variants. On the other hand, the side and curtain airbags come only with the top-spec Premium grade.

ASEAN Crash Tested safety

The ASEAN crash test entity, designed to conduct safety tests on vehicles granted Proton Persona with an impressive five-star rating. Interestingly, all the variants in the line-up have been bestowed with a 5-star rating. Packed with a host of active and passive safety tech, the sedan is well shielded to ward off any accident, preventing the occupants from major injuries.

Proton Persona Price in Malaysia

The sedan is available in four variants including Standard MT, Standard CVT, Standard Executive CVT and Premium CVT. There is a solo manual unit with the base trim, while rest of the grades are connected to the CVT unit. The difference in cost in the base and top-spec variant is around RM 12,000, as for the remaining trims, the prices across the range are mentioned in the table below.

Variant	Price
Proton Persona Standard MT	RM 42,600
Proton Persona Standard CVT	RM 44,600
Proton Persona Executive CVT	RM 49,600
Proton Persona Premium CVT	RM 54,600

The Proton Persona is a well-rounded package with appealing looks and an efficient engine. Another factor that works well in its favour is the comfortable cabin and affordable pricing.

Also Read: 2019 Persona base vs. Bezza top variant: Which one should you buy?