Overview
After a small sabbatical of few years, Proton has decided to bring back the ‘Persona’ nameplate in the form of an all-new sedan, which is positioned between Saga and Preve, as a more premium alternative of the Saga. Based on a stretched form of Iriz hatchback, the Persona has been designed keeping the urban youth in mind. The entry-level sedan is available in a total of four different variants – Standard MT, Standard CVT, Executive CVT, and Premium CVT. With a starting price of RM 42,600, the Persona is being offered in a total of five color options – Rosewood Maroon, Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, and Ruby Red.
Interior & Features
Like the front fascia on the outside, the overall dashboard too sees a lot of inspiration from the Iriz, as it is a complete replica of that of the latter.
This means that the overall cabin has a modern and mature flair in its layout. The three-spoke steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control on it as well as informative instrument console looks sober. However, the 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with vertical and trapezoidal AC vents at the center make the center console looks big and wide.
The Persona is well equipped with features like push-button start, driver seat height adjustment, and electrically adjustable and rear view mirrors. However, we would have loved to see a few more premium comfort and convenience features like a sunroof and automatic climate control to justify its premium positioning over the Saga.
The Proton Persona also excels when it comes to passenger comfort, with adequate levels of knee room and legroom to accommodate tall people with ease.
Exterior
Compared to the Saga above which it is positioned, the Persona definitely has an essence of premium feel, with the overall design looking much more youthful and trendy.
The frontal fascia of the Proton Persona looks very similar to the range starting hatchback, the Iriz, with the sedan sharing its headlamps and wide front grille with the latter. However, the Persona comes with a distinctive chrome garnish on the front grille, thus forming a more prominent and mature chin. The Persona lacks the presence of projector headlamps, which is gradually becoming a norm in this segment, however, the daytime running LEDs are positioned on the front bumper.
The side profile of the Persona looks much more aerodynamic and modern compared to that of the Saga. A very prominent curve flowing from the front fender to the rear fender on the upper portion of the doors and door mounted rear view mirrors do give it a sporty stance when viewed sideways. However, we do wish that the alloy wheel design could have been better. At the rear, the Proton Persona comes with rather rounded tail lamps and a black colored thin lip above the boot lid.
Ride & Handling
Under the monocoque frame of the Proton Persona, the sedan gets Macpherson struts with stabilizer at the front and torsion beam at the rear. With a minimum turning radius of just 5.0m, the Proton Persona is a very easy car to maneuver in city traffic. The suspension too is set on a gentler side to impart a supple ride quality.
Engine & Fuel Consumption
The only powertrain option in the Proton Persona, for the time being, is the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the choices of a 5-speed manual and CVT gearboxes which are available in the Iriz hatchback as well. Here in the Persona, the engine develops a maximum power output of 109 PS and a peak torque output of 150 Nm.
Braking & Safety
While the Persona might not be too excellently equipped in terms of comfort and convenience features, it does impress with its safety equipment list. The sedan comes equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, reverse parking camera with sensors, engine immobilizer and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
Verdict
With a more modern and sporty design, the Persona justifies its premium positioning over the Saga as a bigger and more trendy entry-level sedan. However, at the same time, Proton could have used this opportunity to make it a better-equipped car with more features on board as well. Nevertheless, the car proves its practical side with decent performance, easy maneuverability, and comfortable ride quality.
Proton PersonaRM 42,600 - RM 54,600VS
