2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT Review

As the demand for high-value family cars in Malaysia's B-segment sedan market continues to grow, the 2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT has become one of the mainstream choices in this segment, attracting the attention of many family users with its balanced configuration and affordable pricing. The core selling points of this car are its 5-year/150,000 km long warranty, a class-leading 510L trunk space, and standard intelligent connectivity features. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its actual performance in daily commuting and family trips matches these on-paper advantages.

From the exterior, this car follows Proton's family design language, with an overall style that leans towards a steady yet youthful vibe. The front features a large chrome grille paired with angular halogen headlights on both sides, providing high recognition. The headlights integrate daytime running lights that offer a clear visual effect when lit. The car body side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the front to the rear, complemented by 16-inch wheels, achieving a well-proportioned look. At the rear, the taillights are horizontally aligned and connected by a chrome strip, enhancing the visual width, while the black plastic surround below the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. The overall design avoids excessive exaggeration, fitting well with a family car's positioning. Whether parked in a residential area or a shopping mall parking lot, it doesn’t seem out of place.

Stepping inside, the interior design is primarily practical. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with metallic silver accents, adding a touch of sophistication. The 8-inch touch screen in the center console is the core of the interior, offering moderate resolution and smooth operation. It supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration, making it convenient for daily use like navigation and music playback. The instrument cluster features backlit mechanical dials, displaying clear information on RPM, speed, fuel level, and more. In terms of features, the most practical is the keyless entry and start system, eliminating the need to frequently search for keys when getting in and out. The front row is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, making it convenient for charging electronic devices during long journeys. The rear air conditioning vents, although not independently controlled, significantly improve passengers' comfort in the back. However, the air conditioning system is manually controlled for single zones, requiring the adjustment of knobs for temperature and fan speed, which is less convenient compared to automatic air conditioning.

Space is one of the strengths of this car. With dimensions of 4,366mm × 1,722mm × 1,564mm and a wheelbase of 2,555mm, it ranks above average among its class competitors. The front seats are manually adjustable, providing good support and wrapping. After a 175cm tall driver adjusts the seating position, there is still a fist-width of headroom. The rear space performance is equally impressive, with about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it comfortable even for three adults. The trunk capacity is 510L, with a large opening and regular shape. It can easily accommodate several suitcases or a baby stroller. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, which is practical for carrying elongated items when needed.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 109PS and peak torque at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the power response is gentle during start-up, making it well-suited for congested urban roads. When pressing the accelerator harder and revving above 3000rpm, the power output becomes more noticeable, meeting overtaking needs as long as you accelerate beforehand. The smoothness of the transmission is notable, with gear shifts causing almost no noticeable jolts, ensuring passenger comfort. There is only a standard driving mode without any selectable sport or eco modes, which may reduce some driving excitement, but for a family car, the standard mode is sufficient for daily use.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a family car. The steering wheel's precision is acceptable with minimal dead zone, providing light and easy control when changing lanes or turning, making it easy for female drivers to handle. The front suspension employs a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is not clearly specified. However, during the actual experience, the suspension absorbs most of the minor vibrations when tackling speed bumps and bumpy urban roads. However, when encountering larger potholes, rear passengers will feel noticeable bumps. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range without obvious swaying sensation. At high speeds, the car's stability is quite good, and the steering wheel gradually becomes heavier, instilling sufficient confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested in both congested city roads and highways. In city driving conditions, the fuel consumption is approximately 7.5L per 100 kilometers, while on highways it drops to below 6L. The combined fuel consumption is about 6.8L/100km, which is relatively economical for a 1.6L family car and meets the fuel efficiency expectations of family users. Regarding braking performance, the front ventilated disc brakes perform stably. The brake pedal provides a linear feel, and during emergency braking, the vehicle's posture is well-controlled without any obvious forward tilting sensation.

As for driving comfort, noise control is relatively well managed. At low city speeds, engine noise and tire noise are not noticeable. At highway speeds of around 100km/h, wind noise slightly increases but doesn't hinder normal conversations. The seat comfort is good with padding that strikes a balance between softness and firmness, ensuring long rides are not tiresome. It is also worth mentioning that the car has an excellent air conditioning system. Even in Malaysia's hot climate, it quickly cools the cabin, ensuring rear passengers remain comfortable.

In conclusion, the key advantages of the 2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT lie in its balanced space utilization, practical configurations, and fuel efficiency. The 5-year/150,000 km comprehensive warranty provides added peace of mind for users during long-term usage. Compared to other models in the same segment, such as the Perodua Bezza, it offers larger space and richer features. In comparison to the Honda City, it is more affordable and offers a higher value-for-money. This car is particularly suitable for families who prioritize practicality and economical value. It’s capable of meeting the needs of daily commutes and weekend family trips. For consumers with a limited budget but seeking a reliable family car, this is a good choice.

Overall, the 2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Executive CVT is a family car without significant shortcomings. It excels in aspects like space, configuration, fuel efficiency, and warranty, catering to the core needs of family users. While it doesn't stand out in terms of power and tech features, its performance as a practical family car has been more than satisfactory, making it one of the most recommended options in the B-segment car market.