2023 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT Review

The B-segment sedan market in Malaysia has always been a core choice for family users and young commuters. Vehicles in this segment should balance daily practicality with configuration and price — the 2023 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT specifically targets this demand. As a core sedan under the Proton brand, it not only continues the brand’s tradition of high cost-performance but has also made targeted upgrades in terms of safety features and smart functions. In this test drive, we will evaluate whether it can hold its ground among competitors in the same segment.

From the exterior, this car adopts a steady and elegant design, with overall lines that are simple and smooth, without excessive flashy elements. At the front, the large grille is paired with chrome accents and integrates with the sharp LED headlights on both sides, providing good recognition; the side profile features a waistline that stretches from the fender to the rear, enhancing the visual impression of length. The 16-inch wheel design is decent and is complemented with 185/55 R16 tires, aligning well with the positioning of this class. The LED taillights at the rear are horizontally arranged, creating a clear effect when illuminated, and the small spoiler on the trunk lid adds a touch of sportiness. It’s worth mentioning that automatic headlights and daytime running lights are standard, providing sufficient convenience for everyday use.

Entering the interior, the overall color tone is predominantly dark, and the center console layout is clear, with a low learning curve. The 8-inch central screen supports touch controls, and while it is not particularly flashy in appearance, it responds decently; the voice control feature allows users to adjust the air conditioning, reducing distractions from manual controls while driving. The steering wheel is multifunctional, with well-organized buttons that are convenient to use; the instrument cluster still features traditional backlit dials, displaying information such as RPM and speed in an intuitive manner, which may actually be more practical for users who dislike fully digital panels. The seats are manually adjustable and made of a combination of fabric and leather materials (though the spec sheet does not specify, the actual texture leans toward durable fabric). They provide adequate support, making long rides relatively comfortable. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, and the trunk offers 510L of storage space, which can easily accommodate suitcases or large items, making it highly suitable for family use.

In terms of space, its 2555mm wheelbase is within the mainstream level of B-segment sedans. With the front seats adjusted to a comfortable position, a passenger with a height of 175cm still has about a fist of headspace; the rear legroom is about two fists, and headroom is one fist. Three adults can sit in the back without feeling overly cramped, although the slight hump in the middle floor might cause some discomfort for the middle passenger over long periods. The storage space design is reasonably thoughtful, with front door panels able to hold two bottles of water, a storage compartment under the center console to place phones, and cup holders in the rear, which are sufficient for daily use.

As for power, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 109PS and a maximum torque of 150N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. The power output during start-up is relatively smooth, without the sudden surge often common in turbocharged models, making it ideal for daily city commutes. When the speed exceeds 60km/h, stepping hard on the accelerator prompts the CVT to simulate gear shifts. While it doesn’t provide an intense push-back sensation, there is sufficient confidence for overtaking. The vehicle only has a normal driving mode, without sport or eco modes, but the CVT's smoothness is excellent, with virtually no noticeable shift jolts, making it very suitable for family use.

The handling and chassis performance are decent. The combination of front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension is tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can filter out most of the bumps without feeling overly stiff. At high speeds, the vehicle remains stable without feeling floaty. Body roll is within acceptable limits when cornering. While it’s not particularly sporty, it is more than sufficient for a family car. The steering wheel has moderate weight and reasonably precise directional control, making it easy for women to drive without feeling heavy.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined efficiency is 8.1L/100km. During our test drive, with 70% city driving and 30% highway, the actual fuel consumption was around 8.5L/100km, which is close to the official figure. For a vehicle weighing 1.2 tons, this fuel efficiency is considered acceptable. A full tank of 40L allows for a range of approximately 450km, meaning refueling once a week is sufficient for daily commutes. Regarding braking, it features front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The brake pedal travel is moderate, with linear braking force in the initial phase. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without noticeable forward pitching.

Noise control is quite good. Below 60km/h, tire and wind noise are minimal. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise becomes slightly noticeable but remains within an acceptable range and doesn’t affect conversations inside the car. The air conditioning is a single-zone manual system but comes with voice control, adding to its practicality. As mentioned earlier, the seats are comfortable with sufficient support, making long-distance rides less tiring.

Safety features are one of the highlights of this car. It comes standard with six airbags (dual front airbags, side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags), along with stability control, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. These features are relatively comprehensive for a car in this price range and very appealing to family users. Compared to the Perodua Bezza in the same segment, the Persona offers more interior space and richer safety features. Compared to the Honda City, it is approximately RM10,000 cheaper, offering better value for money.

In summary, the 2023 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT stands out for its practical space, comprehensive safety features, and economical fuel consumption. Although it may not have powerful performance, it delivers smooth driving, making it suitable for daily family use. This car is particularly ideal for those who value cost-effectiveness and practicality, as well as young professionals needing a reliable commuting vehicle. If you’re not looking for a vehicle with too many fancy features and just want a durable, safe family car, this model is worth considering.