Proton Persona 2019 Review

In Malaysia's B-segment sedan market, value for money and practicality have always been the core of consumer decisions. As the top variant in the series, the 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT, priced at RM 54,600, meets higher configuration demands, especially with upgrades in safety and space, making it a top choice for many family users. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its configuration advantages are practical, whether its power performance meets daily commuting needs, and whether the premium over the lower variants is worth it.

From the exterior, the 2019 Persona Premium continues the family design language. The front features a honeycomb grille paired with chrome accents, offering decent recognition. The side profile exhibits smooth lines, with a length of 4362mm and a wheelbase of 2555mm, which are standard within the same segment. The 15-inch wheel design is relatively conventional and not overly flashy. The LED taillight cluster at the rear offers clear illumination, and the lines of the rear bumper add some layering. The overall design leans towards stability, aligning with the positioning of a family sedan.

Stepping inside, the interior adopts a dark tone, with a simple center console layout. The upper part uses hard plastic materials, while the lower part is partially covered with soft materials, providing an acceptable tactile feel. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the visual focal point, supporting the Sound Plus function. It offers decent operational fluency and suffices for daily navigation and multimedia control. The multifunction steering wheel integrates shortcut buttons for volume, calls, and more, with a moderate grip. In terms of configuration, the highlights of the top variant are quite apparent: 6 airbags (adding 4 side and curtain airbags compared to the Executive variant), 60:40 split-folding rear seats, automatic headlights, and daytime running lights. Keyless entry and start, as well as a 220V power outlet, are also standard, adding a lot of convenience for daily use.

Space performance is key for a family sedan. The front seats support manual adjustment, and for a passenger of 175cm, both headroom and legroom are quite ample. Rear legroom is about two fist-widths, and headroom is about one fist-width. Seating three adults in the rear can feel slightly cramped, but it is adequate for everyday family use. The trunk capacity is 510L, with a wide opening. After placing two 28-inch suitcases inside, there’s still space left. Coupled with the rear seat folding function, it can also handle occasional transportation of long items. The storage compartments are reasonably designed; door panels and the central armrest box provide enough space for items like phones and water bottles.

In terms of performance, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine provides a maximum output of 109PS and torque peaks at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response is smooth during starts, suitable for city traffic. Pressing the accelerator deeper causes the RPM to rise above 3000rpm, resulting in noticeable power delivery. For overtaking, anticipatory acceleration is necessary. The CVT gearbox offers good smoothness, with almost no noticeable gear shift jerks, though there is slight RPM lag during rapid acceleration. The official combined fuel consumption is 8.4L/100km, while actual test drive results showed approximately 9.2L in city traffic and 7.8L on highways, performing at an average level.

The driving experience features light steering effort and relatively precise direction, making daily handling very agile. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned towards comfort, filtering out most bumps when passing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, ensuring a relatively stable experience for rear passengers. At high speeds, the vehicle's body stability is commendable, with no obvious floating sensation when cruising at 120km/h. The brake pedal feels linear, and the braking distance is at a normal level compared to its class. In terms of noise control, engine noise is not obvious at low speeds, and wind and tire noise at high speeds are within an acceptable range.

Compared to models in the same class, the 2019 Persona Premium's advantages lie in safety features and space flexibility. The combination of 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera is relatively rare in mid-sized cars at the same price point. The 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty policy also provides more peace of mind for consumers. However, its performance and interior materials are less competitive compared to some rivals. For example, compared with the Perodua Bezza, the Persona has more space, but the Bezza offers better fuel efficiency; compared with the Honda City, the Persona is more price-friendly though slightly inferior in terms of performance and brand premium.

Overall, the 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT is a suitable model for family users who prioritize safety and practicality. Its configuration is sufficient to meet daily needs, the space performance can accommodate family outings, and although its power is not particularly strong, its smoothness and fuel economy are relatively stable. If your budget is around RM 50,000 and you’re looking for a well-equipped and spacious family sedan, this car is worth considering.