Proton Persona 2021 Review

The B-segment sedan market has always been a core choice for Malaysian family users, with most models having minimal differences in space and configuration. As the flagship version of the series, the 2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT stands out at its price with features like 6 airbags and LED headlights. In this test drive, we focus on verifying the practicality of its features and daily driving performance to see if the flagship version is worth the extra budget.

From the exterior design, the overall style of this car leans towards stability, with the front featuring Proton's signature shield-shaped grille, paired with chrome trim for decent recognition. The side profile has smooth lines, and the 16-inch wheels are larger than those on the Standard version, offering a more balanced visual appearance. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED tail lamps echoing the shape of the headlights. When lit, they provide clear visibility. Compared to the Executive version, the Premium version's LED headlights and daytime running lights are significant upgrades, offering better nighttime illumination and matching current aesthetic preferences.

Sitting inside, the dashboard layout prioritizes functionality, with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, exhibiting decent operational smoothness. The multifunction steering wheel integrates volume adjustment and call answering features, making daily use convenient. Hard plastic is the primary interior material, but the detailing is well-handled; for instance, the seats use a fabric and leather combination, which feels more refined compared to the Standard version's pure fabric seats. The Premium version delivers several highlight features, such as a voice-controlled manual air conditioner. Although it is a single-zone system, the voice recognition accuracy is relatively high, eliminating the need to manually adjust dials. The electric folding side mirrors are also practical when parking in lots, preventing accidental scrapes.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4366mm in length, 1722mm in width, and 1564mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2555mm, dimensions that are standard for B-segment sedans. Front-row seating space is ample; a 175cm tall passenger can adjust the seat with a fist's worth of headroom to spare. Rear-row space is average, offering about two fists of legroom, suitable for everyday family use. The middle floor has a slight hump but does not significantly affect the comfort of the middle passenger. The trunk capacity is 510L, larger than most vehicles in the same class. Additionally, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow for the storage of longer items, such as baby strollers or folding bicycles. Interior storage is also abundant, with door pockets that can hold two water bottles, and sufficient capacity in the center armrest box and glove compartment for daily use.

In terms of power, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum output of 109PS, with peak torque available at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response at startup is relatively smooth, making it suitable for city commuting. Once the speed exceeds 60km/h, power delivery becomes more linear. Overtaking requires deeper throttle input, at which point the transmission simulates gear shifts, avoiding the typical slipping sensation associated with CVT systems. During daily driving, engine speed remains around 2000rpm, with commendable noise control—engine noise becomes noticeable only during rapid acceleration. The official combined fuel consumption is 8.1L/100km; during actual test drives, fuel consumption in urban conditions was around 9L, while on highways, it was approximately 7.5L. For a sedan weighing 1.2 tons, the fuel economy is average.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate steering effort with clear directionality, making daily driving quite effortless. The front suspension adopts a MacPherson independent structure, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent structure. It responds well to small bumps on urban roads, filtering them effectively without significant vibrations being transmitted into the cabin. Crossing speed bumps, the suspension rebounds briskly without any unnecessary wobbles. At high speeds, the vehicle's stability is commendable. At 120 km/h, the steering wheel shows no significant play, and the body roll during lane changes is within a reasonable range. Compared to the Executive version, the Premium version's chassis tuning does not show any obvious difference, and with the same tire size, the grip performance remains consistent.

In terms of seating comfort, the seats provide good support, ensuring long drives are not tiring. The backrest angle of the rear seats is moderate, and passengers won’t feel back pain during long journeys. Regarding noise control, wind noise and tire noise are present during high-speed driving but remain within acceptable limits, not interfering with normal conversations inside the car. The air conditioning performs well in cooling and is equipped with voice control functionality, making it very convenient for daily use. For instance, saying "lower the temperature" will automatically decrease the temperature by two degrees without manual operation.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT lies in its features. Configurations such as six airbags, LED headlights, and voice-controlled air conditioning are rare for vehicles in the same price range. Compared to the Executive version, although it is 5,000 MYR more expensive, these features are highly practical. Performance in terms of power and space is standard, making it suitable for everyday family use. If the budget allows and safety features and detailed user experience are priorities, this car is a good choice for families. However, if it's just for daily commuting, the Standard version offers better value for money.

Overall, the 2021 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT is a practical and smooth-driving family sedan. The configuration upgrades in the top-tier version significantly enhance daily convenience and safety, making it suitable for families seeking a balanced performance vehicle.