Proton Persona 2023 Review

The B-segment sedan market has always been a key choice for Malaysian families and young professionals. These models often require a balance between price, space, and practicality. As one of the representative models of the local brand, the 2023 Proton Persona, specifically the 1.6 Standard CVT version that we are focusing on, enters the market with a starting price of less than RM50,000, a 5-year/150,000 km extensive warranty, and standard features such as vehicle stability control and 4 airbags. Many consumers are curious whether it can meet the dual needs of daily commuting and family outings. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this entry-level model lives up to its positioning as a "high value-for-money family car" in terms of both static experience and dynamic performance.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 Persona 1.6 Standard CVT retains Proton's family design language, with an overall design that leans towards steadiness and simplicity. The front features a modestly sized front grille paired with halogen headlights on both sides. While it lacks the LED lighting of the higher trims, the headlight design integrates well with the body and provides sufficient daily recognition. The side profile features a waistline running from the front to the rear, complemented by 15-inch wheels with 185/55 R15 tires, creating a harmonious overall proportion. At the rear, the taillights adopt a horizontal layout, and the lower bumper design is simple, without excessive decorative elements, aligning with the entry-level positioning of this model.

Inside the cabin, the Standard CVT version focuses on practicality. The dashboard is made of hard plastic material, which feels rather stiff to the touch but exhibits decent overall craftsmanship. The instrument panel features backlit analog displays, offering clear visuals for essential information like RPM and speed. The steering wheel is manually adjustable, supporting only up-and-down adjustments. Although not as versatile as a multifunctional steering wheel, it suffices for everyday use. The seats are manually adjustable, with the front seats offering adequate support and appropriately sized cushions, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seats have a fixed backrest design and cannot be folded to expand trunk space, which is somewhat disappointing. In terms of features, the basic audio system includes two speakers, which are sufficient for casual radio or music listening; the manual single-zone air conditioning is straightforward to operate, with dials offering moderate resistance for easy adjustments.

For space performance, the 2023 Persona's dimensions measure 4366mm×1722mm×1554mm, with a wheelbase of 2555mm, placing it in the mid-range among B-segment sedans. The front-row seating is spacious, and a 175cm tall individual, after adjusting the seat, still has a fist's worth of headroom. The rear legroom is about two fists, with approximately one fist of headroom, accommodating three adults for short trips without issue, though it may feel a bit cramped for long durations at full capacity. In terms of storage space, the door panel storage compartments can hold a 500ml bottle of water and small miscellaneous items, while the central armrest box has limited space, only suitable for small loose items. The trunk offers a volume of 510 liters, with a large opening and a regular shape, capable of easily accommodating two 20-inch suitcases along with a few backpacks, meeting the storage needs for short family trips.

In terms of powertrain, the 1.6 Standard CVT is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 80kW (109PS) and a peak torque of 150N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. During daily driving, the power response is relatively smooth during startup, making it suitable for congested urban roads. When the speed increases to 40km/h, the power output becomes progressively linear. For overtaking, a deeper press on the accelerator is required, with the transmission simulating gear shifts to avoid the "slipping feel" typically associated with traditional CVTs. The official combined fuel consumption is 6.6L/100km, whereas in actual test driving, the fuel consumption in urban congestion is about 7.5L/100km, and about 5.8L/100km on highways, demonstrating fuel efficiency that meets the expectations of a family car.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor vibrations, ensuring that rear passengers do not experience excessive jolting. The steering feel is light, with acceptable precision, making it agile for everyday lane changes or cornering. However, at high speeds, the steering wheel can feel slightly vague and lacks a certain level of accuracy. The braking system features ventilated discs in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The braking response is linear, with moderate braking force in the initial phase, and sufficient braking power provided with a deeper press, giving drivers enough confidence in everyday driving.

In terms of ride comfort, the noise control of the Persona 1.6 Standard CVT is average. At speeds below 60km/h, tire noise and engine noise are not noticeable. However, wind noise begins to penetrate the cabin when speeds exceed 80km/h, though it does not affect normal conversation. The seat cushioning is moderately firm, and though the lumbar support of the front seats is not particularly prominent, long drives do not result in noticeable back pain. The manual parking brake is easy to operate, and coupled with the hill start assist function, it prevents rollback when starting on slopes.

Overall, the main advantages of the 2023 Proton Persona 1.6 Standard CVT lie in its budget-friendly price, practical space, and solid safety configurations. The 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty reduces concerns about long-term ownership. Compared to its same-class competitor, the Perodua Bezza, it offers a larger body size and better trunk volume. While its brand value might be slightly lower than the entry-level Toyota Vios, it is approximately RM10,000 cheaper, and it is equipped with standard stability control and four airbags, making it more cost-effective.

This car is more suitable for budget-conscious family users or young office workers who value practicality. It can easily handle daily commutes and short weekend family trips. If you are looking for more advanced smart features or better performance, you might need to consider the higher-spec Executive or Premium versions. However, if you only need a reliable and worry-free car for daily use, the 1.6 Standard CVT version will meet your needs perfectly.

In summary, the 2023 Proton Persona 1.6 Standard CVT is a practical family sedan that provides "just enough" in terms of features. While it may lack fancy configurations, it delivers expected performance in terms of price, space, and safety. It is a pragmatic option worth considering within the same price range.