The new Proton Persona was one of three new sedans the national carmaker launched in 2016, alongside the flagship Perdana and the entry level Saga. Of the trio, captured together in a gallery we presented to you in November, the one in the middle is the biggest curiosity for this writer.
Here’s why. The Perdana is a big sedan, the Saga a small one. Despite the Perdana’s Jaguar-inspired profile, both are essentially three-box sedans designed with a boot in mind. Straightforward things they are.
The Persona is now a B-segment sedan, which is a level up from the Saga and a theoretical rival to the Honda City, Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera. However, the Iriz-based sedan has a smaller footprint than the Japanese trio, and doesn’t boast that much of a size advantage over the Saga. The Persona’s hatchback roots are also more obvious than the rest. Then again, looks are subjective and there’s more to segments than millimetres.
It may seem so in isolation, but as our side-by-side gallery here shows, the Persona is a lot more than an Iriz with a boot tacked on. While the five-door hatch’s width (1,722 mm), height (1,554 mm) and wheelbase length (2,555 mm) are unchanged in the sedan, the latter is 467 mm longer overall, and its 510 litre boot holds significantly more than the hatchback’s 215 litres. It also beats the original Persona’s 430 litre capacity.
Some will be surprised to hear that all body panels except for the front doors and fenders are unique to the Persona. Its face, while familiar, is subtly different. There’s a new chrome bar that extends across the grille and into the headlights (a popular cue these days), and the latter are reflector units instead of the Iriz’ projectors. The lower grille has also been redesigned and now sweeps under the front fog lights. Which face do you prefer?
The sedan’s C-pillar has been given a BMW-style kink, while the lengthened rear end gains one-piece tail lights joined together by another chrome bar, plus a sizeable black rear valence insert complete with reflectors and a centre fog lamp. Unique rims, too. The tall rear end coupled with the short rear deck reminds me of SUV coupes such as the BMW X4.
The interior is very similar to that of the Iriz, with the addition of a black-and-light-grey colour scheme, a redesigned gear lever and gloss grey trim on higher-end variants. No map lights for the sedan, just one in the middle for the whole cabin. There’s decent space available, and rear passengers will find the new Persona more comfy than the old one.
The Persona is powered by the Iriz’s 1.6 litre DOHC VVT engine with 107 hp and 150 Nm. Drive is sent to front wheels via a five-speed manual (only for the Standard) or a CVT automatic (for all trim levels). Unlike the Iriz, there’s no 1.3L engine for the Persona, as that’s reserved for the more basic Saga.
Several improvements have been made to reduce NVH, such as a reduction in the number of engine mounts from four to three, a redesigned exhaust system for less boom and a revised ECU for a more linear throttle response. Slotting under the Preve, the Persona starts at RM46,800 for the Standard M/T (add RM3,000 for the CVT) to RM55,800 for the Executive CVT. The range tops out at RM59,800 for the Premium CVT. Full review here.
GALLERY: Proton Persona
GALLERY: Proton Iriz
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Yes,one look like a disable turtle and the other one like pregnant grasshopper.The only car manufacturer not driven and recognise by the world.30 years of loses and for losers.Proton,the Malaysia’s proud of failed protection.
For loser…I like this one. Really fit into the scene.
As above
Umw Toyota is even worse, selling tin kosong cars, very underpowered, old technology, no safety features. No wonder so many unsold Altis and Camry at the used car dealers.
it became used car means somebody bought the car earlier..idiot
That’s very very old gen toyota, current gens nobody gives it a damn
Much better than vios dugong
OMG…the sales figure now tell u that P1 new models not selling well and getting worst now compare zaman Saga, Wira and Waja.
If that way merc is worse coz less sales
Iriz and the new Persona are fine products that show how far Proton has come. Japanese reliability and efficiency combined with continental ride and performance..only Proton can pull the trick. Thank you gov for supporting and syabas to all Proton staff for your remarkable achievements! – Faiz Roslan CEng
Nothing more than a wishful thinking at this moment as the execution is still far off.
Yes copy Japanese and ciplak continental car ideas and most of the time ciplak terus….
…until Axia kena buang into longkang cuz no ESC, and Biza buang into opposite lane cuz too floating.
Drop the campro based vvt engine & cvt punch, proton can be no 1 again
Agree with you, but we should wait for the new gdi engine with jatco cvt this year
u didnt even know what u r talking about…until u drive it…im talking based on my personal experience…ive drove all of those 3…the handling of bezza and axia are extremely poor compared to iriz…i suggest u to test drive it…then your comment will valid…its wayyy more than what u expected…
normal lah. P2 SA are known for “sembang kencang”. one P2 SA used to say P2 got SkyActive technology and better than Civic TC. you can google the web ……..
Please test drive both axia/bezza & iriz/persona first, then u’ll realized that the protons’ drive feels 24 times better than the daihatsu’s clone.. just test drive bro.. its free.
i wish we could select emojis here.
Iriz rebate RM9,300. Footstop
Comma, and no one buying. Fullstop.
Still got sales numbers. How come noone buys?
Toyota rebate
Ford rebate
Honda rebate
So?
Renault CNY rebate RM12K!
BMW and audi.. up to 40K rebate. jaguar.. heheh 70K
Toyota, Ford, Honda got rebates but none of them still clearing selling 2014, 2015 old stocks.
While the front face is handsomely looking, the rear end is kinda odd and awkward. Yes, the tall rear end and short deck are nice but the rear tail lamps seems to be out of proportion and introverted. Given that the rear tail lamps are in 2-piece like the new Saga, it would be much much better looking. Hope Proton change that in future facelifts.
The back of the persona look like someone with inborn facial malformation, as the lamp is too widely seperated. Cant use ugly to describe as it is insulting the word ugly.
Widely separated? It’s a B segment cars, not wide like C or D
Certain things in life no matter how hard u try cannot be changed…
So when vios can be much nicer?
The Preve has bad looking headlamps. The Preve headlamps look very flat and not wide enough.
Only you said
While Proton tries hard to change the brand perception locally, and yes they have also come a long way with the new products last year, I would like to think that they are held back from the fact that the company (and its products) still isnt competitive on the international front.
Unfortunately, Proton needs to take a bigger step than what they have done last year and that is just a reminder of how competitive the automotive industry is.
Problem same as an old story only a bit improvement.
Their designers are arrogant to think non existent rear legroom will be accepted by potential buyers.
Mazda2 is crampier
I must admit that Proton has improved a lot. Proton’s weakest point is their engine and transmission. It is just so outdated. Instead of developing their own, save the money and just buy a power unit and transmission from a Japanese car maker since we Malaysians suka Japanese engine because of its reliability and cheap to maintain or mod.
You got a point there. A car manufacturer’s most important asset is the car engine and transmission patents, just like Lotus Ride & Handling. Without those two, you cannot be called as a reputable car manufacturer. Hopefully the direct injection engine + turbo bought from PETRONAS could allow them to be competitive again, provided revamp the whole service chains.
Yes, I agree. Put Japanese engines in Proton cars- then people will think if the car is Malaysian or Japanese because the engine is the ‘heart’ of the car. Remember that new Perdana?
At least it still have the important temperature gauge not like the two dumb engineers of City and Vios who installed 2 blue and red idiot lights for temperature indication.
Proton Makak Sdn Bhd, insist on having a vast array of models, with boot, no boot, and each model probably canibalizing the other model. Instead they should consolidate/reduce the models. First, discontinue the Perdana, it’s only for face and is bleeding The Govt. Next…..it does not take a rocket scientist to realize that nowadays, trends have shifted towards SUV’s (big & small). So, it’s bizarre that the Mamak did not come out with a re badged SUV ? News on the street is that when Perodua came out with the NAUTICA (rebadged Toyota Rush), Proton kicked up a stink about it not being a true CKD (not enough local content), and that the price should be higher. The ‘smart’ authorities agreed and Perodua lost the NAUTICA. This was shameful !!! No level playing field. Proton was an ego project by the old Mamak, it continues to bleed the govt. Proton make trashy cars at subsidized prices. Yes, it does keep a lot of Malaysians in jobs, but when they shut down, the void may be filled by other car companies !
Don’t u think p1 offering is to little? Not many choices to choose.
Proton has done great. Proud of proton. Don’t bother about shallow head comments.
Don’t know how to appreciate the design of the rear bumper…across all range from Iris to Pedana. The rear bumper all looked like baboon’s butt. Spoil the overall outlook. No class.
You must be dugong design fan, lol
Just sell P1 to PRC and rebadge Geely GC5 as the new Iriz/Persona. Don’t waste time effort and ruler’s coffer to bail out again. LOL
But but but new dear leader says must not jual to China wor… so how?
Really awkward feelings when comparing old and new Persona side by side.In term of cabin space, i still prefer old persona.
Yes Proton is great and their cars are beautiful master piece. Power of Dream!
Come on. Stop saying Jaguar-inspired or BMW-style. Just say Fiat Multipla inspired butt or using Multipla awkwardness design cue.
Then you wanna say vios and almari design nicer? Come on
Tak payahlah Proton. Buat kerja rushing and last minute changes.
What is the result of rushing last minute changes? Your guess is as good as mine. This is the reason their product will never be as good as others despite putting in so many features. They should change their working culture.
Last minute job is changing new paint and call it facelift.
Last time i heard u complaint asyik2 teaser n spyshot. Now u complaint this. Later dont complaint if there many spyshots of p1 on the road testing.
Persona may be a good car but it’s an ugly car especially the rear! Don’t care how good it is but design is super important!
Whatever, e60ish rear
the new persona is way too tall for a sedan, making it look flimsy.
once bitten twice shy!!!
Compared to toyota, honda maybe still losing but price is 40% lah. Champion of Value in B segment, bezza not bad also, choose iriz/persona for more safety or bezza for more fuel saving. If proton using timing chain then surely more people will choose.
The only thing it lacks are the adjustable headrest at rear bench.. Iriz has it… it may seem minimal but it plays a big role on long distance driving.
saya dengar colleague saya cakap civic 2014 minyak lagi jimat dari new saga 2016 yang ada vsc.Macam tak logik
My friend my neighbour my boss all made up stories. Oh wai
city and almera both have 2600mm wheelbase, which makes them a B+ segment, above the persona at 2555mm. vios remains at 2550mm so basically it still is a B segment, not B+. but the key word here is packaging. how it is done.
Yes…I agree that Proton Cars are not as good as other brands…well, only for those who are rich and have plenty of pennys…there was a time in Malaysia where the poors(Malays/Chinese/Indians/etc) could not even afford to own a car due to its high price and maintenance, still car prices were up in the 80’s and 90’s…after Proton, people with low income strength had the opportunity to own a car…yes I agree cronism is there till now…but take a look at other brands too…any foreign car, once the car is out of it’s warranty, get ready with loads of cash if you want to maintain it…in the end, all foreign cars will end up paying spare parts from China because it’s affordable….another 5 more years, those proud foreign car owners will be driving a foreign car powered by China spare parts…and not to mention it’s durability…considering all these…Proton is still way better.!
What are you smoking? Before Proton came, car prices were cheaper.
Excellent photos ! Nice work Driven team !
Honestly, Proton did a good job designing the new BH Persona. As a stand-alone car, it might seem awkward. But when you put it side-by-side with its sister car, it’s so much easier to tell.
Personally, I still like the Prevé’s design language the most. The Prevé is more Euro-inspired, it has an Italian face and a Teutonic (German) side profile. The Iriz too is very Euro-inspired. The BH Persona though is a mixed bag; it has edgy Japanese lines up front, and simple Teutonic elements at the back. Even the interior is partly beige, not unlike some budget Japanese cars (most budget Euro cars have dark interiors).
Overall, Proton has come a long way in terms of design capability since their early days with the Waja, Savvy and GEN2. However, Proton still has a long way to go, but if they can keep up their current pace, I’m sure they’ll go very far indeed.
What teutonic crap you talking? Previously the Waja and Preve were beautiful designs by Proton. Now, the Saga and Persona are ghastly!
why most of the new persona front plate number holder senget a bit one??
Plate number holder oso want to complain ar?