Verdict
At RM83,888, the Nissan Almera costs RM38,688 more than the RM45,200 Proton Persona, so this is not a marginal trim decision. The Nissan brings a 5.4 L/100 km rated consumption figure, 152 Nm from its 1.0-litre turbo and autonomous braking, while its 2,620 mm wheelbase is 65 mm longer. The Persona counters with 107 hp, a 510-litre boot and front side airbags, plus a far lower entry price. For buyers watching the monthly budget, the Proton’s saving is decisive; the Nissan needs its safety and convenience kit to justify the gap.
Pick the Nissan Almera if autonomous braking, 5.4 L/100 km rated economy and a longer 2,620 mm wheelbase matter enough to warrant RM38,688 more.
Pick the Proton Persona if you want a RM45,200 B-segment sedan with 107 hp, a 510-litre boot and front side airbags.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Almera RM83,888; Proton Persona RM45,200.
- Output: Nissan Almera 99 hp and 152 Nm; Proton Persona 107 hp and 150 Nm.
- Length and wheelbase: Nissan Almera 4,495 mm and 2,620 mm; Proton Persona 4,366 mm and 2,555 mm.
- Boot space: Nissan Almera 482 litres; Proton Persona 510 litres.
- Safety hardware: Nissan Almera has two airbags and autonomous braking; Proton Persona has four airbags and no autonomous braking.
- Road tax: Nissan Almera RM20 per year; Proton Persona RM90 per year.
Almera
- Autonomous braking and collision warning
- Rated consumption of 5.4 L/100 km
- 60:40 split-folding rear seat
- RM38,688 higher purchase price
- 99 hp versus the Persona’s 107 hp
- 482-litre boot versus 510 litres
Persona
- RM45,200 price saves RM38,688
- 107 hp and a 510-litre boot
- Front side airbags and a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- No autonomous braking or collision warning
- RM90 annual road tax versus RM20
- Fixed rear seat backrest
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM83,888 | RM45,200✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 999 cc | 1,597 cc |
| Horsepower | 99 hp | 107 hp✓ |
| Torque | 152 Nm✓ | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | CVT |
| Gears | 1 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Punch |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.4 L/100 km | —✓ |
| Co2 | 125 g/km | —✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,366 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm | 1,722 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,555 mm |
| Weight | 1,090 kg | 1,175 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 482 litres | 510 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 195/65R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/65R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Fixed Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Single-zone | Manual Single-zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | LED Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | Radio/MP3 Player with 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | LCD Multi-info Display |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5 Times Free Service | 3 Times Free Labour Servicing |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Almera & Persona for sale
Almera vs Persona FAQ
Is the Nissan Almera or Proton Persona better?
The Persona is the stronger value choice at RM45,200, with more power, a larger 510-litre boot and four airbags. Choose the Almera for autonomous braking, collision warning, rated 5.4 L/100 km consumption and a split-folding rear seat.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Almera costs RM83,888 and the Proton Persona RM45,200, a difference of RM38,688. That is a substantial gap, not one explained by a small equipment upgrade.
Which sedan has the better safety equipment?
The Almera has autonomous braking and collision warning, which the Persona lacks. The Persona has driver, passenger and front side airbags plus a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating; the Almera has driver and passenger airbags, with no ASEAN NCAP rating stated.