Verdict
The Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 costs RM45,200 to the P2-21A’s RM42,318, and its RM2,882 premium buys a CVT, front side airbags and six USB ports rather than one. That makes the MC2 the easier everyday choice, particularly in traffic. But the older P2-21A is not mechanically outgunned: both use a 107 hp, 150 Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine and carry 510 litres in the boot. Its five-speed manual, front parking sensors and four-speaker audio give a used buyer real reasons to save the money.
Pick the Proton Persona P2-21A if you want the lower entry price, a five-speed manual, front parking sensors and four speakers.
Pick the Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 if you want CVT convenience, front side airbags and far more USB charging points.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Persona P2-21A RM42,318; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 RM45,200.
- Transmission: Proton Persona P2-21A five-speed Getrag manual; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 Punch CVT automatic.
- Length and weight: Proton Persona P2-21A 4,387 mm and 1,155 kg; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 4,366 mm and 1,175 kg.
- Airbags: Proton Persona P2-21A has driver and passenger airbags; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 adds front side airbags.
- USB ports: Proton Persona P2-21A has one front USB port; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 has four front and two rear USB ports.
- Parking sensors and audio: Proton Persona P2-21A has two front sensors and four speakers; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 has no front sensors and two speakers.
P2-21A
- RM2,882 cheaper to buy.
- Five-speed manual and 4.387-metre body.
- Front parking sensors and four speakers.
- No front side airbags.
- Manual transmission instead of a CVT.
- One USB port versus six.
P2-21A MC2
- CVT automatic for traffic use.
- Front side airbags added.
- Six USB ports and LED map lights.
- RM2,882 more expensive.
- No front parking sensors.
- Two speakers versus four.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM42,318✓ | RM45,200 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,597 cc | 1,597 cc |
| Horsepower | 107 hp | 107 hp |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5MT | CVT |
| Gears | 5 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Punch |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.9 seconds | —✓ |
| Rated Economy | 5.6 L/100 km | —✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,387 mm | 4,366 mm |
| Width | 1,722 mm | 1,722 mm |
| Height | 1,554 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,555 mm | 2,555 mm |
| Weight | 1,155 kg | 1,175 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 510 litres | 510 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Silverstone Kruizer1 NS800 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy (Grey) | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy (Grey) | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Reflector Halogen | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's seat height adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Fixed Backrest | Fixed Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Single-zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, with 1 USB Port | 1 Front, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Light | LED Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Single-DIN Radio CD player with Bluetooth and 4 Speakers | Radio/MP3 Player with 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual release | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | LCD Multi-info Display |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/100,000 km free maintenance | 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 cars for sale
P2-21A vs P2-21A MC2 FAQ
Is the Proton Persona P2-21A or Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 better?
The Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 is the better all-round choice for its CVT, front side airbags and six USB ports. Choose the P2-21A instead if you specifically want a manual gearbox, front parking sensors and four speakers.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 costs RM2,882 more than the Proton Persona P2-21A.
Do they have the same engine and boot space?
Yes. Both have a 1,597 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 107 hp and 150 Nm, plus a 510-litre boot. The key mechanical change is the P2-21A’s five-speed manual versus the MC2’s CVT.