The 2019 Proton Persona facelift has just been launched
here at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Four variants are on
offer, starting with the Standard MT (RM 42,600), Standard CVT (RM 44,600),
Executive CVT (RM 49,600), and Premium CVT (RM 54,600).
According to Proton, there’s approximately 303
changes done to the Persona. The exterior
revisions are pretty significant – it now features a new sweeping chrome trim
up front that spans across the entire width of the car. The headlights are carried over from before, but
only the Executive and Premium models get LED daytime running lights. At the rear, it gets a revised bumper with a slim
chrome strip, plus a new rear bootlid garnish with the Proton script. Plus the shark fin antenna, are standard across all models. A new set of
nicer-looking silver 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels
(Premium gets a two-tone finish) complete the look. Features such as electric door mirrors with auto fold, as
well as remote boot release are unique to the Executive and Premium only.
Inside, the Persona black and beige colour scheme is
retained. There’s a new part-leather upholstery, auto up/down for driver’s side
window (previously only auto down; Executive and Premium only), and like the
Iriz facelift, the Persona has a new instrument cluster with cleaner dials and
a large colour multi-info display (Executive and Premium only).
As for the Executive model, it gets the new
seven-inch touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth and smartphone pairing
functions, as well as four speakers. The top Premium model is the only one to
get the same “Hi Proton” voice control function as the X70, as well as internet connectivity
via a built-in eSIM. Additional features that are
bundled with the advanced head unit include online music streaming and online
navigation. Of course, this comes with a five-year data package (1GB monthly),
as per the X70.
Under the bonnet, the same 1.6 litre VVT
four-cylinder petrol engine is unchanged from before. It produces 107 hp at
5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired to either a five-speed
manual gearbox or a CVT. Proton says that the CVT has been recalibrated to
reduce fuel consumption by three to four percent, and changes have also been
made to achieve improved braking performance and refinement.
The bones are unchanged, so all
models get a five-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating. Dual SRS airbags are
standard (only the Premium gets six airbags), as are rear seat Isofix with top
tether anchorage, ABS with EBD, ESC, Brake Assist, Traction Control System,
Hill Hold Assist, and dual front and rear parking sensors. The Executive and
Premium add on reverse camera with dynamic lines.
To recap, prices start from RM 42,600 to RM 54,600
(OTR sans insurance), and included in the price is a five-year 150,000 km
mileage warranty. Also, Proton is offering a service package (free labour for
three service visits), two-year free road tax for the first 1,000 customers, as
well as low financing rate of 2.93% per annum for both the Persona and Iriz.
That’s not all – Proton is also throwing in an
insurance package which includes coverage for all drivers at no extra cost,
flood relief allowance of up to RM 1,000, Key Care Cover (up to RM 1,000), agreed
value coverage (up to 12 years), as well as insurance for policy holder (up to
RM 15,000).
