2019 Proton Persona: Features explained

After starting its journey in the year 1993, the Proton Persona has come a long way, hasn’t it? Not only the sedan has evolved many folds, but the liking for the car has also grown as well. While the Proton Persona looks just like a car that belongs to the present, the sedan has gone on to become a B-segment subcompact sedan from a C-segment compact saloon. Admit it or not, the shrinkage has resulted in making the Persona look a bit out of proportions from some angles. However, we won’t complain about something that can’t be changed. The Proton Persona entered its third generation in 2016 and was kinda due for an overhaul.

Came April 2019 and we now have a refreshed Persona in front of us. Just in case you’re not already aware, Proton has claimed to have updated 303 parts on the Persona. While those hundreds of parts may not appear to the naked eye, the revisited sedan does look better nonetheless. We say that the car looks better because that’s the only aspect where it has undergone a lot of hammering and the mechanicals on the car are the same as before. So, let’s appreciate what deserves to be appreciated and talk about the amazing features that the 2019 Proton Persona brings along.

Features on the outside

The Proton-Geely partnership, from all angles, seems to be going in the right direction. The arrival of the first ever SUV by our in-house automaker was the first step of a journey that will keep presenting us with sweet fruits. We all loved the design language of the X70, haven’t we? Proton is very much aware of that and has taken inspiration from the SUV in order to make the sedan look better than before. Starting off with the front fascia, the old grille has been ditched in favour of a brand new X70 inspired grille that features an “Ethereal Bow” shape. Moreover, the pattern inside the grille is called “Infinite Weave” and provides the sedan with the much needed modern and impressive appearance. The secondary grille up front has also been tweaked as it now boasts a slimmer shape. Automatic headlamps with “follow-me-home” function are also present. Another cool addition is the pair of horizontally stacked that reside in the faux vents on either corner of the front bumper. While the side profile of the 2019 Persona remains mostly untouched, the new 15-inch two-tone multi-spoke alloys and the shark fin antenna do grab your attention. Moving to the rear end of the car, a new spoiler, Proton text in chrome on the boot bring more freshness to the Persona.

Features on the inside

Just like the outside, Proton has updated the Persona from the inside as well and provided the customers with some new and exciting features to enjoy their ride inside the sedan even more. One of the most interesting features that have been added on the Persona is the new infotainment system. Featuring a large 7-inch touchscreen, this unit is a version of the Geely Smart Ecosystem (GKUI) that has been co-developed with ECARX. The new infotainment system comes with 4G connectivity. What’s more? All of Bluetooth connectivity, online music streaming, online navigation, smartphone connectivity to use all of your apps on the large touchscreen, and most importantly, the “Hi Proton” voice controls are available. More cool features that make your experience inside the 2019 Proton Persona invaluable include two rear USB charging points, push button start/stop, intelligent keyless entry, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, remote trunk release, and electrically adjustable outer rearview mirrors which also come with auto fold function. Thanks to the updated semi-leather upholstery, you feel right at home while sitting inside the new Persona.

Safety features are just as important

For starters, the 2019 Proton Persona has received a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. How’s that for starters? The rating itself gives a clear idea about how safe the newest iteration of the Malaysian sedan is. The Persona boasts an HPF body structure which not only allows the car to attain an appealing look but also provides it with all the required strength. However, if we talk about the specific safety features that the Persona comes equipped with, we have got six SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, electronic stability control, traction control system, parking sensors, and a review camera. All these safety features make the 2019 Proton Persona as safe as a house, don’t they?

Lastly, let's not forget about the powertrain on the 2019 Proton Persona. Under the hood of the 2019 Proton Persona is the same old 1.6-litre VVT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol motor that produces 109 PS of maximum power at 5,750 rpm and a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Depending on the variant, power delivery duties are handled by either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT unit. What do you think? Has the new Persona got what it takes to be one of the better sedans in the country?