2019 Proton Persona: Hits and misses

Just like the Proton X70, the 2019 Persona has also managed to be in the headlines ever since it was previewed. This is perhaps because the Persona is already a popular car in the country and the new model didn’t have to work hard to be the centre of attraction in recent days. Proton has made a few changes in the 2019 Persona to make it better than its predecessor.

 

Proton Persona hits

Exterior design changes

Proton wanted to make the new Persona a bit refreshing but didn’t want to revamp things completely. That’s why it decided to alter a few elements at the front of the car. This fulfilled the purpose of giving a facelift as well as keeping the old silhouette intact. So what are those new additional elements?

We have a new front grille. It is a single piece chrome unit that runs between the two headlamps and under the brand logo is located at the centre of the grille. Proton calls it the “Ethereal Bow”. Sounds familiar? Another thing that you would perhaps heard about is the “Infinite Weave” grille pattern.

These two elements have been first used by Proton in its first-ever SUV the X70. Maybe Proton is trying to implement these design elements in all its products; the X70 started it, the new Iriz and Persona have it, and maybe it’s just a matter of time when we will see other Proton cars with the same design philosophy.

Anyway, moving on. The 2019 Persona also gets slightly revised air intakes and a set of new LED daytime running lights. The set of new 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels keep things busy at the side whereas the rear portion gets a prominent chrome strip and a newly designed diffuser.

Interior design changes

The interior of the 2019 Proton Persona remains the same in terms of dimensions and cabin space. However, there are a few changes that make it better than the predecessor. The dual tone interior them is a welcoming change. It makes the cabin feel roomier than it actually is. It also adds an elegant touch. Then we have the new 7-inch infotainment system. It is a variant of the Geely Smart Ecosystem (GKUI), which was developed in collaboration with ECARX, and is also available in the X70. It supports the new ‘Hi Proton’ voice control function as well.

We also get a cleaner instrument cluster with a larger multi-info color display. There is a new gear knob, a frameless rearview mirror, and an inbuilt eSIM system.

Engine and performance

The 2019 Proton Persona specs remain the same if we talk about its engine. It is powered by the familiar 1.6-litre mill which produces 107 hp and 150 Nm. However, Proton says that it has done some internal changes in the engine which results in better refinement, responsiveness, and fuel economy. Proton also claims that on an average the maintenance cost of the new Persona will be 32% lower than other sedans in this segment.

Proton Persona misses

Disproportionate dimensions

Proton Persona has been mostly criticized for its disproportionate design, especially from the side. Its wheels appear tiny and the car bulky. Proton has tried to address this issue by providing a new design for the wheels, but they don’t make much of a difference. The same story is at the rear. The new diffuser and chrome strip have been added to sort out the unevenness. Things should have been addressed in a better way.

No LED lighting

Proton had a great opportunity to make the 2019 Persona even more special by providing LED lighting, at least in the top-end model. You don’t launch a facelift model every weekend. This version doesn’t get LEDs which mean even if Proton considers to implement them in the next iteration of the car, it will take a while.

Overall, the new Persona is a good package. It has got enough new features that would be sufficient to lure in customers that the company has targeted. We know that the new car is going to be launched this month itself, but what we don’t know is when exactly and the revised price tag. If the 2019 Proton Persona price turns out to be justified, then this car should sell like hotcakes.