2022 Proton Persona: Which variant to buy?

Malaysia’s second-largest automaker Proton introduced the all-new Persona sedan along with the new Iriz hatchback in August this year. The new sedan gets new features and refreshed styling with new colour options. It is on offer in three variants - 1.6 Standard, 1.6 Executive, and 1.6 Premium, all powered by the same powertrain. In this article, we are going to discuss all the variants in detail to help you find out which Persona variant you should buy. So, without any further ado, let’s get started with the price comparison.

2022 Proton Persona price list

Variant	Price ( on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of SST exemption)
Proton Persona 1.6 Standard	RM 45,800
Proton Persona 1.6 Executive	RM 50,800
Proton Persona 1.6 Premium	RM 55,800

Proton Persona 1.6 Standard

As the most affordable Persona in the lineup, this is the entry-level model on the road which attracts buyers with its styling and availability of necessary features. Exterior highlights of the Persona facelift include a refreshed front grille with a new circular Proton logo, a redesigned front bumper, and darkened red finishing on tail lights. Inside, the new 2022 Proton Persona gets noticeable changes in the form of a new centre cluster, repositioned AC vents, and additional USB charging slots.

Included in the Proton Persona standard features list are:

• Halogen headlamps
• Single-tone 15-inch alloy wheels 
• Electric door mirrors with manual fold
• Body-colour rear spoiler
• Urethane-wrapped steering wheel
• LCD segment multi-info display
• Manual air-conditioning with digital display
• Power windows
• Armrest with a console box
• 6 USB ports
• N95 cabin filter
• Standard audio system with 2 speakers
• Bluetooth connectivity
• ECO mode switch
• Fabric seats

Engine: Under the hood, things remain unchanged with the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder DOHC VVT mill that generates a maximum power of 109 PS at 5750 rpm and a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4000 rpm. The drive is transmitted to the wheels via a CVT gearbox.

Safety: As for safety, Proton has packed the new Persona with several vital safety equipment, comprising

• Four SRS airbags (front and side)
• Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution
• Brake assist
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Hill hold assist
• Two rear parking sensors

Proton Persona 1.6 Executive

Moving on, the Executive variant sits at number two in the Persona's lineup and features some add-on bits along with the above-mentioned ones. The added features are

• LED daytime running lamps
• Follow me home function for headlamps
• Single-tone 16-inch alloy wheels
• Electric door mirrors with auto fold
• Remote trunk release
• 8-inch floating infotainment touchscreen display
• Smartphone connectivity
• 4 Speakers
• Audio and call control switches on the steering wheel
• TFT instrument cluster
• Intelligent entry with push-start button
• Anti-trap function for driver window
• 60:40 split fold functionality for rear seat

Engine- The Proton Persona 1.6 Executive is powered by the same 1.6-litre VVT mill available on the base trim.

Safety: On the safety front, the Persona Executive gets an additional reverse camera and two front parking sensors.

Proton Persona 1.6 Premium

At the top of the range sits the Premium trim, which is the costliest in the lineup. The premium features that set it apart from the other trims are automatic LED headlights, dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof, and a black rear spoiler. Inside, it is fitted with a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette seats, and an advanced infotainment system that streams online music, navigation, and weather forecast. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity and the “Hi PROTON” voice command by which you can control the driver-side window, AC, navigation, calls, as well as music. 

However, the engine setup and safety shield of the Persona Premium are identical to the Executive trim.

Which Persona variant should you buy?

You can pick the range-topping Premium variant if budget is not a bar as it offers premium-ness with LED headlights, bigger wheels, black finishing, leatherette upholstery, and an advanced infotainment system. However, if you do not bother about these cosmetic and tech features, and safety and performance are your main concerns, the base Standard variant can be picked as it has a perfect 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating like the higher trims and is also powered by the same engine setup.

Also read: Proton records 28.7 percent month-on-month growth in October 2021