Proton Perdana – Top alternatives

The Proton Perdana is the Malaysian brand’s flagship offering and is currently only available in its local market. The D-segment sedan is currently in its second generation and is based on the eighth-generation Honda Accord that was sold in other markets around the world up until 2012. The latest iteration of the Proton Perdana, on the other hand, was released to the public in 2016 with some heavy cosmetic surgery. Its fastback design and attractive front fascia can draw many eyes, while the Honda-borrowed internals translates into a hassle-free ownership experience (sans the airbag debacle, of course) for most buyers. And with Perdana price ranging between RM 103,927 and RM 126,849 for the base and top variants, respectively, the Proton Perdana also works out to be cheaper than its nearest rivals. So, let’s try and find out who these rivals are and whether you should consider them instead of the ‘Accordana’.

However, before we move on with the story, there are some essentials you need to go through about Proton’s flagship. Under the bonnet, the Perdana can be had with either a 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine - both are naturally-aspirated units and utilise a 5-speed automatic transmission. The smaller motor produces 156 hp and 189 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 2.4-litre mill churns out 178 hp and 222 Nm of torque and can propel the Perdana to a top speed of 210 kmph, while the run to 100 kmph takes around 9.5 seconds.

As for its equipment catalogue, the fully-loaded Perdana specs sheet features automatic HID headlamps with LED DRL, sporty body kit with rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, leather upholstery, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, cruise control, 6-speaker sound system, and a 6.2-inch infotainment system with navigation. Some of its safety gadgets include four airbags, active front headrests, parking sensors with rear camera, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control.

Now, it’s time to move onto our first contender…

Alternative 1 – Proton X70 Premium (2WD)

Wearing a sticker price of RM 123,800, the Proton X70 in its top Premium trim is a great alternative to the Perdana. The most obvious reason to go with the X70 is because of its crossover SUV DNA. Even if you’re a little intrigued, you owe it to yourself to try the X70 before leaning in towards its sedan sibling. It’s also not lacking in power: its 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill makes 181 hp and 285 Nm of torque, and spins the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic. It may not be as fast as the Perdana, with a top whack of 180 kmph and a 0-100 kmph time of 10.5 seconds, but you do get that high-riding and tough SUV look. It’s also loaded to the hilt with features and gets a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. So, you get six airbags, all-around parking sensors with surround-view cameras, hill-descent control, electronic stability control, traction control system, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Alternative 2 – Honda Accord 2.0L

If you’re going to spend nearly RM 127,000 on a top-spec Perdana, you may want to first check out its Japanese counterpart. Yes, you’ll have to fork out an extra RM 21,500 or so, and you’ll still only get the lower-powered, 2.0L variant of the Accord. But, its Honda badge certainly carries more cachet and all the other perks of owning a Honda product. Under the hood of this Accord, sits the same 2.0-litre motor that powers the base variant of the Perdana. Since the mechanicals and kerb weight is the same, the performance figures between the two are identical as well. In spite of being the base trim, the Accord still gets Honda’s LaneWatch Camera, six airbags, and multi-angle reversing camera. There’s also push-button start, active noise cancellation, LED fog lights, and Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. And overall, the Accord feels a touch more premium when compared to the Perdana.

Alternative 3 – Toyota Camry 2.5V

If you’re genuinely feeling flush with cash and want nothing but the best - the Toyota Camry is a secure bet. Costing a further RM 41,500 (RM 189,900) over the Accord, the Camry 2.5V is the only trim to pick. Its 2.5-litre four-banger makes 181 hp and 235 Nm, all pushed via a 6-speed auto ‘box and directed to the front wheels. The Camry is also a decent performer. It reaches 100 kmph in just over 9 seconds, whilst top speed is 195 kmph. It has even more toys than the Accord: there are automatic LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, dual exhausts, a JBL sound system, heads-up display, wireless charger, electric handbrake with auto-hold, seven airbags, lane-departure alert and correction, adaptive cruise control, etc. Finally, the Camry is built better and holds its value way better than the Proton.