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Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped

Jason · Aug 5, 2021 11:00 AM

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 01

After much teasing, the 2022 Proton Persona facelift MC2 is officially launched in Malaysia, alongside the refreshed 2022 Proton Iriz (you can read about that here). Proton's B-segment sedan has been given some timely updates as it continues its fight against the Toyota Vios, Honda City and Nissan Almera.

What's the pricing and line up like?

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 02

Prices for the facelifted Proton Persona starts at RM 45,200 and tops out at RM 54,900. These include SST discounts that are valid till 31-December 2021. 

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Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 01

The 2022 Proton Persona range consists of 3 variants, beginning with the Standard all the way to the range-topping Premium. The manual variant (1.6 Standard MT) has been scrapped, sorry manual-transmission fans.

Proton Persona price comparison
Variant Pre-facelift (MC1) Facelift (MC2)
1.6
Std MT
RM 42,600 NA
1.6 
Std CVT
RM 44,600 RM 45,200
1.6
Executive CVT
RM 49,600 RM 50,100
1.6 
Premium CVT
RM 54,600 RM 54,900

Also read: Wait, no 4AT? 2021 Proton Iriz and Proton Persona MC2 might retain Punch CVT

Great, so what's new this time?

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 02

The most prominent change on the outside of the facelifted Proton Persona are the redesigned front bumper that sports the new Infinite Weave grille. This is similar to the Proton X50 and brings a cleaner and more streamlined corporate profile. 

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 03

Also new are 16 inch wheels (the the Executive and Premium variants) which sport a fresh design, and black roof finish (Premium variant) to complete the facelift exterior touches. 

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 04

Also bringing a more premium touch on the exterior is the inclusion of LED headlamps (only in the Premium variant) this time round. About time as well seeing that all its segment rivals feature this as well.

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 05

On the inside, the facelifted Persona features a host of new improvements made such as:

  • New leather seats
  • New interior colour
  • New centre console
  • Floating-style infotainment display
  • Digital AC
  • Voice control for windows and AC
  • Central armrest
  • 6 USB ports
  • Eco mode button

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 06

Still no Android Auto / Apple CarPlay

If you were anticipating the integration of Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, well you'd be disappointed. That's still not available. Boot space for the Persona remains at a competitive 510 litres

Also read: Why isn’t Proton accepting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto yet? The simple answer is user data

Manual option is dead, and still no ADAS

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 07

All variants of the Persona are powered by the familiar 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine (109 PS, 150 Nm). This powerplant continues to be partnered by the Punch-sourced CVT transmission, with the 5-speed manual (1.6 Standard MT variant) phased out completely for this update.

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 08

As for safety features, we've included a table below to detail what are the standard safety features across the facelifted Proton Persona range.

Also read: 2021 Proton Iriz and Persona get 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, with ADAS?

2022 Proton Persona safety equipment
  Std Executive Premium

ESC

Yes Yes Yes
ABS Yes Yes Yes
Airbags 4 4 6
Reverse
camera
No Yes Yes
ISOFIX Yes Yes Yes

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 09

While the 2022 Proton Persona retains its 5-star ASEAN-NCAP safety rating, the assessment was performed under the ASEAN NCAP protocol and rating system for 2017-2020. 

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 10

No ADAS camera here, only a USB port for your dashcam

There's still no ADAS in this latest MC2 facelift. This is quite a glaring omission on the Persona's part, chiefly because all of its segment rivals like the Toyota Vios, Honda City and Nissan Almera come equipped with ADAS.

Priced from RM 45k, CVT-only 2022 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched, MT dropped 11

Additionally, the 2022 Proton Persona comes with a Launch Package. Said package consists of:

  • 5-year / 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first)
  • 3 times free Labour Service
  • 5-year Data Package with 1GB quota monthly (only for the Premium variant)

All said and done, there are still quite a lot of improvements made to the 2022 Proton Persona facelift. Question is, will it be enough for it to do battle in this tightly-contested B-segment sedan marketplace? Watch this space!

Jason

Road Test Editor

Jason's foremost passion is all things automotive, where he spent his formative working years as a Product Planner and Trainer. An Advanced Driving Instructor by training and an all-round enthusiast, Jason loves going into intricate details about driving dynamics. Will drive anything with 4 wheels and a steering.

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