In this week's Ratings article, we’re taking an in-depth look at the 2019 Proton Persona 1.6L Premium by analysing all aspects from driving performance to purchase and cost.

2019 Proton Persona: Driving Performance - 30/50 pts, well-tuned ride and handling

The Punch-sourced CVT is the weakling here. Depending on the timing of throttle application or road incline, the Proton Persona lurches forward at times. Once on the move, it responds reasonably quick.

Straight-line performance is commendable, quicker than the Toyota Vios from 0-100 km/h by a whole second, completing it in 11.7 seconds.

Steering is well-weighted with decent feedback. It handles reassuringly, providing drivers the confidence to take corners in a spirited manner. Although it should be noted that the factory fitted tyres performed rather poorly in the wet as traction is easily lost.

2019 Proton Persona: Ride Comfort - 34/50 pts, comfortable front seats

The suspension strikes a fine balance between handling and comfort. It settles quickly over bumps and copes with any undulation thrown at it.

The front seats are supportive, particularly the side bolsters as they hug the body comfortably in place. The seat base is of decent length, providing good thigh support.

Noise level is acceptable for the price range. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 70 dB.

2019 Proton Persona: Quality and Features - 30/50 pts, slick-to-use infotainment system

Panel gaps deviated by no more than 1 mm from each side, with no outliers. This would indicate about average build quality. Paint thickness consistently averaged in the 110s of µm.

Interior build quality is acceptable for its price. Selection of material is rather decent, without noticeable sharp edges or rough panels.

Infotainment system operates smoothly and display is crisp. Voice command and online connectivity are a bonus. But audio quality is average at best.

2019 Proton Persona: Space and Practicality - 30.5/50 pts, decent boot space

Kneeroom and headroom at the rear are decent, with 2 tennis balls of kneeroom and one tennis ball of headroom for a 170 cm tall individual.

Large bottles won’t fit in the door bins but there are several cubby spaces on the centre console.

Boot space is larger than the Toyota Vios but not quite as large as the Honda City's, rated at 510 litres.

2019 Proton Persona: Fuel Consumption – 11/20 pts, not that great in the city

After 91.9 km journey broken down to about 50% city and 50% highway, we’ve used 7.75 litres of fuel which translates to 8.4-litre/100 km.

With more highway driving, we reckon we could get the figure down to around 7-litre/100 km. But that would still be slightly higher than most B-segment sedans.

2019 Proton Persona: Purchase and Cost – 24.5/30, good value for money

At RM 54,600 (OTR with SST), the Proton Persona 1.6L Premium offers good value for money. Due to the above average fuel consumption, fuel cost is on the higher side but maintenance cost is reasonable, with an estimated cost at RM 3,180 over the course of 5 years/100,000 km.

2019 Proton Persona: Conclusion - 160/250 pts overall

To wrap up, the Proton Persona 1.6L Premium drives well, with excellent suspension tuning that balances comfort and handling superbly. Practicality is good with decent boot space, and infotainment system is slick to use.

Downside is the transmission isn’t the best in business and fuel consumption can be on the higher side depending on driving conditions. But for those looking for a B-segment sedan on a budget, the Proton Persona is an obvious choice.