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Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios

Sanjay · Oct 3, 2021 09:00 AM

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 01

Launched alongside the 2022 Proton Iriz is the facelifted 2022 Proton Persona range. Much like the hatchback, it's got an exterior nip-and-tuck, and some updates under the hood as well.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 02

Like its twin, the Persona's line-up has been slimmed too: manual transmission is no longer an option, and all three variants on sale today are all equipped with a Punch CVT. With us on your screen today is the range-topping Premium 1.6 variant.

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Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 01

We're happy to report the Persona has improved a fair bit, enough to gain a slight bump in scores compared to the pre-facelift. 

Back then, the pre-facelift Persona scored 160/250, while this time, the 2022 Persona nets 165/250.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 02

Keep in mind that scores and judgements here pertain only to the model's respective segment and not the new-car market in its entirety.

2022 Proton Persona: Driving Performance - 33/50, Charms on the road

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 03

There's been very small tweaks to its overall dimensions - the 2022 facelift is 4 mm wider (4,366 mm versus 4,362 mm), and 10 mm taller (1,564 mm vs 1,554 mm).

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Facts and Figures
Engine 1.6L, NA 4-cyl
Transmission CVT
Total Power 109 PS @ 5,750 rpm
Total Torque 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Weight 1,210 kg
0-100 km/h 12.1 seconds
100-0 km/h 44.9 metres

Beyond that, the Persona is virtually unchanged underneath. Ground clearance still remains 165 mm, or 155 mm if you spring for the base Executive variant with 15-inch wheels.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 04

Those are certainly not figures to lose sleep over, and as a result the driving experience is good ol' Proton. If you want a B-segment sedan that excels in having a communicative chassis, then the Persona is one of the best you can get in its class.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 05

So good handling stays, and along with that is the 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated four-pot mill. The 109 PS and 150 Nm output is unchanged, good enough to complete the 0-100 km/h test in 12.1 seconds - 0.1 second slower than the Iriz Active, and 0.4 seconds slower than the pre-facelift Persona.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 06

This could largely owe to the larger and slightly heavier 16-inch wheels, an inch up from the pre-facelift's set.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 07

The Punch CVT is one of the many quality improvements made to the Persona. Like we mentioned in our Iriz review, it's improved so much it's hard to hold the twins against it anymore.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 08

Part of the raft of changes made to it are the revised calibration, Eco and Sport modes, and the inclusion of Neutral Idle Control (NIC), which helps keep the transmission cool by disconnecting the clutch as the car idles.

Fancy terms aside, the transmission is a much smoother unit now. It creeps naturally when you release the brakes, and it gently accelerates as throttle is applied. It can still get lurchy in uphill, bumper-to-bumper traffic, but it's miles better than the previous CVT.

Also read: 6AT mulled, is the Proton Iriz / Persona’s CVT that bad? Here’s what’s new

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 09

NIC in action. This photo doesn't refer to Proton, but it's the same principle

Eco Mode disengages the clutch during coasting below 70 km/h, and this helps in promoting fuel consumption. In that respect, there has been some improvements.

As far as Sports mode is concerned, it really isn't all much: it increases the revs, but then you'll also get a very annoying drone.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Driving Performance Breakdown
Engine Acceleration 3.5 / 5
In-gear Acceleration 4 / 5
Throttle Response 3.5 / 5
Transmission Shift Logic 2 / 3
Smoothness 3 / 5
Sport/Manual Mode 2 / 3
Steering Accuracy 2 / 3
Response 2 / 3
Weight & Feel 2.5 / 3
Braking Distance 1.5 / 3
Feel 1.5 / 3
Handling Chassis Balance 2 / 3
Grip 1.5 / 3
Load Reaction 2 / 3
Total   33 / 50

2022 Proton Persona Premium: Ride Comfort - 36/50, Excellent suspension

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 10

Proton's capabilities in balancing ride comfort and handling is apparent as the Persona strikes a fine line between both. Being virtually the same car underneath, the Persona offers just a pleasurable drive as the Iriz Active, but not as taut, probably due to its slightly extra length.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 11

If the size isn't obvious already, the Persona is the better one among the two for family duties. The leatherette seats - now trimmed in the same colour as the Nappa leather units in the Proton X70 - provide one with firm support on the sides and through its decent seat base.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 12

The seating position however may take some getting used to. I thought the seat was jacked up when I got into it for the first time, but no, the elevated seating position is something you'll either appreciate or dislike when you test the Persona out.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 13

With a sufficient recline and made out of the same supple materials as the fronts, the rear is an equally nice place to sit in. Its slightly more comfortable here, as the exhaust drone that's apparent in the Iriz isn't too noticeable in the Persona.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Cabin noise
0 km/h (A/C off) 41 dB
0 km/h (A/C on) 46 dB
60 km/h (A/C on) 62 dB
90 km/h (A/C on) 65 dB
110 km/h (A/C on) 69 dB

Even still, the cabin insulation of the Persona is great - slightly better on every level compared to the pre-facelift model.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Ride Comfort Breakdown
Sound Proofing 8 / 10
Suspension 8 / 10
Passenger Comfort 7 / 10
Seat Support 4 / 5
Ergonomics 3 / 5
Engine Refinement 6 / 10
Total points 36 / 50 pts

2022 Proton Persona Premium: Quality and Features – 27/50, Could be better

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 14

Besides the slightly improved looks, the Persona also gains the X70's Space Gray. It's a colour that makes the Persona look rather upmarket, particularly when combined with the tasteful brown and black interior.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Panel Gaps (mm)
Location Driver Side Passenger Side Difference
Bonnet 4 3 1
Front Fender 3.5 3 0.5
Front to Rear Door 3.5 3.5 0
Rear Door to quarter panel 3.5 4 0.5
Tailgate 4 3.5 0.5

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 15

For the extra cash over the Standard and Executive variants, you'll get LED headlights (not full-LED, turn signals and parking lamps are still bulbs), 16-inch wheels, a black roof, and the bootlid spoiler in black.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 16

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Paint Thickness (µm)
Location Driver Side Passenger Side
Front Bonnet 125
Front Fender 116 118
Front Door 128 118
Rear Door 117 113
Rear Quarter Panel 114 119
Tailgate 116
Roof 142
Average paint thickness: 121 µm ±8

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 17

Paint thickness and panel gaps are pretty level-pegging for cars of this level. No obvious imperfections to be found.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Exterior Materials
Bonnet Soundproofing Material Thin
Struts Manual
Front Fenders Soundproofing Material Yes
Doors Front Windows Single-glaze
Rear Windows Single-glaze
Construction Multi-piece
Boot Opening Manual

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 18

The brown upholstery is one of the cabin's biggest changes.

It's a better look than the pre-facelift's beige undertones, and this colour should also be a bit more resistant to grime over time compared to the brighter colours of before.

2022 Proton Persona Premium  - Cabin Material Use
Seat Seat Cover Leather
Armrest Armrest Cover Leather
Dashboard Upper Section Hard Plastic
Lower Section Hard Plastic
Front Doors Upper Section Hard Plastic
Middle Section Leather
Lower Section Hard Plastic

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 19

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 20

Shared with the Iriz is the new 8-inch floating-type touchscreen infotainment headunit sitting on the centre, as well as the digital air-cond controls.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 21

Reverse camera is high-quality, crisp images even at night

And since they're the exact same headunit, the comments don't differ. The screen quality is not great (very reflective, hard to see when it's bright out), touch registration can get iffy, and the 'Hi Proton' voice command feature isn't as fully-fleshed out as it is in pricier Protons, so it comes off feeling like a gimmick.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 22

Sound quality is good, and a little tweaking of the equaliser nets good results. We reckon stock settings might be good for most, with clear vocals and deep bass.

Also read: Top 5 best-sounding in-car audio system we’ve tested

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 23

Unfortunately, there's some quality foibles that detract from an otherwise nice interior. Parts of the Persona's cabin squeaks and rattles - particularly on the centre console, where the headunit sits - a similar fault can also be heard on the Iriz Active.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Quality & Feature Breakdown
Exterior Paint Finish 4 / 4
Panel Gaps 3 / 4
Assembly Quality 1 / 2
Interior Build Quality 2 / 5
Materials Used 4 / 5
Features Safety 6 / 10
ADAS 0 / 5
Luxury 2 / 5
Convenience 2 / 5
Infotainment 3 / 5
Total   27 / 50 pts

The other issue is the Persona gains no ADAS features, making it the only B-segment sedan currently sold that has no such features. Even the cheaper Perodua Bezza has ASA.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 24

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 25

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 26

No ADAS but there's super convenient USB port by the rear view mirror, meant for a dashcam

Creature comforts in the Persona include automatic headlights (only for Premium), and as far as safety goes you'll get 6 airbags, and the standard suite of anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control (TCS), and electronic stability control (ESC).

2022 Proton Persona Premium: Interior space – 29.5/50, Enough for most

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 27

Beyond its good handling, it's got the space too. Long distance travels with your family and their luggage will be comfortable affair.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 28

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 29

The leatherette seats feel a bit more plush than they are in the Iriz, with more than enough support for most. However, those who are a little more big-sized might find them a bit too tight.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 30

Cushioning is slightly firm, but not at all hard. Getting in and out of is not difficult for kids and elders alike too as the doors open wide, a fact helped along by the tall hip point.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 31

The inclusion of the centre armrest is a much appreciated one, adding on extra space inside and helps with comfort in long-distance drives.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 32

Nothing much to complain about when it comes to spaciousness - there's about two tennis balls of legroom, while about one-and-a-half tennis balls worth of headroom for me who's 175 cm tall.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 33

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 34

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 35

Cupholders - 7 in total - are not the largest and best used for small bottles. Cubby spaces are pretty regular, nothing too big or small.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 36

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 37

Boot space is biggest-in-class, with 510 litres, edging out the Toyota Vios and Honda City (both 506 litres) and the Nissan Almera (482 litres).

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 38

Extra space can be eked thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats, and underneath the boot floor is a space saver spare tyre.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Interior Space Breakdown
Front Row 8 / 10
Middle/Back Row 6 / 10
Boot Space 4 / 5
Practicality 3 / 5
Storage Space 3 / 5
Visibility 4 / 5
Storage Flexibility 2.5 / 5
Total 29.5 / 50 pts

2022 Proton Persona Premium: Fuel consumption – 13.5/20, Slightly better now

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 39

Proton claims that fuel consumption is better by around 10 percent on the NEDC cycle, with Eco Mode further improving it to 8 to 10 percent. Still, these are through Proton's internal tests, and results in the real world often differ.

Our real-world tests, with the twins driven equally over city roads and highways, net the results below:

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Fuel Consumption Tests
Test Result

Test 1

135.1 km
11.72 litres refueled

Calculated FC:

8.7-litre/100 km

Test 2

119.1 km
9.1 litres refueled

Calculated FC:

7.6-litre/100km

Average result 8.15-litre/100km

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 40

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 41

Top to bottom: Test 1 & test 2

The 8.1-litre/100 km is a slight improvement over the pre-facelift Persona, which managed 8.4-litre/100 km. That's about a 4 percent improvement in fuel consumption.

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Fuel Consumption Test Breakdown
Fuel Consumption 10 / 15
Eco Mode 2 / 2
Indicator Accuracy 1.5 / 3
Total points 13.5 / 20 pts

2022 Proton Persona Premium: Purchase and cost – 25/30, Good value for its price

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 42

The Persona's prices range from RM 45,800 (Standard), RM 50,800 (Executive), and RM 54,800 (Premium). Much cheaper than any similar-segment Japanese make, which makes the Persona a compelling option on its own.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 43

As far as maintenance goes, it also follows the Iriz Active's trend of being slightly pricier to service compared to its pre-facelift model, with the extra expenditure coming from more frequent coolant and N95 cabin filter changes.

2022 Proton Persona Premium Maintenance Cost (estimated)
Interval (month / km) Cost (RM)
1st mth / 1,000 km 121.08
6th mth / 10,000 km 121.08
12th mth / 20,000 km 197.86
18th mth / 30,000 km 383.40
24th mth / 40,000 km 345.60
30th mth / 50,000 km 191.04
36th mth / 60,000 km 917.40
42nd mth / 70,000 km 191.04
48th mth / 80,000 km 345.60
54th mth / 90,000 km 383.40
60th mth / 100,000 km 385.70
Total 3,583.20

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 44

2022 Proton Persona Premium - Purchase & Cost
Purchase Car Price 14 / 15
Warranty 4 / 5
Cost Maintenance 4 / 5
Fuel Cost 3 / 5
Total   26 / 30 pts

2022 Proton Persona Premium: Conclusion – 165/250 pts overall

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 45

If you're looking for a new B-segment sedan that's cost-concious yet doesn't quite feel so, then the 2022 Proton Persona is as good as it gets.

Ratings: 2022 Proton Persona facelift - Smoother CVT, could be a better choice against used City/Vios 46

But for all that's good in its comfort, slightly improved fuel consumption, and extra features, its faults are getting harder to ignore as the car ages. Lack of ADAS and a 7-year old chassis are two of the major pain points of the Persona.

Sanjay

Senior Writer

With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.

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