2016 Proton Persona Premium VS 2016 Toyota Vios TRD.
Proton’s new sub-compact Persona sedan is all new for the year 2016 with most of the underpinning borrowed from the Iriz hatchback. That being said, the Persona is much more than just an Iriz with a boot. The previous Persona was one of Proton best selling model so the new one was a really big deal for the local automotive company. Proton claimed that they have made improvement with the new Persona over the Iriz in the area of performance, sound insulation as well as refinement. With only 1 a half month on the market, Proton said they have received over 15000 bookings for the Persona. Toyota on the other hand had recently just launch the updated version of their popular sub compact Vios sedan. Just like the Persona, the Vios was one of Toyota’s volume seller and one of the Persona’s main rival. I was fortunate enough to drive top spec version of both vehicles and here is the verdict.
First of all, style. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, style is subjective. In the case of the Vios and Persona they both look distinctly different from each other. Out of the 2 the Vios is definitely the better proportion looking sedan with a longer overall length while the Persona which is based on the Iriz hatchback does look a tad squashed due to the carried over Iriz design A pillars when both cars are viewed from the side. But with that being said, Proton did a decent job in modifying the original look of the Iriz into the Persona. The Persona’s face has been slightly tweaked over the Iriz to give a rather aggressive and sharp looking front end. On top of that the optional bodykit on Premium variant do help in completing the overall look. For the Vios, the front end remains the same which still looks good with only minor changes in the form of build in bumper LED DRL and a new lower bodykit for the TRD and new GX variant. Just like before, upper variants of the Vios gets projector headlight while the Persona make do with multi reflector type on all its range. Moving to the back, the Vios just like the front received new bodykit and a deck lid but no changes in design whatsoever. Even with the bodykit, the Vios do look rather Vanilla. Something that cannot be said about the Persona rear end though. Viewing the Persona straight from the back one would think it is not a Proton at all. From the lower diffuser to the tail lamps, the Persona does look good. Adding a deck lid on upper trims is a nice touch as well. Unlike the Vios, adding a bodykit really make the Persona rear looks Sporty and stand out.
Moving next to the interior, this is where both cars did rather well. Both the Vios and Persona uses good quality plastics for the dashboard as well good materials on some of the trim pieces. In top spec form both cars features exceptional level amount of comfort and luxury. Leather upholstery, leather wrap steering wheel with mounted controls, push button vehicle start, 60:40 split folding rear seats and a double DIN head unit with Bluetooth connectivity are featured on both cars. Speaking of that last item, both cars uses a touch screen link to a back up camera and are compatible with USB, DVD as well as AUX input jack. In real world situation, the infotainment on the Vios is a hair better with faster respond, brighter screen and better stereo system with 6 speakers over 4 in the Persona. The Persona however does offer a navigation system while the Vios offer voice recognition. In term of space this is where the slightly more hatchback proportion Persona takes advantage. For both cars front passenger space are equally good for both head and leg room. But in the back the Persona slightly taller roof line and longer wheelbase over the Vios gave rear passengers better space overall. However, the Persona strangely does not have rear head rests which can be an issue for folks who are slightly taller. Also worth mentioning the Persona has a small exhaust tunnel on the middle rear floor compare to the Vios flat floor design. As for trunk space, the Persona surpasses the Vios’s 470L space with 510L.
Of course with both the new Vios and Persona, safety has also been updated. Both cars are now equipped ABS, EBD, BA, ESC, TCS, ISOFIX, immobilizer and seatbelts pretension system. Proton takes one step further here by fitting Hill Start Assist (HAS) and 6 airbags into the Persona Premium. The Vios is only offered with 2 airbags. As for safety ratings, the Persona was awarded the maximum 5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP program while the new Vios is not yet tested.
In terms of engine and transmission, the Persona Premium is powered by a 1.6L 4 cylinder VVT engine mated to a CVT gearbox. A 5 speed manual is available but only the base standard variant. The engine makes 107 HP with 150 Nm of torque. The Vios has slightly smaller 1.5L 4 cylinder engine but with Dual VVTi technology and is also mated to a CVT transmission with a selectable 7 speed ratio. Just like the Persona manual is only available in the lowest J variant. Horsepower figures for the Vios are the same at 107 but trail the Persona’s torque with only 140 Nm. On the road, the numbers are fully justified. Flooring the gas pedals from a stop with 4 adults on board resulted with the Persona feeling slightly more powerful. In fact a momentary wheel spin was possible before the TCS safety aid takes over to maintain grip. It is not all bad with the Vios though, power is still good throughout the rev range and the engine makes a nice growling note when push hard. Another win for the Vios here is the CVT gearbox. It performs better the one on the Persona. It is more responsive to kick down situations and the rubbery feels that plague older CVTs was pretty much non existence in the Vios. The Persona’s CVT is still good but not a refine as the one in the Vios. Stepping away from performance into ride and handling, both cars have mix outcome. In brief, the Persona has better steering feel than the Vios even though both cars are using electronic power steering. Both cars are using Mac-Pherson struts front set up with torsion beam type in the rear suspension system. The Persona is just a tad better in the handling thanks to the standard stabilizer bar equip in the front suspension. But the Vios fights back with a more comfortable ride and quieter cabin.
Among other features that both vehicles are equipped with includes power folding mirrors, keyless entry system, remote trunk release, front and rear fog lights, 15 inch alloy wheels and a chrome plated rear plate garnish. From there each car goes in different direction offering different features. The Vios comes with rear center arm rest with cup holders, front footwall illumination and a center compartment while the Persona offers automatic headlights, twin rear USB port and front parking sensors. As for options, The Vios infotainment system can be upgraded to a larger 7 inch touch screen which features wifi, navigation system, internet browser and HDMI. While the Persona can be had will a full bodykit as option.
Lastly, the match up between these 2 sedans is not complete without talking about the Price tag. The Persona Premium cost around RM 62,800 when fitted with the optional bodykit. The Vios TRD with upgraded infotainment system on the other hand will set you around RM 98,500. Of course the Persona being a national car is the main reason why it is significantly cheaper due no import charges in which the Vios has. In term of warranty both cars are the same with 5 years of coverage.
It’s not everyday we see a Malaysian car come so close in comparison with a car from the land of the rising sun. In the Case of the Persona, Proton has created car that not only with great value but the engineering that is on par with a model from outside the country. Around a decade ago this could be a clear cut win for the old Vios over the old Persona. Nowadays it is can actually be a tie. That is not a bad thing now is it?
