ALL cars, at their very core, serve the basic purpose of ferrying driver and passengers from Point A to Point B.
It is our simplest expectation out of these "furniture-on-wheels", regardless of the level of art and technology they encapsulate.
Near or far, the end goal is to get you to your destination, be it in A-segment compacts or exotic and luxury sports cars.
This is why entry-level models - the most economical cars in the market - are a popular choice for the masses at any given time.
Among the base pool is Proton Holdings Bhd's Saga. It's one of those cars that can get you to where you need to go and has the most basic of features because realistically, you don't need anything more if you're working with a budget.
But then you get curious about what investing a bit little more could fetch you. You realise you could do with some pampering, just a dash of added premium to your personal daily ride.
That brings us to the Persona. If the thought of an upgrade ever crossed your mind, then it is where you ought to be looking next.
The 2022 update especially has made for an even more convincing pitch, if you haven't already made up your mind.
AFFORDABLE PREMIUM
The 2022 Persona, available in the three variants of Standard, Executive and Premium, has an additional chrome at the front to better frame the Proton logo, LED headlamps that support auto on/off and follow-me-home functions.
The design is complemented by 16-inch alloy wheels (except for the Standard variant with 15-inch alloy wheels), a black roof finish and new finishing on the rear combination lamps.
All the variants house a 1.6L four-cylinder in-line, 16-valve DOHC, variable valve timing engine paired with continuous variable transmission to deliver a maximum power of 109PS at 5,750rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
A noticeable change to the interior is the new eight-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions that have been updated to control the air-conditioning system and driver's window.
There are a total of six USB ports - three at the front, two at the rear, and one behind the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam.
The new head unit, housed at the top of the instrument panel for easy access, is matched with repositioned air vents while the air-conditioning comes with a digital display and an N95 cabin filter.
The new centre console has enhanced functionality providing an armrest as well as improved storage space. Its 510 litres of boot space can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
The Premium variant's seats and door trims are covered in brown leatherette, the same shade that debuted on the X70 sport utility vehicle, to complement the new interior design.
All variants have a five-star Asean NCAP rating and come with safety features such as reinforced body structure using hot press formed steel, electronic stability control, traction control system and hill-hold assist.
It also comes with a reverse camera and parking sensors to provide visual and audible parking assistance while an "Eco" mode offers improved fuel consumption.
A new Space Grey colour option is now available.
The 1.6L Standard is priced at RM45,200, the 1.6L Executive at RM50,100 and the 1.6L Premium at RM54,900 (all are on-the-road without insurance and with sales tax exemption for Peninsular Malaysia).
CARVING OWN IDENTITY
It's not easy living in the shadows of your more popular siblings. In the Persona's case, it tends to be overshadowed by the Saga and Iriz in most cases.
And in my case, there is a perception that the Persona, just from the outside, doesn't offer enough to command a premium price.
Some parts of the exterior have more design refinement but it takes looking past the deceptive body of the Persona for it to truly shine, as the interior is where it greatly distinguishes itself from the other two.
The cabin of the Persona Premium, at the very least, has a greater executive vibe and is much more comfortable than what the Saga and Iriz offer. I was surprised at how spacious the inside felt.
Meanwhile, its performance is no slouch either and I personally find myself enjoying driving the Persona more than its siblings.
This may partly be due to the combination of powertrain and overall body ergonomics.
It's nothing groundbreaking, mind you, but it's practical for the working class and those with a family and can appreciate a dash of premium finesse.
VERDICT
The Persona has always positioned itself as being among the most affordable executive premium models in the present market and the 2022 update intensifies this image.
When the Saga's package won't do it for you any more and the Iriz's sportiness isn't to your liking, the Persona can let you climb up the affordability ladder towards slightly pricier models.
I can appreciate the direction Proton has taken with the Persona. The aesthetic updates are minor but they serve their purpose.
Perhaps, the design could be further improved but otherwise, it is a great package, and so there's nothing to complain about outside of personal preference.
The level of practicality is sufficient and the refinement is surprising. It feels comfortable to be either the driver or a passenger.
If you can't decide on what car to get for your daily drive without breaking the bank, then the Persona is pretty much all you need.