2021 Proton Persona Black Edition Launched – RM55,600

Proton has pulled the covers off the Proton Persona Black Edition, a new top-of-the-line variant of its B-Segment sedan. The Persona Black Edition is just one of four new models launched today; others include the Saga and Iriz R3 editions, and the Exora Black Edition.

The Persona Black Edition is priced at RM55,600 (OTR excluding Insurance) which carries an RM1,000 premium over the Persona 1.6L Premium CVT model. However, with current PENJANA tax exemptions in place until 30th June 2021, the Persona Black Edition now comes at a more attractive pricetag of RM54,700 (OTR excluding Insurance).

The main highlight of the Black Edition is, of course, its colour; dubbed Quartz Black, it’s a hue that has not been offered since the facelift model was introduced in 2019, but was offered on the pre-facelift version first introduced in 2016 (though that was called Midnight Black).

Other aesthetic highlights include the gold trim strip at bottom of the bumper, the Ethereal Bow and headlamp garnish which extends from underneath the front grille is now finished in gloss black versus the regular chrome finish.

Along the flanks, the wheels are finished with the same gold colour, however, the leading edge of the wheel spokes have been machined polished for a nice dual-tone finish. A gold colour strip also runs the length of the body between the front and rear wheels. Round the back changes are pretty minimal, again, the brushed gold treatment is applied to the nameplate and lower bumper garnish for some contrast.

The biggest change on the inside is the full-leatherette upholstery, versus the part-leather, part-fabric upholstery offered Executive and Premium variants of the regular Persona. The leather door panel inserts also carry a double stitching line now.

Additionally, the centre console, gear console, and A/C vent bezels are also finished in glossy gold colour, whereas the trim surrounding the instrument cluster now comes in gloss black. In the other Persona variants, these are finished in silver.

There are no changes to the drivetrain; as before, Persona is powered by a 1.6-litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine which outputs 107 hp and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, mated exclusively to the Punch CVT-type automatic in the Black Edition. The infotainment system is also unchanged from before.