Verdict
The RM48,600 gap is substantial: the MG 5 costs RM93,800 against the Persona’s RM45,200, but brings a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, six airbags and autonomous braking. It is also 309 mm longer on a 125 mm longer wheelbase, with 112 hp to the Proton’s 107 hp. The Persona counters with a much larger 510-litre boot versus 401 litres and a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. For a Malaysian buyer, the Persona is the rational budget and luggage choice; the MG is for those who will use its safety kit and cabin equipment daily.
Pick the MG 5 if you want autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and a 10.25-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen.
Pick the Proton Persona if you want to spend RM48,600 less and need its 510-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: MG 5 RM93,800; Proton Persona RM45,200.
- Output: MG 5 112 hp and 150 Nm; Proton Persona 107 hp and 150 Nm.
- Wheelbase: MG 5 2,680 mm; Proton Persona 2,555 mm.
- Boot space: MG 5 401 litres; Proton Persona 510 litres.
- Airbags: MG 5 six; Proton Persona four.
- Wheels: MG 5 17-inch alloys; Proton Persona 15-inch alloys.
5
- Six airbags plus autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring
- 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Costs RM48,600 more
- 401-litre boot is 109 litres smaller
Persona
- RM45,200 entry price
- 510-litre boot
- Five-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- Four airbags versus six
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or blind-spot monitoring
- No reverse camera; audio is a two-speaker radio/MP3 player
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM93,800 | RM45,200✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,597 cc |
| Horsepower | 112 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 107 hp at 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 75 mm × 84.8 mm | 76 mm × 88 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | iCVT | CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Punch |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 11.5 seconds | —✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,675 mm | 4,366 mm |
| Width | 1,842 mm | 1,722 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm | 2,555 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,175 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 401 litres | 510 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Primetra S | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | Fixed Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Single-zone |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vent | — |
| Sunroof | Yes | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB | 1 Front, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | LED Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Radio/MP3 Player with 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | LCD Multi-info Display |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain | 3 Times Free Labour Servicing |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 5 & Persona for sale
5 vs Persona FAQ
Is the MG 5 or Proton Persona better?
The MG 5 is better equipped, with six airbags, autonomous braking, a 360-degree camera and smartphone connectivity. The Proton Persona is the better budget buy at RM48,600 less, and its 510-litre boot is larger.
What is the price difference?
The MG 5 costs RM93,800 and the Proton Persona costs RM45,200, so the difference is RM48,600.
Which car has the bigger boot?
The Proton Persona has the bigger boot at 510 litres, beating the MG 5’s 401 litres by 109 litres. The Persona also has a fixed rear backrest, while the MG has a one-piece folding rear seat.
