Verdict
The RM2,600 step from the Proton Persona P2-21A MC1 to the Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 changes the daily-use brief more than the powertrain: both make 107 hp and 150 Nm from a 1,597 cc naturally aspirated four, but the MC1 has a five-speed manual and the MC2 a CVT. The MC2 also doubles the airbag count from two to four and adds six USB ports. Yet the 1,154 kg MC1 is 21 kg lighter and retains two front parking sensors that the 1,175 kg MC2 lacks. Choose gearbox and safety priorities first.
Pick the Proton Persona P2-21A MC1 if you want the lower entry price, a five-speed manual and front parking sensors.
Pick the Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 if you want a CVT, four airbags and substantially more USB charging provision.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Persona P2-21A MC1 RM42,600; Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 RM45,200.
- Transmission: MC1 five-speed Getrag manual; MC2 Punch CVT automatic.
- Airbags: MC1 has 2; MC2 has 4, adding front side airbags.
- Kerb weight: MC1 1,154 kg; MC2 1,175 kg.
- USB provision: MC1 has 3 front USB ports; MC2 has 4 front and 2 rear USB ports.
- Front parking sensors: MC1 has 2 sensors; MC2 has none.
P2-21A MC1
- RM2,600 less to buy.
- Five-speed Getrag manual transmission.
- Two front parking sensors and 21 kg lower weight.
- Two airbags versus the MC2's four.
- Only three front USB ports, against six ports in the MC2.
- No CVT automatic option on this comparison.
P2-21A MC2
- CVT automatic transmission.
- Four airbags, including front side airbags.
- Six USB ports plus LED map lights and an LCD multi-info display.
- RM2,600 higher purchase price.
- 21 kg heavier than the MC1.
- No front parking sensors, where the MC1 has two.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM42,600✓ | RM45,200 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | 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 | 1,597 cc | 1,597 cc |
| Horsepower | 107 hp at 5,750 rpm | 107 hp at 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 76 mm × 88 mm | 76 mm × 88 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5MT | CVT |
| Gears | 5 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Punch |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,362 mm | 4,366 mm |
| Width | 1,722 mm | 1,722 mm |
| Height | 1,554 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,555 mm | 2,555 mm |
| Weight | 1,154 kg | 1,175 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 510 litres | 510 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Silverstone Kruizer1 NS800 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy (Silver) | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy (Silver) | 15" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Reflector Halogen | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's seat height adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Fixed Backrest | Fixed Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Single-zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, with 3 USB Port | 1 Front, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Light | LED Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 2-DIN CD Radio with Bluetooth, AUX, USB with 2 Speakers | Radio/MP3 Player with 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual release | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | LCD Multi-info Display |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 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 cars for sale
P2-21A MC1 vs P2-21A MC2 FAQ
Is the Proton Persona P2-21A MC1 or Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 better?
The MC2 is better for automatic driving and occupant protection, with a CVT and four airbags. The MC1 is the better fit if you specifically want a manual, front parking sensors and 21 kg less weight.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 costs RM2,600 more than the MC1.
Which Persona has more airbags?
The Proton Persona P2-21A MC2 has four airbags: driver, passenger and front side airbags. The MC1 has two airbags for the driver and front passenger.
