Hi, looking to buy a car with a budget of <RM70k

I'm 25 y/o & not planning on getting a family any time soon so cabin and boot space are of probably the lowest priority for me(The reason it's Persona and not Iriz in the comparison is cuz i hate Iriz's exterior design from the first look, dealbreaker.). I've previously decided on the new myvi 1.5L just because it's fc is better and no doubt resale value will be better down the road, but can't duduk tenang cuz I feel at the end of the day, fun-of-driving is quite important for me and honestly the new myvi 1.5L just drives like a more power-filled version of the Axia.

That's why I'm looking at the new Proton Persona(2019 Facelifted ver.) and also considering a used Mid-Spec Mazda 2 Skyactive-G with reasonably low mileage. I'm mostly just looking for a car that's driver oriented aka fun-to-drive. I don't need to fetch a lot of ppl paling paling fetch gf only.

I'm gonna spend some time to test drive both of these cars when I do have time to spare but for now, wanna ask all sifus in LYN what's your experience/opinion when comparing the fun-to-drive factor when comparing these 2 cars. I know I'm probably gonna have to prepare to topup 15k for the used mazda 2 but I'm willing to if the driving experience differs a lot.


car noob here, just looking for advice don bash me ya

I'd take the Mazda if i'm in your shoes. Personal preference. Most peeps gonna hate me for saying this, but until now even though the model got facelifted i still can't stomach the looks of the current gen persona, despite having good safety features etc.

But i'd suggest you test drive both and see which one suits you best. Ppls opinion doesn't matter at the end of the day when you're the one spending your hard earned money to buy it.



This post has been edited by axtray: Jun 14 2019, 06:27 PM

Between this two cars, if you are looking for the fun factor above all else....without a doubt Mazda 2.

If you have the budget, Mazda 2

between these two choices, ill take mazda 2 anytime anyday.

i just cant brain the facelifted persona, the design is just not right.

The Mazda.

Alternatively a Peugeot 208GTI if you can cope with a manual.

If compared the 2 model. For sure I will go for Mazda2

If compared the 2 model. For sure I will go for Mazda2

Depend you can accept 2nd hand car or not
If can accept sure mazda 2.

From your kopitiam post, I guess you've decided on Persona?

Pre grats!

Persona Executive... 51k
Mazda 2 Mid spec... 76k

about 25k difference.

See your own budget la.

new generation proton cars handles above average, i would say just save the money on go for the new proton persona. If you're so serious about handling, get the manual version.

what is the relation between handling and transmission?

Those that talk a lot about handling also means that they want a car that is controllable and predictable at their hands. So having manual control of the transmission also contributes greatly to this.

for a b-seg car, I presume it will mostly cruise at city area..... so manual is a big no. well, at least for me.

Yes I did. I live in Kota Kinabalu(Sabah) and we only have showroom for Mazda 2, no test drive unit cuz there isn't a demand for that model here. I test drove the Persona and it exceeded my expectations in terms of its CVT, I expected much much worse based on previous hearsay. The handling is very acceptable for me even on the rubbish stock Silverstone tyres. Already made a deal to trade them in for PS3s later when I get the car.

I didn't test drive the Mazda 2 but sitting inside the high spec mazda 2 in the showroom, I wasn't impressed with the interior(considering that a new high spec model costs just a few k under 100k over here) so I figure the extra "oomph" has to come from it's superior handling, of which my friend(who also happens to be the sales agent) tells me it does handle better than the persona(he owns a persona too) and is really fun to drive.

But for me, the Persona is already very satisfactory(yes it's proportions are ugly, but what to do win some lose some) and I hardly think taking a secondhand, low spec version somemore, of the mazda 2 of which i still nid to top up 15k, can be justified by that extra handling performance(and of course, it's looks and the badge). I know many sifus here suggest the Mazda 2, but I confidently made my choice in this. For me, Persona won.


Thanks for all your replies. Sorry didn't update here earlier, been quite busy.

This post has been edited by Jabraan: Jun 19 2019, 07:52 PM

I know right. I currently drive a manual Isuzu Trooper and have been driving it for quite some time. The thing is, 100% of my driving is in the city area, Im gonna need to find odd hours to do some spirited driving, which in those instances a manual transmission would be preferable. But, in normal hours, i absolutely dread driving my trooper specifically because it's a manual, so definitely auto this time for me as it's a car i'm gonna use for work too not just a weekend car.

Congratz. I'd choose the persona too.

Even for the pre facelift version have good nvh which is much more important for me than a bit better steering feel

The CVT is good enough for most drivers.

During my testing I just left it in D And it complied with my trashing and cornering fine.

The manual however, I've yet to get to see the facelift, and pre facelift it doesn't have a proper dead pedal/footrest beside the clutch pedal due to lack of space.

Manual is an after thought in design compared to the CVT so no surprises here.
If the facelift is the same, then it could be a minor disappointment.

Glad you've enjoyed your purchase!

No doubt the Mazda 2 is a good car.
But is it 15 to 45k better?

That's the biggest question

Also not sure if they updated, non high speed Mazda 2 only 2 airbags lol.
So much for safety.