Proton Persona vs Suzuki Wagon R
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Proton Persona | Suzuki Wagon R | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 109 | 49 | +122.4% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 150 | 58 | +158.6% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 15.2 | 25.1 | -39.4% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (ASEAN NCAP) | 4★ (JNCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $11,718 | $11,484 | +2.0% |
- Proton Persona makes about 122% more power (109 vs 49 hp).
- Suzuki Wagon R is the more economical, at 25.1 km/L against 15.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Malaysia and Japan); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Persona or Wagon R?
Proton Persona advantages
- Engine power (+55%)
- Pulling torque (+61%)
- Crash-test safety (+20%)
Suzuki Wagon R advantages
- Fuel economy (+39%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Proton Persona if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Suzuki Wagon R if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Proton Persona if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Proton Persona delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Proton Persona vs Suzuki Wagon R: which should you choose?
Proton Persona (2026 1.6 Premium CVT) — petrol sedan with 109 hp and 150 Nm, rated at 15.2 km/L, 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety; priced near $11,718 in the Malaysia market.
Suzuki Wagon R (2026 Custom Z Hybrid ZX) — hybrid kei tall wagon with 49 hp and 58 Nm, rated at 25.1 km/L, 4-star JNCAP safety; priced near $11,484 in the Japan market.
Proton Persona vs Suzuki Wagon R: Proton Persona is more powerful. Proton Persona makes about 122% more power (109 vs 49 hp). Suzuki Wagon R is the more economical, at 25.1 km/L against 15.2.
Performance
The Proton Persona is the more powerful, at 109 hp against 49 hp, with 150 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a cvt transmission.
Running costs
The Suzuki Wagon R is more economical at 25.1 km/L against 15.2 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Proton Persona is rated 5 stars by ASEAN NCAP and Suzuki Wagon R 4 stars by JNCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Suzuki Wagon R lists lower at about $11,484 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Proton Persona better than the Suzuki Wagon R?
Proton Persona takes the overall edge, though Suzuki Wagon R wins in specific areas worth weighing. Proton Persona makes about 122% more power (109 vs 49 hp).
What is the main difference between the Proton Persona and the Suzuki Wagon R?
Proton Persona makes about 122% more power (109 vs 49 hp). Suzuki Wagon R is the more economical, at 25.1 km/L against 15.2.
Which is better value?
Proton Persona delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Proton Persona if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Suzuki Wagon R if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.