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We visited the Proton Edar showroom in Glenmarie over the weekend to provide you with an in-depth view of the result of Proton's latest trim level reshuffling – the Proton Saga FLX Executive and the Proton Persona Executive. The former replaces the previous Executive model and adds more kit as standard, while the latter slots above the SV and marks the return of a higher-end Persona trim level.

Both the Saga and Persona Executive models get bodykits that we have seen before – in the Persona's case, it's the same kit that was on higher-end models before they were discontinued, whereas the Saga shares the same kit with the 1.6 SE. Front fog lights come standard for both, with the Saga also getting a "metallic warm grey" finish for the fog light surrounds.

The Persona also gets new 15-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels in a new turbine design, finished in a darker "Kaizer Silver" as opposed to the brighter finish used on the SV. The Saga soldiers on with the same 14-inch six-spoke items used before.

Around the back, the Saga gets the smoked clear LED combination tail lights from the SE, while the Persona gets an exhaust pipe finisher that was taken out of the SV model. Door visors have also been reinstated on both models, though they're not seen on these display units.

Inside, both models get leather upholstery and audio controls on the steering wheel. Strangely, the Persona lacks electric side mirror adjustment that the cheaper Saga gets, but they both get a Yes 4G Huddle mobile hotspot with a one-year free subscription (buyers will be billed for subsequent usage). The Saga's Clarion single-DIN radio also gets Bluetooth connectivity.

Engines and transmissions have been carried over, but just to recap, the Saga Executive is powered by the same 1.3 litre Campro IAFM four-cylinder as before, producing 94 hp and 120 Nm, while the Persona is powered by the 110 hp/148 Nm 1.6 litre Campro IAFM+ four. Both come standard with a five-speed manual – the Saga gets a CVT as an option, while the Persona is also available with a four-speed automatic.

Safety-wise, both models come with dual airbags and ABS with EBD as standard. The Saga punches further above its weight with the inclusion of three-point seat belts for all five occupants, whereas in the Persona the rear middle passenger has to make do with a lap belt. The larger car does get four-wheel disc brakes, though, so there's that.

As previously reported, the new Proton Saga FLX Executive retails at RM41,924 (RM42,374 metallic) for the manual and RM44,524 (RM44,924 metallic) for the CVT, while the bigger Proton Persona Executive is priced at RM49,938 (metallic RM50,388) for the manual and RM52,938 (metallic RM53,388) for the auto. The Saga comes with a three-year, 60,000-km warranty; the Persona gets a two-year, 50,000-km warranty.

Proton Saga Executive

Proton Persona Executive