These are probably the cheapest cars you can get with eSIM in Malaysia

Recently, Proton has just revealed its facelifted Proton Persona and Proton Iriz, which are scheduled to be launched later this month. The new Persona, which was revealed yesterday, comes with some head-turning features that you’ll expect with high-end cars, and it’ll come at much more affordable price.

The new Persona will come with an embedded eSIM, making it a “connected car” from Proton after the Proton X70 and the facelifted Proton Iriz. The GKUI-powered 7-inch display infotainment system features a wide variety of connected functions, including the “Hi Proton” voice command system, 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi connectivity, music streaming, Over-The-Air Update, online navigation, a reverse camera and Parking Aid Display.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is an embedded SIM within a device which allows you to subscribe to a mobile service without requiring a physical SIM card. Having an eSIM in the new Persona would mean that the integrated infotainment unit is connected to the internet via a mobile data plan. You don’t have to rely on your phone for online navigations, which comes in handy when your phone’s battery is running low. Online navigation also works with voice commands as well. Although the system is running on Android, it uses Baidu maps for navigation by default.

The voice command system works similarly to Google Assistant and Siri, where you’ll have to say “Hi Proton” for activation. The voice commands require data which is made possible with the eSIM connectivity. According to Proton, the built-in eSIM technology is a first for the segment.

The 7″ connected infotainment system is offered only on the premium variants of the Proton Persona as well as the Proton Iriz. Full pricing for both cars are not revealed yet but it shouldn’t be too far off from pricing of the current 2018 models. In the highest variant, both the Proton Persona 1.6 Premium CVT and Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT are currently going for less than RM55,000. If we look around, the new Proton Persona and Iriz for 2019 are the probably most affordable cars that offer built-in 4G connectivity via an eSIM.

The Proton Persona will be offered in four different variants – Standard 1.6L manual, Standard 1.6L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT. For those who are interested, you can place a booking online from 12 – 22 March 2019 for as low as RM9.90.

The Iriz 2019 comes in a total of 5 variants – Standard 1.3L manual, Standard 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT. The Iriz is also available for online booking as well for as low as RM9.90. The booking promo for the Proton hatchback was supposed to end on 11 March but Proton has extended the promo until 22 March 2019.