The 2019 Proton Iriz and Persona facelifts made their public debuts at the Malaysia Autoshow. The duo was unveiled by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is also the founding father of Proton brand. The Proton Iriz and Persona facelifts were already revealed to the media in February and March respectively.
Related: Mahatir Confident Proton will be Successful in Pakistan
The 2019 Iriz and Persona fascia is now dominated by an “Ethereal Bow” grille highlighted in chrome, which in case of Iriz leads into the top of the headlamps and cups the Proton logo, whereas in Persona it underlines the entire grille.
Inside the duo gets new instrument panel (with full-color multi-info display), internet connectivity, perforated leather on the steering and steering voice control button including new 7-inch head unit with “Hi Proton” voice commands for navigation, music and weather, and 16 GB internal memory & mirroring for Android phones among other features.
Related: Proton X70 Sets Another Record in Malaysia
The powertrains remain unchanged as well. Both Iriz and Persona continue to get power from a 1.6 liter VVT engine with 107 hp of power and 150 Nm of torque, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The Iriz however has a 1.3L engine option with 94 hp and 120 Nm as well.
According to Proton, the CVT has been recalibrated to reduce fuel consumption by around 4%, and changes have also been made to achieve improved braking performance and refinement. Proton says 367 improvements were implemented for the Iriz hatchback, while 303 improvements have been made to various parts of the Persona sedan.
Proton is in process of making an entry in Pakistan with 1.3 liter Saga sedan as their first offering. The ground breaking ceremony of Proton’s assembly plant in Pakistan took place on the 22nd of March, in presence of the founding father of Proton & the Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahatir Mohammad and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan. Proton assembly plant in Karachi will be operated by its Pakistani partner Al-Haj Automotive who will make an initial investment of US$30 million to build the plant on a Greenfield site near Karachi.
According to Proton Chairman Syed Faisal Albar, the plant is likely to become operational by mid 2020 with a targeted production capacity of 25,000 units a year. After Saga, the company does have plans to introduce other models here. The Exora MPV was already spotted testing on our roads whereas somewhere down the line, the likes of X70 SUV, new Iriz hatchback and Persona sedan can also make their way to our market.
Images: Paultan
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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