The forthcoming Proton X50 may be the most
anticipated new model from the national carmaker of the moment, but this
sighting of a Persona and Iriz duo in camouflage indicates there’s even more
due to arrive from Proton in the coming months.
A photo of
both sedan and hatchback B-segment models together suggests that both will be
receiving visual updates. With their front ends mostly covered in camouflage
foil, the Persona and the Iriz should be getting a revised fascia, with an
updated grille possibly incorporating more of the ‘infinite weave’ signature.
The spied Iriz in particular sports larger
wheels, wheel arch extensions and prominent roof rails – like those on the Iriz
Active MkII concept – suggesting that a crossover-styled variant is on the
cards. The beefed-up Iriz variant could also likely receive other exterior
visual details to help differentiate it from the rest of the hatchback’s range.
Cues on the concept example included trim items in contrasting colour, along
with corresponding interior highlights on seats and door card trims.
Both the Persona and Iriz facelifts made
their public debuts last April, so the updates here are likely to run more than
skin deep. In both models, technical changes could include the switch from CVT
of the present-day models to a version of the four-speed automatic gearbox in
the 2019 Proton Saga that replaced the CVT unit from before, which we have
found to offer a marked improvement in its drive.
Engine choices should continue as those
presently available, with the crossover-styled Iriz likely to be positioned as
a more premium product and could therefore get the 1.6 litre VVT engine which
produces 109 PS and 150 Nm of torque in the current B-segment models. The 1.3
litre unit in the 2019 Iriz is rated at 95 PS and 120 Nm. We expect the 2021
Persona and Iriz facelifts to debut next year, and both models will most likely
get updates to their interior kit lists. This is in addition to the
aforementioned exterior changes, which will bring the Proton model line-up
closer together with a more unified look across the board.
