Here’s our very first look at the upcoming Proton Iriz-based B-segment sedan, courtesy of the Facebook page Campro Lover. This is likely the next-generation Proton Persona mentioned by Proton chairman Tun Mahathir Mohamad, said to be arriving in showrooms sometime next year.
Despite the heavy camouflage, the car’s Iriz roots are clear to see here – the almond-shaped wraparound headlights, A-pillars placed far forward and discrete side mirrors on the doors are similar to those found on its hatch sibling. But it’s the bit aft of the B-pillars which we are more interested in.
Here, the rear doors are different from the Iriz, with a C-shaped kink in the window line that is reminiscent to what you’d find on the current Civic sedan. It’s a departure from the Prevé – which shares all four doors with the Suprima S hatch on which it’s based – as well as some sedan versions of certain cars such as the Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus.
Expect the Iriz’ current powertrain choices – 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre VVT four-cylinder mills, mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT – to be carried over. One question remains concerning the suspension – the outgoing Persona features a sophisticated rear multi-link setup, so it’s up in the air whether its replacement will continue with such a system, or revert to the Iriz’ cheaper, simpler torsion beam suspension.
With the new Persona slotting under the C-segment Preve (previously touted as the Persona’s replacement), Proton will feature a four-strong sedan lineup by the end of 2016 – the flagship Honda Accord-based Perdana will arrive first, in the first quarter of next year, while a new Saga will follow after the Persona. Whatever form will the next Saga take, however, is anyone’s guess…
GALLERY: 2014 Proton Persona Executive
