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.
Snapped by reader Anis Farhan, 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.
GALLERY: 2015 Proton Iriz Active concept
GALLERY: 2019 Proton Persona 1.6 Premium
GALLERY: 2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT
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(Like) Iriz and Perssona
(Dislike) City 2020
Would be nice if Iriz Xover can come with 1.6 CPS engine. That engine is made for all out performance.
Honda, Toyota or Nissan is the choice of Malaysians. In the B segment, nobody even talks about Persona or Saga or even Iriz.
Malaysians know one thing, Japanese cars are sold in over 200 countries worldwide. It is sold in all first world countries. China cars or China owned car companies have cars that 95% can only be sold in China. The remaining can only be sold in 3rd world countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Laos etc.
There are no China cars in first world countries like USA, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand
The same with Malaysians. It is Japanese cars all the way
“Japanese cars are sold in over 200 countries worldwide.”
Very interesting, as there are only 194 countries on earth? :D
Some countries like Kosovo are not internationally recognised.
He talk and syiok sendiri, no one believe his story
He must have included Mars, the Moon, and rest of the other planets in our Solar System.
Malaysians know one thing, the Japanese cars sold here are far removed from the cars they sold elsewhere around the world. What we get is 3rd world exclusive crap. Nobody likes to get cheated and ripped off with exorbitant pricing when China cars offer more value for our money.
That is why less and less Malaysians buying Japanese cars now. Nobody sane likes to get shafted but fanboys like yourself will continue to bend over and give your offerings. It doesn’t concern us but don’t do it out here in the open forum, we have decency laws.
Oh sure Kunta. Meanwhile 11,378 disagrees with you so that makes you a 0.0087% voice. Yea boy.
Totally agreed on this! Was a real cracker in my previous Gen2 CPS Manual.
This facelift is actually not needed. Proton should have just replaced it with any Geely models instead since the Iriz and Persona is old. Another facelift will just make Proton lose a lot of money, gaining nothing at all as the Iriz will lose more sales from Game-Changing Myvi
What a mind-blowing and stunning design! The next generation Proton global design concept in partnership with Geely is totally different from its predecessor, it really feels like a new car. I hope Proton can release this Game-Changing Crossover & Persona update here soon, the design stands out from other SUVs & cars, even Yaris Cross design has no match with this futuristic beauty.
Persona 1200kg 1.6L but 109PS campro
The most underpowered B sedan, how to compare?
You mean honda city also using MMD Hybrid,
The most worst reliable B sedan than any other rivals
150NM of torque available at drivable rpm range is good
Yeah,Better 150nm@3800-4100rpm rather than 155nm@4600-4800rpm
Compare what? This is a B segment sedan city car not a race car or a pickup truck. You want performance, don’t buy a sedan.
The new Nissan has 100PS only? ;)
So you have to dabble: “109PS is too much! The holy Japanese (sold in 294732 countries) have 9PS less!” :D
Proton Gen2 sloping roofline a nice SUV coupe
BMW X6 took inspiration from Gen2 futuristic and game changing design.
GG
Honda City CVT & Honda City Hybrid
LIKE Persona, Iriz, Vios & Almera
DISLIKE City
I hope they remove the black thing behind iriz, it really makes the car unattractive, the pokemon look behind make the car cute tbh
I hope they remove the black thing behind iriz, it really makes the car unattractive, the pokemon look behind make the car cute tbh.
I disagree. The expansive black portion makes the car look bigger and paired with signature Ocean Blue paintwork makes it look like a proper Volvo from behind.
I agree. This new look for Iriz makes it look synergistic with our local car XC40, XC60 and XC90.
At least p1 don’t bailout from government. Unlike honda still asking billions for tongkat from japan gomen, especially for pandemic
Now Proton is better than 4 years ago, more knowledgeable, sure the designers and engineers learnt a lot. Thanks to Geely.
Meanwhile Japanese automakers went to sleep and realised too late they are in crisis.
These 2 is like 1000 years ago models.
Pls don’t downgrade like what is done at Proton Saga, print
So many facelift but cannot match global cars B segment
Maybe because saga is actually an A segment? :)
LOL! Some just didn’t keep up with the news.
Saga is A segment car with price segment <40k leh
Most B segment cars are on the 70k+ price segment, double that of Saga.
I don’t believe it will be a facelift but rather a model year update. Like 2019 X70 –> 2020 X70.
So maybe not a change in design but a change in transmission is probable.
The camo gives it away. It is a facelift.
It’s known as minor change or MC. Proton has been doing that since 1986. First when it introduced the luxury saga model 1.5I (power Windows, power mirrors, central.locking and power steering) and then later in 1992 when saga megavalve received Iswara meter before the car launched.
Iriz X. Baby X50?
Iriz Active will direct compete with D55L next year.
D55 fighter is upcoming X50. Iriz X was supposed to fight with Yaris Cross but we know that car will never come here and by the time it does, it will be too late for Perodua.
D55L rival is H1 if Proton didn’t launch X30 next year. Iriz Active increase the ground clearance will become compact SUV.
X50 rival is HRV.
We moved from 4AT to CVT. Now wanna move back to 4AT ? What kind of logic is this? For a lower end car like Saga , i can understand doing so since CVT fluid is always more expensive than those 4AT fluid and the gearbox itself is cheaper.
However , Persona and Iriz are not some cheap models, at least put in a 6AT. Not a dinosaur 4AT in a 1.6L engine car.
Good luck Proton. 2020 is almost over, and you can’t even get 50k sales from neighbouring asean countries. Not 10k from Indonesia, not 10k from Thailand, 7k from the Philippines, 7k from Vietnam and balance from remaining Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and singapore
going back to 4speed auto…proton should be ashamed
Honda’s brand new iMMD engine is only using a single gear, so Honda should be more ASHAMED?
4AT far better than lousy Punch CVT!
will there be a Persona suv?
Rear disc brakes, front and rear light tube type LED’s and an engine with 120bhp would be better.
These two are underrated. They have sturdy chassis and price point. Whats hold them back is horrible CVT & overweight body. Find ways to fix them Proton! I’ll book one!
OK…I’m agreed with the CVT issues but not the weigth..
1200kg is perfect for better handling (new Myvi only 995kg which is too light).. plus you got the HPF Chassis..
BTW I’m waiting for this 4AT version with Hyundai powertrain come out by next year… sure will booked one!!
Heard rumours a new auto gearbox,Tuned up/new parts Campro engine with 115hp/153nm..New infotainment and new grills..Premium spec get full led headlights
Like:City
Dislike:Almera,Vios,X50,Persona,Iriz
HONDA IS THE BEST!DON’T BASH TO HONDA!
Heard new 4 speed auto,LED for premium spec and new rims with new head units