There appears to be upcoming R3 variants of the Proton Saga, Iriz and Persona, with these having been sighted on transporter trailer by our readers, Fahmi and Jo Jo, on separate occasions. The colour scheme on the trio appear to take after that of the Proton Saga Anniversary Edition, which wears black exterior paint with yellow highlights in a tip of the hat to R3, Proton’s motorsports arm.
Given the colour scheme, the Saga R3 appears similar to the Anniversary Edition which was released last July when the nameplate turned 35 years old, though its double five-spoke wheel appear to have a slightly different finish compared to those on the AE. Meanwhile, the R3-kitted Iriz is seen here to wear larger wheels akin to those on the Satria Neo CPS, along with the same black-and-yellow colour scheme.
There was also a similarly outfitted Persona on the trailer, though capturing an image of the B-segment sedan remained just out of reach, said our reader. The interior is anyone’s guess at this point; might there be matching R3 upholstery for these models?
With the R3 badging, chassis upgrades for the trio isn’t out of the question, though eventual specifications will have to await official confirmation. That said, these could remain a cosmetics exercise as in the Saga Anniversary Edition; any engine upgrade is pretty much out of the picture, however.
The Iriz pictured here isn’t the same as the 2021 version spotted running road tests last year with the similarly updated Persona, as those will carry more comprehensive updates inside and out.
The 2021 updates for the Persona and Iriz will most likely feature the present range of engines, namely the 1.6 litre VVT with 109 PS and 150 Nm of torque, as well as the 13 litre engine with 95 PS and 120 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the exterior for the 2021 model-year B-segment duo most likely will feature the ‘infinite weave’ signature to bring them visually closer to their latest stablemates.
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Similar to those TRD Sportivo & GReddy plenty of bodykit but nothing substantial but at least R3 does have suspension upgrades so that is a big plus over the others.
Similar goes to GR Kits also come with Sport Tuned Suspension
Majority locals always have this UP mindset.
The facelifts are horrendously ugly.
Its like a dude wearing dark pants with yellow suspender pulled to the waist,exposed.
Cant P1 think of something more engaging and pleasant?
With computer high tech,I m sure Protong can come out with more beautiful designs with suitable color matching scheme.
But at least, GR Sport kits does have major upgrades too
What major upgrades other than bodykit and stickers?
ECU tuned engine, update to cvt transmission speed, larger size inch wheels and sport tuned suspension
With higher price too
Recycling rim from 10 years ago??
The rims must be placed in the warehouse for 10 years and they cleaned it for the R3 Edition
BBS rims 20 years design still being made. So what?
which is the smart thing to do. ok what rims havent evolved since 10 years ago. especially since it’s a nice looking design.
For the saga R3.. proton could have swap the lethargic 1.3 to 1.6 VVT for that extra oomph. Manual.only pls.
Manual? R u kidding?
I’m sorry, but “Motorsport” inspired variant with 100 horsepower is a joke.
Then why civic cannot beat neo in racing, hp is not everything
If Persona R3 comes with 1.6 CPS or Turbo engine.. manual only. Delicious. Limited 500 units with individual plaque
Yeah why not? Geely engine into PIES (persona iriz ecora saga) bays.We already push & fwd this ideas to Dr lee since last year but no feedbacks. The mgmt seems to prefer more into inhouse invitation vs massive online public survey. Sporty, bigger rim, led light not in the top priority list below 60k price bracket
R3 edition……I hope the cars can go really fast, other than look-fast.
RIP R3, the legendary R3 is dead
like special edition….that’s all
Myvi & Bezza still the king. Good RV too..