Proton has officially launched the facelifted 2019 Iriz and Persona, bringing over 300 changes to each model on the exterior and interior of the cars. What has changed?
Prices
This is most certainly the biggest and best change to the new Iriz and Persona. Proton now has priced these two vehicles very competitively against the competition, and the figures now provide consumers a choice when shopping for a hatchback or sedan. When it comes to the Iriz’s prices, the figures below showcase a base entry price of RM 36,700 and goes up to RM 50,700 for the 1.6-litre Premium CVT variant.
As for the Persona, the entry price is now RM 42,600 and rises to RM 54,600 for the same 1.6-litre Premium CVT variant.
| 2019 Proton Iriz variants | Price (Peninsular Malaysia) |
| 1.3L Standard MT | RM 36,700 |
| 1.3L Standard CVT | RM 39,700 |
| 1.3L Executive CVT | RM 44,700 |
| 1.6L Executive CVT | RM 46,700 |
| 1.6L Premium CVT | RM 50,700 |
| 2019 Proton Persona variants | Price (Peninsular Malaysia) |
| 1.6L Standard MT | RM 42,600 |
| 1.6L Standard CVT | RM 44,600 |
| 1.6L Executive CVT | RM 49,600 |
| 1.6L Premium CVT | RM 54,600 |
Exterior
Visually, both vehicles have gone through a nip and tuck to align the design closer to its SUV sibling, the X70. From the front, Proton’s “Ethereal Bow” design is evident in both cars, with the chrome trim from the headlamps that cradle the grille or in the case of the Iriz showcases the Proton badge. The centre grille also now has the Infinite Weave pattern for product continuity. Tying both cars together are the LED Daytime Running Lights on the lower bumpers.
For the rear, the Iriz takes on a more significant change. There is an inclusion of a wide gloss black strip across the centre with Proton lettering. The bumper on the hatchback has also been redesigned.
Interior
Above: Proton Iriz; Below: Proton Persona
The cabin for both cars are very much similar in terms of dashboard, steering wheel and gauge cluster design.
Differences here are the inclusion of a multi-info display at the centre of the instrument cluster, the gearknob from the X70 is now in place, and also the replacement of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit which is a version of Geely’s own Global Key User Interface seen in the X70.
Power
The Iriz comes with two engine versions, a 1.3-litre that produces 94 hp and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and a 1.6-litre unit outputting 108 hp and 150 Nm of torque. The 1.6 engine is also the same in the Persona. Both vehicles have a standard five-speed manual transmission on the entry variants or CVT automatic. The CVT unit is said to be better in fuel economy and responsiveness as with the overall experience.
Equipment levels across variants
Standard variants for both the Iriz and Persona on both Manual and Auto transmissions are identical in equipment. Here, the cars omit the Daytime Running Lamps, Auto and Follow me home Headlamps, Remote Trunk Release, Intelligent Entry with Push Start Button, comes with a standard audio system with two speakers. These standard cars also lack the reverse camera with lines, one that is on the Executive level up. On the safety front, all variants across the range come with Dual Front Airbags; with only Six Airbags reserved for the Premium spec.
When focusing on the top spec Premium versus Executive car (1.6 CVT on Iriz and Persona), the features are very much the same, apart from the seat and steering wheel material, the inclusion of the 4G and Wifi that comes with the upgraded infotainment system as well as the Voice Command, Online Music Streaming and Navigation on the Premium variant.
What we think is a winner
Apart from the price, the new upgraded Iriz and Persona is a good step up especially in the safety front. Although all variants except for the Premium only come with Dual Front Airbags, all vehicles have Antilock Braking System, Electronic Braking Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Assist, two Front and Rear parking sensors and Impact Sensing Door Unlock.
Added bonus
For Premium owners with the 4G and Wifi connectivity, Proton has included a Data Package for 5 years of internet at 1GB per month. There’s 2 years free road tax for the first 1,000 customers and a low financing rate of 2.93% per annum. The insurance coverage also includes a waiver of betterment costs up to 10 years, agreed value coverage up to 12 years, key care coverage up to RM 1,000, flood relief allowance up to RM 1,000, coverage for all drivers with no extra cost and personal accident coverage for policyholder and insured up to RM 15,000.
Colours
What do you think?
Click here to check out our coverage of the Proton X70!
Sell your car through Carsome and you’ll be surprised how easy and fast it is the 21st century way!
