Proton refreshes the Persona with a host of minor interior and exterior enhancements.
While the big news of the day has been the launch of the facelifted Iriz with its new SUV-styled Active variant, Proton has actually also recently introduced an updated version of its Persona too. Bringing with it a host of minor interior and exterior enhancements to this now 5-year-old B-segment sedan, as well as some added tech toys too.
Now starting with the changes made on the outside first, the facelifted Persona nets a new chrome front grille and a sleeker set of bumpers on either end for a slightly more modern look. Differently styled alloy wheels also make an appearance too on this Proton compact sedan, with 15-inch items featured on the base-spec Standard variant and dual-tone 16-inch units to be found on the top-tier Premium trim.
Speaking more about the Premium variant meanwhile, this top-of-the-line trim level can be distinguished from the rest of the range by way of LED headlights and a black roof and spoiler. It is also only this particular spec of Persona that features brown leatherette upholstery and 6 airbags within, in addition to voice command and 4G functionality on the new 8-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
It is however worth highlighting that this floating infotainment display is also available on the Executive variant of the Persona, which is one step down from the Premium. This mid-spec model also comes as standard with keyless go, a reversing camera, 16-inch single-tone alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.
As for the base-spec Standard trim though, it has to make do with a ‘Standard Audio’ head unit with a lowly two speaker sound system. This particular variant of Persona also misses out on a multi-function steering wheel, a TFT semi-digital instrument cluster and rather curiously, a 60:40 split-folding rear bench.
What does however come standard on all facelifted Persona variants however are a new centre armrest, digital air conditioning controls and an N95 cabin filter. There is now also a total of 6 USB ports dotted throughout the cabin of this compact Proton sedan: three at the front, two at the rear and one behind the rear-view mirror to power a dash cam.
Featured too across the facelifted Persona lineup is a new ECO drive mode. Though its powertrain is largely the same as before, with all three variants still retaining a 1.6-litre 109 PS four-cylinder driving the front wheels through a supposedly improved continuously variable transmission.
Available with a new Space Grey hue this time round, the facelifted Persona is currently open for bookings via Proton’s official site linked here. Prices for the updated compact sedan starts off at RM 45,800 for the Standard 1.6 CVT variant, before topping out at RM 55,800 for the top-of-the-line Premium 1.6 CVT trim.
PRESS RELEASE: PROTON today announced the launch of the new 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona, offering updated design elements plus enhanced features. The latest additions to the company’s range also come in new colours, while offering improved comfort and safety for all passengers.
“The Proton Iriz and Persona have won many fans since their introduction, so we took a measured approach to updating them. The styling changes and addition of a new Active variant for the Proton Iriz will help boost their visual appeal while the changes we have made to the interior and infotainment system ensures they deliver better comfort and connectivity while retaining Proton’s trademark driving experience,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.
Updated design to appeal to a wider audience
For the exterior, the changes begin with newly redesigned bumpers and the iconic Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow grille. On the Proton Iriz, it features a new profile and is presented in red whilst the Proton Persona comes with additional chrome to better frame the new PROTON logo. The updated look for the 2022 models also includes LED headlamps that support auto on/off and follow me home functions. The design is complemented by new 16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof finish and new finishing on the rear combination lamps.
The introduction of the Active variant takes the Proton Iriz down a more stylish and sportier pathway. The exterior of the car sports a different front bumper design with new distinctive all-round body mouldings that run from the front bumper, across the wheel arches and side sills before ending at the rear bumper. A black roof with roof rails completes the look.
New exterior colours, Citric Orange and Passion Red for the 2022 Proton Iriz and Space Grey for the 2022 Proton Persona adds youthful appeal and subtle class to each respective car.
Redesigned interior adds style and luxury
The most noticeable change to the interior of the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona is the introduction of a new 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions that have been updated to control the air-conditioning and driver’s window. Housed at the top of the instrument panel for easy access, the new head unit is matched with repositioned air vents while new controls for the air-conditioning now come with a digital display and a N95 Cabin Filter fitted as standard. Functionality is also enhanced by the new centre console that provides an armrest as well as improved storage space.
For the Iriz Active variant, the interior ambience is lifted further by red highlights – Active embroidery on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, as well as red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts. It also comes with aluminium sport pedals that adds a subtle sporting touch.
The top of the line 2022 Proton Persona Premium meanwhile gets its seats and door trims covered in brown leatherette (in the same shade that debuted on the Proton X70) to compliment the new interior design and helping to raise the level of luxury.
Combining Convenience with Safety
With a total of six USB ports – three at the front, two at the rear and one behind the rear-view mirror, to power a dash cam, both the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona have ample power outlets to suit the demands of a digital lifestyle. The latter also offers 510-litres of boot space that can be expanded by folding the rear seats. Additionally, both also offer a reverse camera and parking sensors to provide visual and audible parking assistance while an ECO mode switch encourages more efficient driving resulting in better fuel consumption.
With regards to safety, both models have received the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and comes with a comprehensive list of safety features such as reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).
The 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona are now available for booking online at www.proton.com.
