Proton launches gives the Saga and Iriz a sporty(-looking) makeover.
The R3 nameplate has always meant something rather special to Proton. Short for Race Rally Research, it is after all the Malaysian automaker’s rather successful in-house motorsports outfit.
So whenever Proton decides to slap one of these badges onto its road cars then, it was always an occasion that piqued the interest many local auto enthusiasts. All of which whom are silently praying that this could be a successor to the unlikely local hot-hatch hero of the past that came in the form of the Satria GTI.
Unfortunately for those enthusiasts however, the two most recent recipients of the R3 emblem however might not be exactly the case. That is because the newly launched Proton Saga and Iriz R3 Limited Editions are essentially nothing more than a black-and-yellow variants of the standard car with some R3 aesthetic trinkets tacked on.
Starting first from the outside, as mentioned prior already, both these special edition Saga and Iriz models are painted predominantly in black with yellow highlights as a nod to the R3’s official colour scheme. Both cars also feature an R3 bodykit, with the one on the Saga being the exact one as seen on the 35th Anniversary edition previously.
Continuing on the R3 theme, race-inspired body stickers as well as front and rear windscreen stickers are to be found on these limited edition Protons. Discrete ‘R3 Champion Team’ stickers on the rear quarter window and a yellow R3 tailgate emblem completes the exterior enhancements on both cars.
Interestingly, the Iriz R3 Limited Edition however does feature a few additional R3 exterior bits over its Saga counterpart. These include larger 16-inch R3 alloy wheels (same as that on the Satria Neo CPS) and larger R3 stickers on the endplates of the rear wing.
Now moving inside, the yellow highlights on a black base theme is carried over from the exterior to the interior of both the Saga and Iriz R3 Limited Edition models. With flashes of yellow to be seen on the instrument cluster, air-vent surrounds, climate control knobs and even the contrast stitching on the seats.
Other R3-inspired interior enhancements to be found include the bespoke R3 carpet mats and a R3 emblem on the dashboard. Leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel meanwhile add a touch of luxury to the cabin of both these sporty(-looking) models.
On to the topic of the power, to those hoping for more, you’ll be terribly disappointed as these race-inspired R3 Limited Edition Saga and Iriz models retain the same mechanicals as per its conventional counterparts. Think of this limited run of cars therefore more in terms of an AMG line aesthetic pack for the these Protons, instead of the full-fat AMG tuning package.
Prices for the Saga and Iriz R3 Limited Editions are RM 42,300 and RM 52,900 respectively. The prices stated here are inclusive of the SST exemption and are valid till the 30th of June 2021.
Only 500 units of the Iriz R3 Limited Edition and 2,000 units of the Saga R3 Limited Edition will be produced. Both models are currently available for bookings at Proton dealerships nationwide.
