Proton Cars have finally launched both the 2019 Proton Iriz and the 2019 Proton Persona yesterday. Both facelifted models feature revised styling, improvements to over 300 parts in each model as well as having the Geely-based GKUI infotainment system (in both the Premium 1.6 CVT variants of the cars) which makes it a first for B-segment cars with intelligent features to be sold in Malaysia. But the best thing is that Proton has slashed the official prices for the cars, they now offer more value for less.
Both the 2019 Proton Iriz and Persona have had their external styling tweaked by PROTON Design. The new 2019 Iriz gets a brand new interpretation of the Proton Ethereal Bow front grille that first debuted on the Proton X70. It also has new front and rear bumpers, a black rear garnish, new alloy wheel design as well as a shark fin antenna. The rear redesign has made the car look so much better than before. It looks much wider and that actually helps the overall stance of the compact hatchback.
The 2019 Proton Persona also features the Ethereal Bow and Infinite Weave pattern on its new front grille. There is a new boot spoiler which now isn't body colour but in black to add width and contrast to the bottom heavy rear. There are new front and rear bumper designs, of which the rear now makes the car slightly less chunky when viewed from the three-quarter rear or right from the back. There are brand new alloy wheel designs to complete the refreshed look.
Inside, the cars, especially the top specced Premium variants get a frameless rear view mirror. The seat fabric is noticeably better looking in the Persona (already looks good in the Iriz) and there is a new gearknob inside (which from our eyes seem the same...but we didn't find anything totally wrong with the old one in the first place).
The biggest change could be the intelligent infotainment system that can understand voice command Available on the Premium 1.6 CVT variants of both cars, the system uses an embedded eSIM card to stay connected to the Internet. It also offers apps for music streaming, online navigation and voice recognition accessed via a 7-inch touchscreen featuring a full colour display and 16GB of internal memory. For added convenience, the system offers a mirroring function with Android smart phones.
The system is based on the one fitted to the Proton X70, the voice recognition app is activated via the catchphrase "Hi Proton!" after which, the user is able to access a range of options using voice commands. According to Proton, this allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road even while performing complex searches for destinations or songs, helping to ensure they are not distracted while driving. The system will also receive Over The Air (OTA) updates periodically with new apps added as and when they become available.
As for the 300 plus changes made to the cars, these come in the form of parts that have been improved upon. The manufacturing processes have been refined, and the tolerances improved. According to Proton, these have made both cars slightly more refined and NVH levels have improved. However, when we tested both the cars are the media previews, we found this to be subjective, we some feeling negligible changes while others stating that there were minor improvements. We believe that there are some added refinement to the cars, but quite slight. But since this is actually a facelift, we should not expect earth shattering changes.
I personally think that the 2017 revision of the new engine mounts in both cars actually lessened the NVH issues with the cars. So this round of changes were more focused on the styling as well as the equipment inside.
Anyway, the most interesting thing is the fact that the prices have dropped. These cars are now super competitive and they could be good value for money. In terms of actually affordability versus how good the car is, I think it offers a whole lot of value that it may be worth buying. Kudos to Proton for bringing the price down for Malaysians to benefit.
Adding to the value, the early bird buyers will also enjoy more benefit with the special launch package you can see below....
2019 Proton Persona Media Test
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