Yes, it’s happening. Proton gives Iriz and Persona a facelift as we march into 2022. Below, we take a closer look at the changes made to the two models that have been a staple of the Proton fraternity since their launches.
Though, the rumours are talking about a potential Saga‘s Hyundai collaboration, but it was all shut when Proton announced about the new facelift. The Iriz and Persona last received a major hardware refresh in 2019 aimed at addressing perceived reliability. That revisions included a redesigned oil pump and hydraulic unit, a new oil seal and bearing, an optimised pinion gear to reduce noise and an improved transmission housing (to minimise oil leaks and porosity) and internal component machining.
For the 2022 facelift, Proton switched focus to software where they have added new functions to improve the performance and refinement of the transmission. The most significant of these is the return of the stepped-ratio SAT feature, which dispenses with the dedicated button and is now activated automatically once the accelerator is pushed beyond a certain threshold.
This new addition, allows an automatic gearbox’s “kickdown” and holds onto a specific ratio before “shifting up”. According to Proton, this new feature improves and reduces the noise made under hard acceleration and smoothes out the acceleration itself.Apart from that, Neutral Idle Control (NIC) has also been added, disengaging the clutch at a standstill (while still in D or S) to lower the idle speed, eliminate the shift shock when shifting out of Park and reduce vibrations.
Last but not least, these upgraded Proton models have proper Eco mode in place which disables SAT and disconnects the clutch off-throttle at speeds under 70 km/h, allowing the car to coast. Proton claims a real-world reduction in fuel use of between seven and ten per cent according to in-house testing. Refinement has also been given a step up, with the vibrations at idle measured at 0.041 g at the steering wheel and 0.029 and a reduction from the 0.05 g measured on the 2019 models.
Now, who can’t wait to get their behind the wheels of the newly upgraded Proton Iriz and Persona. We certainly cannot, but let’s be patient for now and wait for more updates from Proton. Make sure to stay connected to us, as we will be the first to bring you all the latest stories and news pertaining to automobile industry in Malaysia and all around the world.