Rumour: 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift to Sport 4AT Gearbox; No New Proton Model Next Year

Here’s a Proton news that’s not related to the highly sought-after Proton X50 for a change. After the introduction of the X50, the national carmaker is expected to give its B-segment offerings, the Persona and Iriz, another facelift for 2021. One of the biggest changes is expected to be a switch from the current CVT to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

This bit of news comes from Funtasticko, which spoke with a source familiar with the matter. According to the source, the upcoming 2021 Persona and Iriz will be equipped with the same four-speed automatic transmission – which is sourced from Hyundai – that’s currently found in the Proton Saga. If you’re not a fan of CVT, we imagine you’ll like this (rumoured) change.

On top of that, Funtasticko’s source also said that there’s a chance Proton won’t be introducing any new model next year. Instead, the national carmaker will focus on updating its current lineup, such as the aforementioned Persona and Iriz facelift. Speaking of which, a crossover-styled variant of the Iriz could be in the pipeline as well.

Funtasticko’s source elaborated that Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak is currently assembling quite a number of two special edition models: the Persona “Black Edition” and the Iriz R3. Just like the Proton Saga Anniversary Edition, these two new models are said to be clad in black with some yellow accents.

Now, despite the “R3” branding of the Iriz R3, expect it to come with the same engine as the regular Iriz.

No word yet on exactly when Proton will introduce these special edition Persona and Iriz. But given that it’s already approaching the end of the year, we expect it to only happen in early 2021.