2nd facelift coming next year? The front and rear bumpers are covered and the hatch part is blacked out which suggest cosmetic changes. And I assume there will be new features as well



http://www.funtasticko.net/intip-proton-ir...erwajah-baharu/

Saga and Persona test cars were also seen otr recently so they too are due for an update next year plus an all-new model coming so 2019 is expected to be pretty busy.

Finally some HD shots of the front and rear.

Pretty significant front end conversion. Fingers crossed the feature set matches the Myvi with LED headlights, smart tag reader, new infotainment system, keyless entry/start and 6 airbags on all specs as well as all other things including the ones that were removed from the last update.

Whether these updates extend to the powertrain remains to be seen but the Exora facelift back in 2011 did have a new engine in addition to new looks so that'll be left as a possibility.

In reality, a lot of what the Myvi has can be easily added to the Iriz like the LED headlights, smart tag reader etc. These things will not be a problem to include with a minor cost increase.

New engine and things like ASA is a bit tougher but seeing as Proton has offered facelifts with new engines before and that the Iriz is designed to support advanced safety features from the start, I'm somewhat certain their Chinese partner will have a solution for these two parts, maybe a lower cost version of their existing powertrains and technology.

Either way, Proton has to do quite a bit to make the Iriz interesting once again in addition to the Saga and Persona as well, they better do when they seriously plan to have over 150k sales by 2020. Hopefully next year's reveal won't be disappointing.

This post has been edited by Lez Pall: Oct 15 2018, 11:44 PM

I can foresee them using this engine in this facelift as well as other future models for a few reasons:

1. It's MPI instead of GDI which doesn't add a huge amount of cost. It's also modular in design similar to the Petronas engine.

2. All aluminium construction, integrated exhaust manifold and Euro 5/6 capable. Is also compatible with idle start/stop and mild hybrid setups.

3. Can be paired with either a CVT or a DCT. The former is the obvious choice.

4. It's already in use in several Geely models since late 2017 so it's readily available. And from what I can tell, it hasn't had any reported serious problems so far.

Maybe Proton will have a cost effective version of this engine for small car use in the works. Perhaps a non-turbo variant or a smaller turbo with less boost with more focus on efficiency.

Maybe they are still utilizing the vvt+punch CVT with a different tuning because they are planning to phase out the current Iriz in a year or two and they don't want to invest too much on an aging vehicle in the lineup.

This slide from last year looks to be pretty accurate about their new model lineup. First being the X70, this year X50 and 2020 being a MPV. Seems like Iriz 2.0 is in their launch plans in 2021.



A new engine+GB combo is just one part in making it competitive with Myvi. They also have to consider space, practicality and feature set which the current Iriz is behind compared with the 3rd gen Myvi. So an all new model would be necessary if they want to catch those volume sales that P2 enjoyed for so long.

This post has been edited by Lez Pall: Mar 4 2019, 02:31 PM

There isn't any existing Geely model that is an equivalent to what the Iriz or Saga is now. So if the plans to replace these models by 2021 do happen it won't be a rebadged product, rather a Proton-developed car with a shared platform and powertrain from Geely.

Genuinely curious as to why this car isn't selling despite it's sister vehicle, the Persona does 2-3x the monthly sales being very much similar and Iriz is cheaper too.

Maybe the tiny 215 liter cargo space has a lot to do with it which is outclassed by even A-segment cars like the Picanto(255) and Axia(260).

If they redesigned the cargo and cabin space to be more roomy for the next gen like its closest rival, sales would be at Saga levels for sure.

Fuel efficiency and practicality(cargo+cabin) are its two weak points. If they fixed these two with the upcoming model then Proton has a fighting chance against its rival.

If they want to, they can just reuse the current Iriz platform to build a new model just like what P2 did with the 3rd Gen Myvi. Just optimize it for better roominess.

Geely unfortunately doesn't have a B-segment equivalent to an Iriz/Persona and the ones they do have are very old models.

The Exora update is definitely very lazy and half-hearted in Proton's part.

But as for the Saga, the market who buys it are only looking for "essential" features like ABS/EBD, Bluetooth, many USB ports, folding seats, power windows and a reliable enough powertrain combo. And for that, Saga ticks all the boxes with really the only USPs being the floating touchscreen on Premium and better than average ride/handling.

Proton knows the Saga shares many mechanical and electronic components with Iriz/Persona so it's really easy to add stuff like keyless start but they don't because buyers of that kind of car look at it as nice, but not necessary and one more thing to fail.

And I have to admit, the floating screen, LED cabin lights, seat fabric, meter cluster, NVH improvements and a simple 4 speed auto are really nice additions to an otherwise aging BLM platform. A good example of using a large supply chain.

Iriz Active front spyshot. Those LED headlights look much better with the smoked lenses