Proton on its re-entry into South Africa confirmed that within the next year and a half, it will introduce one more SUV and two sedans to its local line-up.
Currently, Proton only offers the X50 and X70 SUVs in the country after having sold hatchbacks and sedans such as the Savvy and Persona in the early 2010s before it ceased operations in 2012.
The Malaysian manufacturer’s global portfolio currently consists of six models including the two aforementioned SUVs, the Persona and Saga sedans, the Exora MPV, and the Iriz hatchback with crossover-esque styling.
While the domestic arm of Proton is yet to confirm it, it’s likely that both the new Persona and Saga are part of the models coming to our showrooms.
However, since the company doesn’t have another SUV apart from the X50 and X70 in its home market, we suspect the Iriz will be punted as a mini-SUV in South Africa unless a new Proton high-rider is introduced in the next 12-odd months.
Iriz
The Iriz, while not really a crossover, boasts a ground clearance of 155mm and in top-spec trim gets plastic claddings similar to what you’ll get on a compact SUV, lending it the characteristics of something that is slightly more practical than the everyday hatchback. As a reference point, the popular VW Polo has a ground clearance of 106mm.
The Proton sees either a 1.3-litre petrol engine in the Standard model or a 1.6-litre in the Executive and Active, each one paired with a CVT transmission.
The smaller motor puts out 70kW and 120Nm whereas the larger one does 80kW and 150Nm, the front wheels handling this power in every Iriz.
Continuing inside, the hatch is endowed with fabric seats, a radio with Bluetooth and two speakers, an ECO drive mode, rear parking sensors, hill-hold assist, and ABS with brake assist.
Upgrading to the Executive trim further sees leatherette seats, keyless entry and start, a digital instrument cluster, automatic headlight activation, LED daytime running lights, an 8-inch central screen with smartphone pairing, four speakers, front parking sensors, and a reverse camera.
The Active builds on this with Sports pedals, a semi-leather/fabric upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel, LED headlights, voice command, and online navigation, music streaming, and weather.
The Standard also sits on 15-inch rims with the Executive and Active both getting 16-inch versions, whereas the Active features model-exclusive styling elements, too, including two-tone wheels, black roof rails, and protective body mouldings.
Persona
The Persona is the more luxurious of the two Proton sedans and in Malaysia, it, too, is available in Standard, Executive, and Premium trim levels.
One petrol motor drives each model in the shape of a 1.6-litre unit that connects to a CVT gearbox for a total of 80kW and 150Nm.
As for creature comforts, the Standard specification is somewhat barebones being equipped with a radio with Bluetooth, an ECO drive mode, two speakers, rear parking sensors, hill-hold assist, brake assist, four airbags, and 15-inch wheels.
Going for the pricier Executive and Premium derivatives sees a generous addition of features and in both, buyers can expect a multifunction steering wheel, a digital driver’s display, an 8-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, keyless entry and start, two extra speakers, a reverse camera, front parking sensors, and bigger 16-inch alloys.
On top of this, the top-of-the-line Persona comes with leatherette upholstery, automatic LED lights, voice command, in-cabin Wi-Fi, two-tone rims, and online navigation, music streaming, and weather forecasts.
Saga
As the more affordable Proton sedan, the Saga is on sale in its home country in Standard Manual, Standard Lite Auto, Standard Auto, Premium Auto, and Premium S Auto options.
Similar to its sibling, this four-door is powered by a single engine option across the range comprising a 1.3-litre, petrol motor combined with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, which is good for 70kW and 120Nm on the front wheels.
Across the range, standard amenities then include a multi-info driver’s screen, an ECO drive mode, a radio with Bluetooth, two speakers, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, two airbags, ABS with brake assist, a trunk spoiler, and either alloy or steel 14-inch wheels.
If you opt for the pricier Premium models, however, you further get keyless start, a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, four speakers, a reverse camera, front parking sensors, hill-hold assist, traction control, and 15-inch alloys.
Keyword: 2 Proton sedans and 1 SUV on their way to South Africa – What to expect