Proton is halfway through its current 10-year business plan and part of that roadmap includes new powertrain integration onto its vehicles. Does that mean that there will be a Proton Iriz turbo model in the future?
While the national automaker is making big moves with the current Proton X70 and X50 SUV models as well as the upcoming Proton X90 (possibly the brand's first MHEV model), a huge portion of their sales figures still consists of the four non-X models. And all of them are due for a big change.
Proton's PIES range – Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga
If you look at the photo above closely, the second last point that states “New powertrain integration onto Proton vehicles” and “Energy-efficient technologies with commendable performance” should point towards the top blue box on the left which states “PIES MC upgrading” or “Persona, Iriz, Exora, and Saga Minor Change Upgrading”.
In other words, we will indeed see these four core Proton models getting significant upgrades and enhancements by 2027, particularly in the powertrain department. Proton's engine assembly plant in Tanjung Malim is already working hard on building the powertrains for the X50 and X70 models, but more variations of that will be produced in the future other models, as stated by the company's deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.
Proton Iriz turbo in the works?
While no specific details have been confirmed by Proton just yet, it is without a doubt that all four of the model offerings in the PIES range are overdue for significant changes in the powertrain department. The Saga and Persona could do with a new and more fuel-efficient engine and transmission package.
The Exora and all of its woes, particularly the 'oil cooler hose' issues can also be dealt with a new powertrain offering, but the prospect of stuffing a turbocharged engine into the small-yet-mightly Iriz is probably the one that our imaginative little heads are most excited about. And yes, Proton did showcase a prototype Proton Iriz turbo back in 2015 from its R&D facility so we all know it can be done.
Throw in a six-speed manual variant and who knows? Maybe a one-make Proton Iriz race cup series can rival the likes of the Vios Challenge from Toyota. If there's even a remote chance of this happening, we would definitely want to push it into existence by playing Shia LaBeouf's “Just Do It” motivational speech for both of Proton's R&D department and top management offices.
Keyword: Proton's "new powertrain" equals Iriz turbo?