KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 ― Proton has refreshed its Persona and Iriz, and they are introduced as its 2022 model. For this facelift, both vehicles offer a couple of notable upgrades. If you’re wondering what’s new, here are the top six tech upgrades that you need to know for Proton’s sedan and hatchback.

New 8″ floating touch-screen display

The new Personal and Iriz get a new 8″ floating touch-screen display which replaces the old "integrated” 7″ touch-screen unit. The centre console has been redesigned to accommodate the new update and the middle aircon vents are now placed right below the display.

The floating headunit still supports Bluetooth, 4G connectivity and WiFi hotspot. It can display the latest weather information, offers GPS navigation and apps including JOOX’s music streaming service. It also supports smartphone connectivity where you can mirror the screen of your device on the larger floating display. The 8″ touchscreen with a reverse camera is available on all variants except for the standard model.

If you get the entry-level Persona or Iriz variant, Proton has included a standard audio player instead.

Advanced Voice commands

On the previous Iriz, the 7″ headunit can support voice commands but it is only to control your music, navigation, and weather forecast. The new version allows you to do more with your voice. Similar to the Proton X70, you can use the "Hi Proton” feature to control the air-conditioning as well as the power windows. This provides extra convenience while you keep both hands on the wheel.

New aircon controls with digital display

Instead of the traditional three knob design, Proton has replaced the air conditioning controls with a new digital version that looks similar to the X50 SUV. However, the controls are still manual and that means you don’t get auto climate control where you can preset your desired temperature.

This new aircon control with digital display is standard across the entire Persona and Iriz range including the Standard model.

Total of six USB ports

If you have low-battery anxiety, you’ll be pleased to know that both vehicles come with a total of six USB ports which is double the previous version. For front occupants, there are three USB-A ports (one for data) below the aircon controls while rear passengers get two front-facing USB-A ports.

Another nice addition is the extra USB port that’s mounted on the roof near the windscreen. This is great for powering up a dashcam and it saves you the hassle of rerouting the long cable during installation.

LED headlamps

The updated 2022 models come with LED headlamps that support auto on/off and follow me home function. However, the LED headlamps are only available on the highest variants – Persona Premium and Iriz Active.

The other lower variants are still using halogen lights. LED daytime running lamps (DRL) are still included in all variants except for standard.

Minimum four airbags as standard

To bump up its safety credentials, Proton is finally doing away with just two airbags. For the new Persona and Iriz, you’ll get a minimum of four airbags for the front and side on the base-level Standard model. For the Iriz Executive and Active, you get a total of 6 airbags inclusive of the curtain airbags.

However, for the Persona 2022, only the Premium model gets six airbags as the mid-spec Executive model still settles for 4. Overall, it is still a significant upgrade as the previous Persona only had two airbags for all variants below the Premium.

Proton Persona 2022 pricing

The new Persona 2022 is now open for booking and it is available in 3 CVT variants. Below is the On-The-Road (OTR) pricing excluding insurance. The price listed is with the current SST Exemption that’s valid until 31st December 2021.

West Malaysia