Proton ageing range of homegrown models, the Proton Saga, Persona, Iriz, and Exora, will be getting some much needed upgrades in their powertrain within the next 5 years, according to Proton’s Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah.
When talking about the new and improved Proton under the stewardship of Geely, the Proton X50 and X70 get the limelight but as good as these two models are, it is important to remember that around 60 percent of Proton’s sales come from the ageing Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora, and Saga – collectively referred to within Proton as the PIES range.
Despite their importance, the Proton Saga and Persona – which contribute 50 percent of Proton’s sales, have been neglected for far too long.
Yes, the Saga received a new Hyundai-sourced 4-speed automatic in 2019 to replace the awful Belgian Punch-sourced CVT. However the 1.3-litre VVT engine driving the Saga is now nearly a decade old, and its higher fuel consumption is the only weakness in this otherwise excellent budget car, which rides and drives way better than the market leader Perodua Bezza.
This will change in the near-term, as Proton has confirmed new powertrains are planned for its PIES range. No timeframe were shared but Proton says these, along with a pivot to battery EVs, will take place between now until 2027.
The new and improved PIES models have an important role in supporting Proton's export goals. The near-term goal is to raise exports from the current 5,406 units to 10,000 units (no specific time frame mentioned, but Proton says its an interim goal).
Roslan also reiterated its goal to become the third largest passenger car brand in the ASEAN region by 2027.
https://www.wapcar.my/news/new-engines-coming-for-proton-persona-iriz-exora-maybe-saga-too--between-2023-to-2027-62089