IN AGGRESSIVE MOVE, PROTON SLASHES PRICES OF IRIZ & PERSONA – AS LI CHUNRONG GOES HEAD TO HEAD WITH COMPETITORS

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has slashed thousands of ringgit off the price of the Iriz and Persona, bringing the price now from just RM36,700 for the former, and RM42,600 for the latter.

The move is a bold move by Proton, in a bid to gain market share for its cars. Last month, its chief executive officer, Dr Li Chunrong said the two models will be the main contributors to the company’s target to break even this year and turning to profitability next year.

Proton’s chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar (3rd-left) and chief executive officer Dr Ling Chun Rong (left) with members of Proton’s and DRB Hicom’s top management gesture during the launch at KL Convention Centre. – NSTP/SUPIAN AHMAD

The cars, which were launched at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre received a refresh to stoke more market interest.

Proton says it has improved 367 items in the Iriz, and customers can expect better brake performance, NVH, fuel consumption along with improved customer experience. The Iriz’s quality has also improved, with a better Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) rating.

Proton’s chief designer Azlan Othman addresses the crowd at KL Convention Centre. – NSTP/SUPIAN AHMAD

The 1.3 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder VVT engine produces 94 hp at 5,750 rpm, while the 1.6 litre unit makes 107 hp at 5,750rpm.

The 2019 Proton Persona on the other hand, has received 303 improvements, including better brake performance, better fuel consumption, quieter cabin and better driveability.

Both cars are now equipped with an intelligent head unit which is equipped with voice recognition and the “Hi Proton” functions.

Proton Persona is priced at RM42,600 while Iriz at RM36,700. – NSTP/SUPIAN AHMAD

The Iriz is available in five variants, namely Standard 1.3L MT, Standard 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT, while the Persona is available in four variants: the Standard 1.6L Manual Transmission, Standard 1.6L Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT.

The prices for the two cars are significantly cheaper compared to their prices when originally launched.

When launched in 2014, the Iriz was priced starting from RM42,000 while the entry price for the Persona in 2016 was RM46,000.

NST