Proton special black & R3 edition models launched: Full details

Finally, the mystery is over and we have amongst us four Proton models that are part of the brand’s latest special edition kit - two Black Edition and two R3 Limited Edition. The former includes the 2021 Exora Black Edition, 2021 Persona Black Edition, while the latter comes with 2021 iRiZ R3 limited edition, and 2021 Saga R3 limited edition models. All the Proton special edition models made their debut via a virtual launch, hints of which were dropped by the automaker a few days back.

Let’s now discuss each of the 2021 Proton special edition models in detail, starting with Black Edition ones first and then moving to the R3 limited edition models.

2021 Proton Persona Black Edition

Limited to only 500 units, the Persona Black Edition is a subdued version of the B-segment sedan. As the name suggests, this particular model is sprayed in black and gets contrasting gold accents all-over.

The Persona Black Edition is based on the sedan’s range-topping 1.6 Premium CVT model. Priced at RM 54,700, this one is RM 1000 pricier than the standard variant.

On the outside the Persona Black Edition benefits from matt dark gold highlights which adorns the car’s U-shaped front bumper trim, machined 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, side skirt, bootlid badge, and rear bumper garnish. The full-width front grille is finished in and so is the B-pillar.

The cabin gets dark gold air-con knobs, air vents, gear lever surround, centre console, and stitching on the faux leather upholstery. It also comes with a full black headliner and headliner. It also comes with a N95 cabin filter that assures improved air quality.

In addition to the special additions, the Persona Black Edition benefits from regular specs like halogen headlights, LED DRLs, push-button start, keyless entry, colour multi-info display, leather-covered steering & gear knob, Geely Key User Interface (GKUI) infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen & ‘Hi Proton’ voice control, colour multi-info display, reverse camera, and four speakers.

Powering the Persona Black Edition is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder VVT mill churning 107 hp of maximum power and 150 Nm of peak torque.

Safety is taken care of by six airbags, ABS with BA & EBD, stability control, rear ISOFIX seat anchors, and hill start assist.

2021 Proton Exora Black Edition

Accompanying the Persona Black Edition is the Exora Black Edition and like the former, this one too is limited to 500 units only. Based on the Exora RC, the Black Edition version of the hatch is priced at RM 67,800, i.e., RM3000 more than the Premium trim.

On the outside, it is sprayed in metallic Quartz Black paint with contrasting gold trim found on the 16-inch alloy wheels, bumper, and decal line on the sides.

The Exora's cabin benefits from black leather upholstery and door trim, adding to the look is the contrast stitching. The dark gold highlight can be seen on the central console panel, gear lever gaiter, while the bazel is done in gloss black. Further keeping the passengers entertained is the overhead monitor, also the N95 cabin filter offers clean air throughout.

It runs on the same 140PS/205Nm pumping 1.6-litre Campro turbo charged mill that is paired with a CVT unit.

Apart from the updates, the Black Edition continues to feature a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with Geely’s Global Key User Interface, Hi Proton voice command, 4G internet connection with 1GB free data per month for 5-years.

2021 Proton Iriz R3 Limited Edition

The Race Rally Research (R3) is back in the game with the arrival of the 2021 Proton Iriz R3 Limited Edition model. Limited to just 500 units, this one is priced at RM 52,900 and like its Black Edition siblings is finished in Quartz Black hue. The 3-piece R3 body kit looks stunning in yellow accents, and the same tone can be seen on the rear wing, front grille, side mirror caps, and top headlight garnish.

Part of Iriz R3 Limited Edition exterior kit is 16-inch alloy wheels finished in dark grey wrapped in 185/55 Goodyear Excellence tyres. Also, a Limited Edition and R3 badge are present on the car’s tailgate along with ‘83’ decals on the front and rear windscreens and side body.

 

On the inside, we see the black and yellow theme continuing. While a yellow tone is seen on the air-vents, air-con dials, and instrumentation surrounds, the black leatherette seats and gearstick gaiter get contrast yellow stitching. Leather wrapped steering wheels feature yellow cross stitching, and the carpet comes with yellow piping with R3 Limited Edition badging. The dashboard gets a special R3 Limited Edition badge.

Powering the Iriz R3 Limited Edition is a 109PS/150Nm 1.6-litre VVT DOHC mill that is paired by a CVT unit.

2021 Proton Saga R3 Limited Edition

 

Unlike the Black Edition models and Iriz R3 Limited Edition, the Saga R3 Limited Edition is limited to 2,000 units. Its exterior resembles the Anniversary Edition and is fitted with an optional bodykit. Black exterior paint jobs with contrasting yellow elements are common across the range.

The grille garnish, front lip, side skirts, side mirror caps, and rear bumper’s lower edge are sprayed in a yellow tone. The hatch’s 15-inch twin-five-spoke alloy wheels are done in matte grey and wrapped in 185/55 tyres. The front and rear windscreens get yellow decals.

On the inside, the yellow tone can be seen on the centre console tray bezel, instrument dial surrounds, and air-conditioning vent tips. The seat and steering wheel feature contrast yellow stitching and the carpets get yellow piping.

Powering the R3 Limited Edition is a 1.3-litre mill making 95 PS along with a peak torque of 120 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via Hyundai-sourced 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Also Read: 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz received 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings