New Proton Iriz Active: First impression

After a long wait, the Malaysian’s beloved Proton Iriz hatchback received a facelift that brings a lot of new things to the table. The most significant among those is the addition of a new Active variant as the top-spec model, alongside dropping the Standard MT. This means the new Proton Iriz variants are - 1.3 Standard, 1.6 Executive, and 1.6 Active, all equipped with a continuous variable transmission. In this article, we bring our first impression of the new Proton Iriz Active covering all its aspects, so let’s get started.

Proton Iriz Active Exterior

Undoubtedly, the new Proton Iriz Active looks more stylish, unique, and sportier thanks to the new styling touches. The hatchback features a new profile in a new Passion Red attire. It flaunts a revised grille on the front with the familiar Infinite Weave design and the brand’s latest round logo that was first seen on the X70 CKD last year. 

As compared to the lower trims, the Iriz Active hatch boasts a different front bumper with all-around body mouldings running from the front bumper, wheel arches, side sills to the rear bumper. It also comes with LED headlamps with auto on/off and follow me home functions. Further complementing the hatchback’s design are the new 16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof finish, and new finishing on the rear combination lamps.

New Proton Iriz colour options are Citric Orange, Passion Red, Ocean Blue, Snow White, and Armour Silver.

Proton Iriz Active Interior

Just like the exterior, the Iriz cabin also gets a number of updates that add to style and luxury. Starting things with the most significant one, that is, the new 8-inch floating infotainment head unit. The new system is able to stream online music, navigation, and weather forecasts. It also gets the smartphone, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity options. 

Proton also updated the “Hi PROTON” voice command functionality of the system to control the air-conditioning and driver’s window along with controlling navigation, music, and communication. 

Also, parts of the Iriz Active kit are new digital AC controls with an LCD, semi leather seats, a new armrest with additional storage space, 6 USB ports - (3 at the front, 2 at the rear, and 1 behind the rear view mirror), an N95 cabin filter, ECO mode switch, power windows, and an intelligent entry with a push start button.

Other stuff that makes the interior ambience more upmarket is the red highlights. We can see Active embroidery on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, along with red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts. For a subtle sporting touch, the car also gets aluminium sport pedals.

Proton Iriz Active Engine specifications

Coming to under the hood configuration, here we can find the familiar 1.6-litre four-cylinder In-Line DOHC 16-Valve VVT engine that churns out a maximum power output of 109 PS at 5,750 rpm and a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels of the hatchback via a continuously variable transmission. 

Proton Iriz Active Safety features

In terms of safety, the new Proton Iriz Active is a step up from its predecessor. It gets six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control system, hill hold assist, reverse camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Also, the car has a reinforced body structure with hot-pressed formed steel. All these together helped the hatchback in receiving the impressive five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. 

Proton Iriz Active Price and warranty package

The 2022 Proton Iriz Active price tag reads RM 54,000 (on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the SST rebate). It is RM 14000 dearer than the base Standard and RM 7000 than the Executive. Included in the price are

• Warranty coverage package - 5-year Warranty or 150,000 km; whichever comes first
• Service package - 3 times free Labour Service
• Data package - 5-year with 1GB each month 

In the end, we conclude that the new Iriz Active creates a good first impression with its refreshed design, latest connectivity, and safety features. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: 2022 Proton Persona now on sale in Malaysia, price starts at RM 45,800