Proton Iriz: Top 5 features

Proton just announced that they have managed to shift more than 10,600 vehicles in the previous month, alone. This makes them the second best-performing carmaker in Malaysia. And the 2019 Iriz facelift sold nearly a thousand units during the same period. Clearly, this B-segment hatchback has no trouble attracting buyers into the showrooms.

In our region, the Proton Iriz competes against some tough rivals, which includes its arch nemesis - the Perodua Myvi, and the well-built (but slightly more compact) Kia Picanto. The facelift that was made recently made the Iriz a far better package than what it used to be. Proton offers up to five different trims of the Iriz, including two transmission options and two powertrain choices. Prices for the 2019 Proton Iriz start at RM 36,700, and can go all the way till RM 50,700 for the full bells-and-whistles trim. So, in this report, we list out 5 best features of this well-liked hatchback. Let’s begin…

1. Exterior styling

The facelift made the 2019 Proton Iriz more attractive than before, albeit not by a huge margin. However, buyers in this segment have always wanted a well styled, good looking hatchback for their money. And it seems like that’s exactly what Proton offered them. The designers haven’t drastically altered the shape or silhouette of this B-segment hatch, but made just enough changes to make it stand out from its predecessor.

The front fascia now looks bolder than ever before, with sharp styling cues and sportier lines that differentiate it from the older model. It looks distinctly identifiable, but it won’t be mistaken for anything but an Iriz. The ripple effect on the clamshell bonnet looks nice, whilst the ridges on the sides give it some muscularity. The sleek headlamps look well-detailed and are appreciated by their chrome “eyebrows” which are basically an extension of the centre grille ornament. The front grille itself features a large Proton emblem and the aforementioned chrome garnish. Meanwhile, the restyled bumper adds a touch of sportiness with its presence and faux air vents - the latter incorporates the LED DRLs and subtle splitter.

The side profile remains vastly the same. It gets slightly flared fenders, swooping body lines, and 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels of a new design. The rear of the 2019 Iriz features a lot of glossy black finish, a large roof-mounted spoiler, stylish tail lamps, big ‘Proton’ badging, and a sportier rear bumper design than before.

2. Interior space

One of the best fortes of the new Iriz is the room it offers on the inside. Its impressive 3,945mm length, 1,554mm height, and 2,555mm wheelbase affords it far more room on the inside than its Perodua rival. Also helping matters on this front is the Proton Iriz’s tall-boy design, which is a primary cause why it offers more headroom than its rivals. Combine that with the expansive greenhouse area and you should feel absolutely fine in the cabin of this compact hatch.

3. Infotainment and equipment

The 2019 Iriz specs sheet includes a 7-inch touchscreen head unit which can support a variety of entertainment and connectivity options. These include voice commands, online music streaming, live navigation, smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, high-speed 4G and Wi-Fi internet, USB input, and up to four speakers for audio. The capacitive display is responsive and fluid enough, while the screen gets sufficiently bright even in well-lit environments.

The 2019 Iriz also offers automatic headlamps with LED DRLs, auto-folding wing mirrors, remote keyless-entry with push-button start, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and part-leather seats. There are also six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Assist (HHA), all-around parking sensors with reversing camera, ISOFIX anchor points, post crash door unlock,

4. Engine performance

The high-powered variants of the 2019 Iriz come with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with variable-valve timing and dual overhead camshafts. The end result is 107hp and 150Nm of maximum torque, all being funnelled via a CVT gearbox to the front wheels. Give it the beans, and the Iriz can make it to 100 kmph in around 11 seconds and to a top whack of approximately 170 kmph. This makes the 2019 Iriz faster than the Kia Picanto and its closest rival from Perodua.

5. Price tag

Well, this might not exactly be a feature as such. But, it surely is crucial when you decide to buy a car in this genre. The 2019 Proton Iriz costs from between RM 36,700 to RM 50,700, depending on the trim level, of course. This makes it less pricey than its nearest local competitor, thus ensuring its place in your ‘to-drive’ list. Given its healthy list of convenience features, modern safety tech, stylish exterior design, roomy interior, peppy engine performance, and spot-on pricing, the 2019 Proton Iriz surely has a few things going for it.