Proton Iriz: What makes it desirable?

Competing against the likes of the Perodua Myvi and Kia Picanto, the Proton Iriz is a class of hatchback that occupies a significant place in the B-segment space in Malaysia. The Proton Iriz first showed up in the automotive scene in the country back in 2014, and it didn’t take much longer for audiences to lap it up in their thousands each month. However, with competition ramping up their efforts, it was time for Proton to do the same with the Iriz. So, come 2017, the Malaysian auto giant unveiled the latest, facelifted version of the well-liked hatchback. The new iteration of the Proton Iriz now shared much of its underpinnings with the all-new Persona sedan, and the carmaker presently sells five different variants of the Iriz.

So, what exactly makes the Proton Iriz such a desirable purchase option? Well, let’s find out…

Decent exterior styling

Proton has showcased the spectacular EMAS concept car in 2010, and as with many concepts, it looked really cool and was to morph into the yet-to-be-named Iriz. Of course, when the Proton Iriz was unveiled, it didn’t look anything like its glorious concept self, though the Iriz’s styling is fairly good. While the earlier avatars of the Proton Iriz looked decent, the new facelifted model looks bolder, more modern and better-styled than ever before. The older car had a softer front end design with many rounded corners, which isn’t the case with its successor - it looks sharp and a tad bit more mature. There’s a new split-grille design now with a flamboyant chrome strip, revised headlamp cluster, sharply-creased bonnet, and a better-moulded bumper which also integrates stylish air vents and LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

There haven’t been any major alterations to the new Iriz’s side profile, save for the two-tone paint job that brings along a contrasting black roof and a revised (15-inch) dual-tone alloy wheel design. Of course, there still are the swooping body contours and mildly flared fenders. The most noteworthy styling add-on at the back of the new Proton Iriz is its rather large and glossy black trim piece on the tailgate, which now spells out the marque’s name. Then there are the chic-looking tail lamps, a sizeable roof-mounted spoiler, and a heavily reworked bumper with a sporty faux air diffuser/side vents setup. The new Proton Iriz certainly possesses the ability to grasp your attention.

Fairly punchy engine and good performance

According to their needs and requirements, buyers of the Proton Iriz can opt for either a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit with 94 hp and 120 Nm or a 1.6-litre four-popper mill that pushes out 107 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Four out of the five variants of the Iriz are all available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the entry-level trim is only offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. In the case of the model with the higher-output engine, performance is fairly reasonable for the class; in fact, it’s better than some of its rivals. The Proton Iriz 1.6 can, given a long enough stretch of tarmac, hit a maximum velocity of 170 kmph. Meanwhile, the Iriz’s 0 to 100 kmph run takes around 11 seconds, making it quicker than the competition, too.

Reasonable levels of equipment and features

In spite of being priced quite aggressively, the new Proton Iriz specs sheet isn’t exactly lacking on features. In fact, and depending upon the trim option that’s chosen, the Iriz can be had with several basic and modern items as well. For example, the top-spec Premium variant of the Iriz comes with automatic headlamps with “Follow Me Home” feature, electrically-operated wing mirrors with LED turn indicators and auto-retract function, remote trunk release, keyless entry with push-button start, sports seats with semi-leather upholstery, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, tilt adjustment for the steering, split-folding rear seats, TFT multi-information display with ECO Drive Assist, frameless rearview mirror, dual charging ports, a 4-speaker sound system, plus a 7-inch touch-infotainment head unit with support for voice commands, online music streaming, online navigation, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth streaming and calling, USB input, and high-speed 4G and Wi-Fi internet service.

On the safety front, the Proton Iriz is pretty well catered for. In fact, it scored a maximum of 5 stars at the highly-acclaimed ASEAN NCAP crash safety demonstration and tests. The fully-loaded Premium variant of the new Iriz packs many of the most basic safety features, including engine immobiliser & anti-theft alarm and ISOFIX rear-seat anchor points. However, it also ropes in more advanced hardware and software such as impact-sensing door unlock, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, six airbags (front, side and curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).

Attractive pricing

The 2019 Proton Iriz is a hatchback that’s primarily targeted at the youth and younger families. This means that its purchase cost will play a crucial role in its success, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed at Proton. The entry-level Standard variant (with the 1.3 motor and a manual gearbox) starts at just RM 36,700, while the range-topping Premium car comes in at RM 50,700. Even the most expensive Executive trim of the Iriz (with the 1.3 engine and a CVT) only costs RM 44,700. Put together, all these factors make the new Proton Iriz one of the most desirable cars in its segment.