Updated Proton Iriz coming soon - What to expect?

Malaysians know Proton and are equally aware of its best-seller hatch, the Iriz. Competing with the likes of Honda Jazz and Perodua Myvi, the Iriz is one of the first cars a first-time buyer has on its check-list. We personally find the Iriz an easy-breezy car that looks nice, delivers adequate power, and is loaded with a suitable number of safety features. But this particular Proton hatch became all the more attractive when it got its first major update after the 2004 launch. In June 2017, an updated Iriz was released with significant NVH refinements. So, it was more of a performance update then a cosmetic one. It included - a reduction of engine mounts from 4 to 3, higher quality sound insulation, and a new exhaust system. The ECU and CVT units were also retuned for a more linear and quicker response

However, now was the high time for Proton to revamp the Iriz, especially on the styling front as the engine part has been already taken care of in the June update cycle. Starting this October, we have been seeing a camouflaged Proton hatch strolling around the Kuala Lumpur roads. And without a doubt, it's the Iriz. Finally, the company paid heed to our prayers. However, we never thought it would happen now with Proton all caught up in the X70 launch.

Coming to the new Proton Iriz facelift, we have only seen a few images for the camouflaged car. The side profile remained visible with no noticeable changes. Here are a few revision that prospective buyers are sure to witness (as sourced from the spy shots) along with some that we hope to accompany the Iriz facelift -

1. Revamped front design:

Out of all the areas blessed with new aspects, we feel the front end is on the favourable side with significant updations. While the bonnet remains the same, it’s the bumper that’s been heavily revised. Gone are the old pair of projector headlamps and in-comes the new, aggressive LED units with daytime running lights. As for the later addition, we are sure if it would transcend to all the variants. Also, the headlamps now showcase a chrome strip on the top edge. The grille too is new and merges with the headlamp chrome lining seamlessly. It’s the fog lamp casing that attracted us the most, though camouflaged, a modern design made an appearance through the sheet.

2. Revisions on the rear

Following the changes made on the front end, the back too gets its share of newness. The camouflaged rear reflected a prominent bulge on the tailgate area, here we are expecting to see a chrome strip or Proton spelled in chrome like seen on the X70. The taillight is expected to get a new applique. The bumper looked new, and even the reflectors get a higher position than before.

3. Changes in the cabin

Our expectation from the interior revisions is very much limited. We are hoping for a more premium upholstery with a few additions/advancements on the tech front. Say, for example, the inclusion of automatic air-con system, touch-screen infotainment with navigation and connectivity features, cruise control, rear parking sensors, more USB ports, and like.

4. Improved safety kit

The ongoing Proton Iriz specs sheet shows a pretty extensive safety feature lineup with elements like ABS & EBD, Brake Assist, front, side and curtain airbags, Hill-hold Assist, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control. So, we are hoping for the same, however, with more standard options.

That’s all for now on the new facelifted Iriz. We hope the hatch soon debuts with its revamp version giving buyers one better option in the segment.