Proton Iriz

Overview

Proton Iriz can be considered a gamechanging hatchback of number one Malaysian automaker Proton and was launched in the year 2014. In Malaysia, this decently priced hatchback is available in 3 trims with Standard, Executive and Premium labels. These trims are different from each other in terms of features and engine capacity. Iriz was launched at a global level with its 1.3-litre VVT and 1.6-litre VVT engines (with further subdivisions in terms of transmission) which were designed in accordance to the need of global market. This 5-door and 5-seater hatchback has a sporty and young look which is capable of attracting the young people. The most amazing factor however which distinguishes this little hatchback from international manufacturers is the pricing associated with it and the extra-ordinary features it embeds for the little moolah spent.

Interior & Features

While the exterior looks youthful and cutesy, the interior of the same car is much more mature. The overall layout of the cabin has been given a black theme to accentuate its sporty essence.

The three-spoke steering wheel has a very simple design but feels good to hold and comes integrated with buttons for audio and Bluetooth telephony. The instrument console behind the steering wheel has very simple looking analogue dials for the performance. However, the small MID display with blue backlit and silver bordering brightness-up the console.

The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes the centre stage and comes embedded with compatibilities for Bluetooth, reverse camera, navigation, and smartphone connectivity. The vertical AC vents adjacent to this system makes the dashboard look larger than what it is. Apart from this infotainment system, the Proton Iriz has got an impressive list of features for a supermini, which includes push-button start with keyless entry, 4 speakers, remote trunk release, front fog lamps, and driver seat height adjustment.

Given its compact dimensions, it is quite easy to understand that the Proton Iriz compromises on the cabin space. Still, it is pretty much adequate to seat four adults, though the addition of a fifth person will be a squeeze. However, the presence of 60:40 split rear seats and a plethora of cup holders and small storage compartments in the cabin make it a practical option.

Exterior

Talking about the exterior of Proton Iriz, it has a Reinforced Safety Structure (RESS) which is five times stronger than the normal galvanized steel at critical areas for the safety of its occupants. This Proton hatchback stands at 3920 mm x 1722 mm x 1554 mm (L x W x H), 2555 mm of wheelbase and 155 mm of ground clearance. Its alloy wheels measures at 14-inch and 175/65 R14 tires for 1.3-litre engine variants. The 1.6-litre engine variants have 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 R15 tires to complete the sporty exterior of Iriz. The front of this hatch showoffs black bold grille along with chrome plated Proton insignia in the middle of upper front grille. The crisp body-lines and bold fenders add more to its sporty and young look. You couldn't really expect more risking little from your pocket.

Ride & Handling

Complementing its zippy performance from the lively set of engines is the sorted driving dynamics of the Iriz. The Proton Iriz has got a sorted suspension setup of Macpherson struts with stabilizer bar at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear. Coupling up with electrically assisted power steering, the slightly stiffer setup for the suspension makes driving the Iriz a very spirited experience. This stiffer setup does take a mild toll on the ride quality, which feels iffy at places, but nevertheless, it is decent enough for city riding duties.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Proton has made the Iriz available with two engine options, both of which are petrol powered. The smaller 1.3-litre petrol mill pumps out a maximum power of 94 bhp and a peak torque of 120 Nm. And gets the option of both a 5-speed manual for the Standard and CVT for the base and Executive variants.

On the other hand, the larger 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 107 bhp of maximum power and 150 Nm of peak torque and comes with only a CVT transmission in the top-spec Executive variant only. While both the engines feel refined and powerful, it is the 1.6-litre engine which is our pick for its breath-taking zippy performance.

Braking & Safety

The Proton Iriz has been designed keeping its cost-conscious target audience in mind, but that doesn’t mean that it compromises on safety kit. The Iriz comes loaded with safety features such as front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, reverse parking camera with sensors, engine immobilizer, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats. This list of premium safety features takes the Proton Iriz to the league of similarly spec cars from one segment above.

Verdict

For an entry-level hatch, the Proton Iriz impresses you with its cutesy road presence and smart interiors which make it feel a cut premium over its competitors. The compact dimensions coupled up with a powerful engine and sorted driving dynamics give the Proton Iriz a very likeable driving experience, which is a bonus for a city oriented hatchback. Sure, the Iriz isn’t perfect and has its share of compromises in terms of plain rear styling, lack of rear seat space, and slightly jittery ride quality. But then, these are not such big concerns to dent the overall package of this lively and practical city car.