Proton Iriz Overview

The Proton Iriz is a B-segment hatchback that aims to be a contender to Malaysia’s best-selling hatchback, the Perodua Myvi. Introduced in 2016, it was one of the few affordable hatchbacks with sporty driving characteristics. Besides Proton’s signature ride and handling ensuring a pleasurable drive, the Iriz offers plenty of tech in the cabin to keep the driver and passengers comfortable.

General Information

Proton Iriz Variants

The Proton Iriz is available in three variants; the 1.3L Standard powered by a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine, as well as 1.6L Executive, and 1.6L Active powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. All variants have their power delivered to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Proton Iriz Pricing

The price of a new Proton Iriz starts from RM40,800 for the 1.3L Standard, RM47,800 for the 1.6L Executive, and RM54,800 for the 1.6L Active variant.

Colors Available

There are seven colors available on the Proton Iriz with some being exclusive to certain variants. The three colors that are available on all variants are Snow White, Armour Silver, and Ocean Blue.  Passion Red is exclusive to the 1.6L Active, Citric Orange is not available on the 1.3L Standard, while Jet Grey and Ruby Red are not available on the 1.6L Active.

Proton Iriz Basic Features

Interior

Compared to the Proton Iriz 1.6L Executive and Active, the 1.3L Standard variant has basic interior trim and features. Features only found on the 1.3L Standard are an LCD segmented multi-info display and fabric seats. Also, both the 1.3L Standard and the 1.6L Executive share a urethane steering wheel while the 1.6L Active has a leatherette steering wheel with audio and hands-free telephone switches. Features shared by the 1.6L Executive and Active variants are intelligent entry with push start button, TFT multi-info display, and anti-trap function on the driver’s side power window. Other exclusive features on the 1.6L Active are semi leather seats with fabric, and sport pedals. All variants have a front armrest with console box, Eco Drive Assist with Eco mode switch, as well as manual air-conditioning with a digital display and N95 cabin filter.

Exterior

Headlights on the Proton Iriz are halogen on the 1.3L Standard and 1.6L Executive variants, whereas on the 1.6L Active, they are LED. The 1.6L Executive and Active variants also get LED daytime running lights (DRLs), auto headlights with follow-me-home function, and auto-fold electric door mirrors with turn signal lamps. In terms of exterior trim, the 1.6L Active gets dual-tone finishing on its alloy wheels and a black roof with black rear spoiler. The 1.3L Standard and 1.6L Executive variants get single-tone alloy wheels. Additionally, the 1.6L Executive variant gets a body-colored rear spoiler. Standard on all variants is a rear wiper.

Cabin Space

Despite being a compact car, the Proton Iriz has enough space and legroom for five adults. All variants have similar dimensions except in their height. The 1.3L Standard variant measures 3,945 mm long, 1,722 mm wide, and 1,554 mm tall. The 1.6L Executive has a height of 1,564 mm, while the 1.6L Active is the tallest out of the three at 1,574 mm. The boot capacity of the Proton Iriz is 215-liters which is expandable when needed with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. 

Infotainment system

The Proton Iriz 1.3L Standard variant has a standard audio system and only two speakers. Standard features across all variants include Bluetooth connectivity and six USB ports. The 1.6L Executive and Active variants, instead, have an 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with four speakers. The 1.6L Executive and Active variants support smartphone connectivity while features exclusive on the 1.6L Active are voice command, online navigation, online music streaming, online weather forecast, 4G connectivity, and Wifi.

Proton Iriz Driving Performance 

The Proton Iriz 1.3L Standard is powered by a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that produces a max power of 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and a max torque of 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The 1.6L Executive and Active variants, however, are powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with VVT that produces a max power of 109 PS at 5,750 rpm and a max power of 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. 

The fuel consumption of the Proton Iriz is estimated at 6.7 L/100 km for the 1.3L Standard and 1.6L Executive variants. The heavier and taller 1.6L Active variant has a slightly higher fuel consumption of 7.0 L/100 km. The acceleration for the 1.3L Standard variant is 13.1 seconds, while on the 1.6L Executive and Active variants it’s 11.1 seconds.

Proton Iriz Safety Features

While not class-leading, the Proton Iriz has decent safety features for its price point. Standard on all variants are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Hold Assist (HHA). Additionally, the 1.3L Standard variant has four SRS airbags and rear parking sensors. Moving up the range, the 1.6L Executive and Active variants have six SRS airbags, a reverse camera, as well as both front and rear parking sensors.

For its price, the Proton Iriz offers a lot to drivers who want an affordable, practical, and engaging to drive car. Proton has also improved on various aspects of the car from its comfort to safety features making it an overall good family car.