2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium Review

The Proton Iriz is the classic example of the term “third time’s the charm”. This Myvi competitor was first launch in 2014 with full of promises and hope for the local manufacture. Unfortunately, it did not catch on with Malaysians as much as Proton wanted to. It had the overall package in terms of safety and equipment but was rather flawed mainly due to the below average build quality, NVH and unrefined powertrain. In 2017 Proton tried to address those issues with the launch of the Iriz Refinement model where several improvements were made such as a recalibrated CVT, new engine mounts and better noise insulation. But on the outside the car largely remain the same with just some new colour options. By this time, the all new Perodua Myvi was also launch and took the Malaysian market by storm. The Iriz suddenly found itself in second place by a huge margin for the second time again.

Of course, that was the old Iriz. Under the new Geely management Proton finally launch the proper Proton Iriz. The one that we suppose to get back in 2014. But as they say, “it is better late than never”. Along with its twin brother the Persona sedan, the Iriz can finally now compete heads on in the popular B segment category with confident. Starting off with under the hood the Iriz continue to be offered with 2 engine choices across 4 main variants. Both are the carried over 1.3L and 1.6L VVT 4-cylinder petrol engine. The lower 1.3L engine produces 95 Ps with 120 Nm of torque while the bigger 1.6L engine produces 109 Ps with 150 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to CVT or 5 speed manual and power is sent to the front wheels.

Speaking of variants, the base 1.3L Standard can either be had with the CVT or manual transmission while the Executive and Premium variants only get the cvt. On the outside the Iriz gets new front bumper, infinite weave pattern grill, wheels and rear bumper. Executive and up variants get 15-inch wheels and LED daytime running light as well. All variants except the lowest Standard manual get a cool looking roof spoiler in the back. There is also a shark fin antenna and body mounted side mirror to round the exterior off.

On the inside the Iriz feature a familiar looking dashboard design as before with some new touches around. The head liner is black compare to the lighter shade on the Persona. Executive and Premium variant gets 7-inch touch screen infotainment system while the Premium variant add on voice command, navigation and online music streaming. There is also a new instrument cluster with a TFT display on higher trim while lower trims get LCD segmented once. Lastly there is a newer shift lever design seen on the X70 CBU on the highest Premium trim as well as a frameless rearview mirror. In term of seating comfort, the Iriz provide good space both in the front and in the rear. The leg room is not a large as a Myvi but the seats offer better upper and lower body support. As a bonus there 2 rear USB charging port on all variants. The rear seats can be fold 60:40 to create more cargo space on top of the standard 215-liter boot space.

From behind the wheel, the Iriz is pleasant to drive. There is a noticeable improvement of noise insulation and CVT respond compare to older Irizes. The steering is light with a good amount of feedback. Power from the 1.3L engine is suffice but those who really wants power the 1.6L engine does not disappoint either. The lagging of the line respond of CVT from the previous car is now greatly reduce and the calibration now really put the engine in its peak power band better than ever. Handling is typical of Proton and that is good. There is some body roll and understeer but nothing like a good set of sticky rubber and lowering spring would make the Iriz a track day wonder. Overall, the Iriz does not feel like an enonomy box behind the wheel like some cars in this price point.

In base form the Iriz 1.3L Standard variant don’t really have much to offer with just Bluetooth connectivity, reverse parking sensors, fabric seats, power windows, power mirrors and front parking sensors. Safety however is rather good with dual front airbags, stability control, traction control, hill start assists and ISOFIX child seat mount. The Iriz is also the 5 star ASEAN NCAP car. The 1.3L Executive and 1.6L Executive adds on LED daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, keyless entry, push start button, 15-inch wheels, rear back up camera and the 7-inch touch screen infotainment system. Finally, the top of the range 1.6L Premium variant adds in a leather wrap multifunction steering wheel, semi leather upholstery, 4G in car wifi, navigation, voice recognition, power folding outside mirror, 6 airbags and black painted roof.

Prices for the Proton Iriz 1.3L Standard manual variant in east Malaysia right now starts at RM39,163.72. The CVT variants is at RM42,221.82. Moving up to Executive CVT variants are RM47,218.65 for the 1.3L and RM49,180.09 for the 1.6L. Last but certainly not least, the 1.6L Premium Variant will cost you RM 53,157.56, respectively. The Iriz can be have with 5 colour option which are Ocean Blue, Ruby Red, Snow White, Armour Silver and Jet Grey. All Irizes comes with 5-year 150000 km warranty. Overall, the Iriz is a decent B-segment contender with excellent value for money. If only it arrived like this with the first one back in 2014.