Proton Iriz launched in Malaysia, priced from RM42k to RM63k [+Video]

Sep 25, 2014 4:20 pm

It is arguably the most anticipated event in the automotive industry this year, mainly because Proton, the brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is launching its Global Small Car (GSC) that promises to meet world standards. Expectations are high especially when it comes to delivering promises, so without further ado, we present to you, the Proton Iriz.

The Iriz, previously known as the Proton Compact Car (PCC), is Proton’s milestone B-Segment hatch that is aimed at taking on its main competitor, the Perodua Myvi. Since the booking windows opened, Proton has received more than 17,000 orders for the new hatchback. The Iriz is offered in three trims – Standard, Executive and Premium – and sits on a completely new platform that is developed locally.

Two engines are tasked to do the tugging – the 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines, both featuring the new Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology, which makes the car perform better in terms of fuel efficiency, performance and emissions. The 1.3-litre mill is found in the Standard and Executive trim, whereas the 1.6-litre can be found in the Executive and Premium trims.

Power output for the 1.3L is 94hp and 120 Nm of torque, while the 1.6L makes 107 hp and 150Nm. All three variants can be had in either a five-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox, so that brings us up to eight Iriz to choose from. Power is delivered to the front wheels only.

What makes the Iriz such an interesting proposition is the amount of tech that goes into the car, both in terms of user convenience and safety (passive and active). Standard in the Iriz are the halogen projector headlights (with the Proton wording embossed, as seen here), LED combination taillights and frameless front wiper. It’s also the first Proton car to have the side mirrors built onto the front door panels.

On the inside, the Iriz’s standard features are the seat height adjuster for the driver, semi bucket seats (fabric and leather are variant dependent), power windows and a groceries hook at the instrument panel. Standard safety features would be the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX mounting points and seatbelt warning buzzer.

That’s not all. The doors are equipped with impact sensors that would unlock the car doors in the event of an accident. Also, all three variants of the Iriz are given a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

The Proton Iriz is now available for viewing and test drive at all proton authorised showrooms nationwide, and can be had in seven colours – Fire Red, Atlantic Blue, Genetic Silver, Proton White, Tranquility Black and two new colours exclusive to the Iriz – Citrus Green and Silver Moon Dust. Pricing starts from RM42,438 for the Standard (MT) trim, up to RM62,888 for the Premium CVT trim.

We’ll go into deeper details of each models in the coming post. So be sure to catch the comprehensive breakdown of the Proton Iriz along with the video there.

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