Proton Iriz launched: The all-new B-segment Myvi contender, with 8 variants [+Video]

After many months of teasing and speculations, the Proton Iriz has finally blown its cover to the public, this time with looks to kill. As reported earlier, the B-Segment contender is designed to meet world standards. So, can the Iriz grab hold of such ambition, or will this be the case of ‘getting the ball rolling’? Either way, the Iriz is indeed impressive for what it’s worth. And we can certainly expect to see more quality in the next car to roll out of Proton’s production plant.

QUICK FACTS

The story behind the ‘Iriz’ nameplate derives from the word ‘Iris’, which is responsible for controlling the diameter of the pupil in an eye. According to Proton, the name signifies forward thinking and setting safety standards for its customers. In the case of the Iriz, it’s conceivably true that Proton is setting the benchmark when it comes to safety.

Standard features of the Proton Iriz
This hot new hatchback does have a number of features that are standard across the range, but we’ll elaborate more on the safety front. In case you missed the flurry of teasers on Proton’s microsite – betulbetulonz.com.my, the Iriz is given a 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, thanks in part to the extensive use of reinforced steel structures to protect its occupants. Also, the doors of the Iriz are fitted with sensors that would automatically unlock the doors in case you get involved in an accident. ISOFIX top tether mounting points are standard across the range too.

Other standard safety features include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, Traction Control, Hill-Hold Assist and seat belt warning indicator with buzzer. Reverse sensors come in a pair, but we wouldn’t mind having two more, just to be on par with the rest, if you know what I mean.

Exterior wise, the Iriz gets halogen projector headlamps as standard, along with the LED combination rear lamps. Signal indicators are integrated into the side mirrors, which are attached onto the front door panels, a first for a Proton car. All Iriz trims get frameless front wipers too. Another interesting feature of the hatch is its speed sensitive Electronic Power Steering, also a standard feature.

Proton IRIZ 1.3L Standard
The Iriz comes with two engines to boot; a 1.3-litre inline-four and a bigger 1.6-litre engine. Both engines now feature Variable Valve Timing (VVT) as reported earlier. Just to recap, the 1.3-litre engine makes 94 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

In this base trim, you get: manual folding side mirrors, urethane steering wheel with no audio controls, fabric semi bucket seats, 2-DIN radio and CD player with USB, AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers, power windows, dual front airbags and remote control key (the rest gets a boot release, not this though).

Price:
Standard MT – RM42,438          
Standard CVT – RM45,438

Proton IRIZ 1.3 Executive
Similar to the Standard trim, the Executive 1.3L gets a few additional features for a mere RM4,000 extra. Such features are: follow me home lamp, body-coloured body kit, standard design rear spoiler, rear wiper (the standard doesn’t come with this), fabric trim door inserts, four speakers, two rear USB charging ports rated at 1.5A and 2.1A and driver’s side vanity mirror.

Both the 1.3L variants sit on 14-inch wheels shod with 175/65 R14 series tyres. Price increment justified, don’t you think?

Price:
Executive MT – RM46,438
Executive CVT – RM49,438

Proton IRIZ 1.6L Executive
The Executive trim is the only variant to receive two engine options, and costs about RM7,000 more than the 1.3L variant. The 1.6-litre mill produces 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The upper two trims get a larger 15-inch wheels to complement its sporty stance, wrapped with 195/55 R15 series rubbers.

This model gets two-toned full bodykit, sporty rear spoiler, front fog lamps, urethane steering wheel with audio controls, a 6.2″ LCD screen with DVD player, USB, AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity. The head unit also has the integrated rear-view camera display, GPS navigation and in-car 4G Wi-Fi function.

Price:
Executive MT – RM53,438
Executive CVT – RM56,438

Proton IRIZ 1.6L Premium
The Premium variant boasts a number of exclusive features (on top of the Executive 1.6L), such as the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), auto-fold side mirrors, sunvisor extension, six airbags (front, side and curtain), anti-trap power window (driver side only), electronic gear shift lock, leather steering wheel with audio controls, leather semi bucket seats, automated headlamps, keyless entry and push-start ignition.

Identifying one is relatively easy, because it’s the only trim with the DRLs.

Price:
Premium MT – RM59,438
Premium CVT – RM62,438

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. It comes with a five-year warranty programme with three-years of free service.

What do you think? Is the Iriz a step closer to being world standard, or is it already one?

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IMAGE GALLERY

LAUNCHING

PROTON IRIZ 1.6 PREMIUM

PROTON IRIZ 1.6 EXECUTIVE

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 EXECUTIVE

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 STANDARD