Quite possibly the most viral car on the internet. The Proton Global Small Car (GSC) , which was later renamed as the Proton Compact Car (PCC). Development and testing was done way back in late 2013, when it was spied doing some road tests overseas. After much spyshots and teasing from Proton, the car is now officially launched. Everyone, meet the Proton Iriz.
Quick facts on the new Proton Iriz 1.3
- Zerotohundred: 12.2 seconds
- Top Speed : 165 km/h
- Power : 94 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque : 120NM @ 4,000 rpm
- Drivetrain: 5 Speed Manual / CVT
- Price (Metallic) : RM 42,888 (Standard MT), RM 45,888 (Standard CVT), RM 47,888 (Executive MT), RM 50,888 (Executive CVT)
- Price (Solid) : RM 42,438 (Standard MT), RM 45,438 (Standard CVT), RM 47,438 (Executive MT), RM 50,438 (Executive CVT)
Quick facts on the new Proton Iriz 1.6
- Zerotohundred: 11.1 seconds
- Top Speed : 175 km/h
- Power : 107 hp @ 5,750 rpm
- Torque : 150NM @ 3,750 rpm
- Drivetrain: 5 Speed Manual / CVT
- Price (Metallic) : RM 55,888 (Executive MT), RM 58,888 (Executive CVT), RM 59,888 (Premium MT), RM 62,888 (Premium CVT)
- Price (Solid) : RM 55,438 (Executive MT), RM 58,438 (Executive CVT), RM59,438 (Premium MT), RM62,438 (Premium MT)
The Proton Iriz In A Nutshell
The new Proton Iriz is marketed as a B-segment hatchback, so competition includes the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz, Peugeot 208, Chevrolet Sonic and the ever popular Perodua Myvi. Based on a whole new platform, the Iriz is set to gain some decent market share.
Engine and Performance
While looking similar to the CamPro engines of past, the engine powering the Iriz is actually new. Unlike previous CamPro engines (except the CamPro CPS and CamPro CFE), the Iriz now feature Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on the intake side.
Power figures are still quite similar to the older CamPro engines, with the 1.3L engine producing 94 hp at 5,500 rpm with 120 NM of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 1.6L engine, on the other hand, produces 107 hp at 5,750 rpm with 150 NM of torque at 3,750 rpm. Both these engines are paired to either a 5 speed Getrag manual transmission, or a Punch CVT. The Iriz 1.3 achieves zerotohundred in 12.2 seconds with a top speed of 165 km/h. As for the bigger brother Iriz 1.6, it achieves zerotohundred in 11.1 seconds while top speed is rated at 175 km/h.
Technology Behind The Brawn
The Iriz has a lot of tech going on, as it is the first Proton (Except the Juara) to use an Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system for steering duties. This cuts down on the engine load, thus improving fuel consumption.
Power steering aside, the Iriz also features a new Bosch Engine Management System (EMS) that replaces the older Continental EMS. Despite the change in EMS, the usual Active Body Control Modules (ABCM) is still present, and still has several features like Follow-Me-Home lights, service reminder and a proper keyless entry. Projector headlights are also standard across the range.
Exterior
The Iriz looks good, period. Photographs of the car does not give it justice, as seeing the car in person is a whole different perspective. Top of the line Iriz 1.6 Premium features a full dual-tone bodykit all round, with some bright DRLs up front. The 1.3 Executive and 1.6 Executive has body coloured bodykits instead.
Rims measure at 15″ for the 1.6 models, while the 1.3 models will have to make do with 14″ rims instead. As for the rear end, the Iriz features LED tail lights for better clarity. The rear foglight is oddly missing on the Iriz, however, something that the Preve and Suprima S has. All models will feature turn indicators on the side mirrors as well, while the 1.6 Premium model has auto folding electric mirrors.
Interior
The interior of the Iriz really speaks for itself. Despite having hard plastics around, it does not look cheap nor does it feel cheap.
The 1.6 Premium has leather interior and a proper keyless push-start system. Besides that, both the 1.6 Executive and 1.6 Premium will have a touch screen head unit with GPS navigation built in. Reverse camera is also included for those 2 models. Bootspace measures at 215L, and can be increased as the rear seats fold 60:40.
Safety
While building the Iriz, safety is Proton’s top priority, as there has been no compromise in terms of safety kit for the Iriz. All models will have at least twin airbags for the driver and front passenger, while the 1.6 Premium has a total of 6 airbags. Besides that, all variants, including the 1.3 Standard will have Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Hold Assist (HA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS). Pretty impressive amount of kit even for the standard variant. Asean NCAP has tested the car, and no surprise, the Iriz scored a maximum of 5 stars.
Potential buyers can now walk into any Proton branch to place a booking for the Iriz. With prices starting at RM 42,888, it is a relatively viable option when looking for a B-segment hatchback. Proton is currently offering 7 colours for the Iriz, namely Silver Moon Dust, Proton White, Citrus Green, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Atlantic Blue and Fire Red.
Short Test Drive Report
We managed to get into a Iriz 1.3 Executive (MT) for a test drive. Power is very linear, with power coming from as early as 2,000 rpm while the clutch is light (manual transmission is offered throughout the range), which eases traffic jam crawls. Gearshifts on the manual might get some time getting used to, as its rather rubbery and the throw is quite long. Accidentally shifting from first gear into fourth gear can and will happen quite often. The Iriz is the first Proton model to feature Electric Power Steering (EPS) which does the job fine. It is worth noting that the EPS on the Iriz is speed sensitive, which means that at higher speeds, the steering’s weight will increase as well. Road feedback, like most EPS systems, can be improved. What surprised us was the NVH levels of the Iriz, as engine noise, road noise and wind noise was well suppressed in the Iriz. All in all, a very promising package from Proton.
