2019 Proton Iriz launched, gets a price tag of RM 36,700

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton knows how to make us wait, doesn’t it? First, it tested our patience with its first SUV X70 and now has been teasing us with the newest iteration of the Iriz from some time. While the stylish hatch was unveiled long ago in January, earlier this year, Proton has taken good three months to bring out the hatchback. However, today, the launch event that was also streamed live on Proton’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, the Malaysian automaker has put an end to the wait and launched the much awaited 2019 Iriz.

With much of the details about the 2019 Proton Iriz already out, we were anticipating the price of the updated hatch more than anything else. However, we should appreciate what deserves to be appreciated and the new Iriz certainly earns some rounds of applause. While it may not appear to the naked eye, Proton claims to have improved 367 items on the Iriz. Starting off with the looks of the hatch, there are inspirations that have been taken from the X70. Up front, the new blacked-out grille on the Iriz is in the shape of a bow and boasts the “infinite weave” pattern, just like the Proton X70. The front bumper has also undergone some hammering and features bigger air-intakes and faux vents housing horizontally stacked LED DRLs. Looking from the side, we notice new 15-inch dual-tone “rotor blade” alloys and a shark fin antenna. Much of the side profile of the 2019 Iriz is similar to the outgoing model. Moving to the rear end, there is a new blacked out portion of the tailgate that also incorporates the Proton text in chrome finish.

Hop inside the 2019 Proton Iriz and the changes are subtle yet effective. Some of the trim pieces now feature a dark finish and there is the new TFT-LCD multi-info display infotainment system that also comes with Bluetooth, smartphone mirroring, 4G connectivity via an eSIM, and voice control. Other updates on the inside of the 2019 Proton Iriz include a new gear lever, frameless rearview mirror, and others.

Coming to the mechanical bits of the revamped Iriz, the hatch continues to feature the same setup as before. There is the 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot VVT engine that makes 95 PS of maximum power at 5,750 rpm and a peak torque of 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The other option is the 1.6-litre unit that can churn out 109 PS of maximum power at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Both the engines can be had with either a five-speed manual or a CVT transmission unit. On the safety front, while the top-of-the-line Premium variant gets six SRS airbags, other models receive only two. Standard safety features across the range include ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESC, traction control, Hill Hold Assist and two rear parking sensors. ESC and traction control system also make their way on the top trim. Now let’s address the most important point, price. Different variants of the 2019 Proton Iriz come with the following price tags:

• Standard 1.3L MT: RM 36,700
• Standard 1.3L CVT: RM 39,700
• Executive 1.3L CVT: RM 44,700
• Executive 1.6L CVT: RM 46,700
• Premium 1.6L CVT: RM 50,700