Proton Iriz: And the others who are equally good

Launched for the first time in 2014, the Proton Iriz looks modern and has enticed the young generation quite well. Despite being young, the quality and performance offered by the Iriz are at another level. A compact hatchback that will be bought out of necessity on most occasions, this light on the pocket car is not short on any grounds. Proton Iriz’s price runs from RM 40,012 to RM 53,751, but this does not make the Iriz's spec list any shorter.

The affordable, adorable, yet a fun car is available in 3 different variants. There are 2 petrol-fed powertrains available, a 1.3-litre MPI (94 PS and 120 Nm) and a 1.6-litre (107 PS and 150 Nm). Talk about features and the Iriz sails there too. You can have everything from a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system to ABS, EBD, Traction Control, multiple airbags, and what not? The cherry on the cake is the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating which proves that the Iriz is safe as a house for its occupants. The Proton Iriz has certainly set the bar high for the competitors in the affordable hatchback segment. But there are a few hatches out here in Malaysia who can give the Iriz a run for its money. Read on to know about them, and if they are really a threat to the Iriz?

Perodua Myvi

Here comes the toughest opponent. Perodua Myvi is without a doubt the car that has been giving the Proton Iriz a run for its money since forever. Just like the Iriz, the Myvi if affordable, yet looks stylish and packs in a lot more than one would think of at first glance. The current Myvi that is on-sale in Malaysia is the third generation of the hatchback that was first launched in 2005. On the Perodua Myvi's spec list, we see a 1.3-litre (95 PS and 121 Nm) and a 1.5-litre (104 PS and 136 Nm) engine options. The smaller engine comes with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic unit whereas the bigger motor gets a 5-speed automatic gearbox only. With the aforementioned engines, the Perodua Myvi’s colors include Glittering Silver, Ivory White, Lava Red, Peppermint Green, Granite Grey and Mystical Purple. Features on this competitor of the Iriz include 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, navigation, multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front parking sensors, vehicle stability control, hill hold assist, traction control and much more. At RM 42,790 to RM 54,090, the Perodua Myvi’s price makes it one hell of a competitor for the Proton Iriz.

Kia Picanto

Probably the cutest or shall we say the most stylish car in this competition that we have organised today. The Kia Picanto is one compact car that looks stunning for its size and has all the necessary features for someone who is looking to buy his/her first car. Offered in only one variant, the 1.2 EX AT, Picanto’s specifications list is a lot bigger than its size and price. Powered by the Kappa 1.2-litre MPI DOHC engine, the Picanto packs in 84 PS of max power and 122 of peak torque in its armoury. A 4-speed automatic unit then provides sufficient power to the front wheels. Talking more about styling, the Kia Picanto is available in 5 different finishes. Furthermore, the small hatchback comes with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay ready infotainment system, a 4-speaker stereo with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The safety features on the Picanto include driver-passenger-side airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, parking sensors, traction control among others. Kia Picanto’s price of RM 47,079 makes it one ideal alternative of the Proton Iriz for someone who is looking for a small, affordable, feature loaded car.

Haval H1

Last on our list is the Haval H1. Being quite new to the Malaysian market, the H1 is not too popular and is also the costliest of the 4 cars which we are talking about today. But the extra cost brings some additional specs as well. The Haval H1 brings the stylish SUV looks in a smaller form factor. First launched in 2014, the H1 has Chinese roots and that in a way has affected the performance of the car in the Malaysian market. As of now, the Haval H1 is being assembled locally for the Malaysian masses and brings a lot to the table at an affordable price. The Haval H1 specs include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor. This engine is capable of producing 105 PS of max power and 138 Nm of peak torque. The transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed automatic unit that has been specially tuned by Getrag transmissions. Don’t let the Chinese roots fool you, the H1 offers projector headlights, LED DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels among others on the outside. Inside, the elements in the cabin are of good quality and will definitely last long. Touchscreen infotainment system with stereo speakers, multi-functional steering wheel, and cruise control all make their way to the Haval H1. One surprising yet welcome addition is the dashcam, which is a rarity in cars of this segment and price range. Safety wise, the Hi has got driver-passenger airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, parking sensors, traction control, and engine immobilizer. Offered in 3 variants and 6 colors, the Haval H1’s price in the Philippines is RM 61,950 to RM 74,950.

So, these were the potential alternatives to the Proton Iriz. Have you got an Iriz? Or any of the other from the list? Do share with us. And do not miss the fun and excitement that’s going to take place at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show from 23 November to 2 December.