Here are some images of a taped-up Proton Iriz roaming Klang Valley streets, thanks to reader Prasanth Hari Kharan. They show a red five-door hatchback, which is clearly the Proton Iriz, wearing swirl camouflage on the front and rear bumpers, and black tape across the rear hatch.
What this means is that Proton’s Myvi/Jazz-fighting B-segment hatchback is ready for its first major facelift, and second update since it made its debut in 2014.
In June 2017, Proton released an updated Iriz with NVH refinements that included a reduction in the number of engine mounts (from four to three), a new exhaust system and higher-quality sound insulation. Proton also retuned the ECU and the CVT’s transmission control unit (TCU) for quicker, more linear response.
The exterior was left untouched then, but it won’t be so this time. The covered up front and rear bumpers hint at new mouldings, and we can see that the rear reflectors are placed higher than on the current car, which has them in the “diffuser” piece. The black horizontal covering on the hatch could be hiding spaced-out Proton lettering, as seen on the soon-to-be-launched Geely Boyue-based Proton X70 SUV. New rims are on the cards, too.
Currently, the Iriz comes with either a 94 hp/120 Nm 1.3 litre engine or a 107 hp/150 Nm 1.6 litre unit, paired to a CVT automatic. The smaller VVT engine can also be had with a five-speed manual gearbox.
GALLERY: 2017 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mostly focus on the Proton Iriz facelift, with many praising its design, handling, and potential improvements like better engines from Geely. Some express hope for turbo options and R3 editions, emphasizing the Iriz's chassis and driving experience. Several comment on past issues such as weak engines, poor build quality, and design flaws, suggesting Proton needs significant upgrades. Sales figures and market reception are discussed, highlighting that Iriz's sales are low compared to competitors like Myvi. There are opinions about the need for enhanced features, performance, and design tweaks to make the Iriz more competitive. Many commenters also express frustration over delays in new models and EV development, but overall, there's interest in a better, more modern Iriz facelift with improved specs.