Hello everyone! We’re at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where Proton has just launched the facelifted Iriz hatch and Persona sedan. Here, we’re concentrating on the Iriz, which receives a multitude of new features and improvements – amounting to a total of 367 changes – wrapped in a fairly substantial redesign.
We’ll start with the one piece of information you’ve all been waiting for, and that’s the price. In a surprise turn of events, the new Iriz range kicks off around RM3,700 cheaper than before – despite the addition of around RM1,400 worth of upgrades and added kit, according to Proton – at RM36,700 for the 1.3 Standard MT, rising to RM39,700 (down RM1.1k) for the CVT version and RM44,700 (down RM1.7k) for the 1.3 Executive CVT.
The facelift sees the reintroduction of the RM46,700 1.6 Executive CVT variant, which was discontinued in 2017, while the range-topping 1.6 Premium CVT goes for RM50,700 (down RM4.1k). All prices are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of an unchanged five-year/150,000 km warranty.
With that out of the way, let’s continue to the most striking change – the exterior design. The entire front end has been given a revamp, with the Iriz now sporting the Persona’s reflector halogen headlights (projectors previously), joined together by a full-width chrome strip. This strip has what Proton calls an “Ethereal Bow” design, with a scalloped centre section that goes under the badge.
Elsewhere, the upper grille gets a subtle Infinite Weave pattern that was first introduced on the X70 SUV, while the lower grille is now much smaller, flanked by larger fake air intakes (with LED daytime running lights on all but the base Standard variant). The front lip spoiler is finished in matte black with a chrome strip.
Moving to the rear of the car, there’s now a gloss black strip that joins the tail lights, complete with the Proton script that replaces the shield-shaped badge. The bumper gets a larger diffuser with the same chrome trim as the front, framed by fake air vents. New 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels on the Executive and Premium models (the latter also gets a black roof) complete the look.
Inside, the changes are fewer but no less significant, with the addition of black headlining and – on the Premium variant – a frameless rear-view mirror and a black-and-silver gearknob from the X70. There’s also a redesigned instrument cluster with clearer, more legible silver-ringed dials and a colour multi-info display on the Executive and Premium models.
These variants also gain a new infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen – a version of the Geely’s Global Key User Interface (GKUI) found on the X70, developed in partnership with Chinese tech company ECARX. The Premium model gets 4G connectivity (1GB free per month for five years) that adds the “Hi Proton” voice control, online music streaming and live navigation data, plus a WiFi hotspot for your devices.
In terms of equipment, the 1.3 Standard model now has a shark fin antenna, a rear wiper and front parking sensors, joining a kit list that includes 14-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, fabric seats, a Bluetooth-enabled 2-DIN radio/CD head unit, twin rear USB ports, two speakers and reverse sensors.
The 1.3 Executive variant adds automatic headlights and an auto up/down driver’s side window – items that were removed during the 2017 product update – along with keyless entry, push-button start, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines and four speakers. The 1.6 litre version gains auto-folding door mirrors, another reinstated feature.
Safety kit remains unchanged, with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors being standard fare. Only the Premium model gains side and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags, and autonomous emergency braking is still nowhere to be found.
Also unchanged are the engines, which consist of two VVT naturally-aspirated petrol engines. The 1.3 litre version produces 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 1.6 litre unit bumps those figures to 109 PS and 150 Nm.
An improved CVT – which has been worked on to improve response and fuel efficiency, combining its learnings with Geely’s – is fitted across the range, with the Standard model also getting the option of a five-speed manual gearbox. Changes have also been made to enhance braking performance, improve build quality and reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
Here’s the variant breakdown in detail:
2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard MT – RM36,700
Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
- 1.3 litre VVT DOHC engine
- 1,332 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
- 95 PS at 5,750 rpm, 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm
- Five-speed manual
- MacPherson struts (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Ventilated brake discs (front), drums (rear)
Exterior
- Halogen reflector headlights
- LED rear combination tail lights
- 14-inch alloy wheels with 175/65-section tyres
- Power-adjustable door mirrors
- Shark fin antenna
- Rear wiper
Interior
- Urethane steering wheel
- LCD multi-info display
- Power windows with driver’s side auto down
- Black fabric seats with manual adjustment
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- Manual air-conditioning
- 2-DIN radio/CD player with Bluetooth connectivity
- Two speakers
- One front USB port, two rear
Safety
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD and brake assist
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Hill start assist
- Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Front and rear parking sensors
2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT – RM39,700
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- CVT
Exterior
- Tailgate spoiler
2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 Executive CVT – RM44,700
Adds on:
Exterior
- Automatic headlights with follow-me-home function
- LED daytime running lights
- 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55-section tyres
- Keyless entry
Interior
- Push-button start
- TFT LCD colour multi-info display
- Driver’s side auto up/down window with anti-pinch
- Seven-inch touchscreen head unit with smartphone connectivity
- Four speakers
- Reverse camera with dynamic guidelines
2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive CVT – RM46,700
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- 1.6 litre VVT DOHC engine
- 1,597 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
- 109 PS at 5,750 rpm, 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Exterior
- Auto-folding door mirrors
2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT – RM50,700
Adds on:
Exterior
- Black roof
Interior
- Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped gearknob with silver trim
- Part-leather upholstery
- Frameless rear-view mirror
- Built-in 4G connectivity with WiFi hotspot
- Voice control, music streaming, live navigation data
Safety
- Six airbags (front, side, curtain)
To sweeten the deal, Proton is throwing in a few extra goodies, including free labour for the first three scheduled services, financing interest rates starting from 2.93% per annum and two years’ free road tax (the latter for the first 1,000 customers).
The company is also offering benefits in terms of insurance coverage, such as a waiver of betterment for up to 10 years, agreed value coverage for up to 12 years, key care coverage of up to RM1,000, a flood relief allowance of up to RM1,000, personal accident coverage for policyholders and insured drivers of up to RM15,000 and coverage for all drivers at no extra cost.
As for colours, the existing Ruby Red paint joins a new colour palette that includes the Ocean Blue hero colour, Snow White, Armour Silver and Jet Grey – the last three hues are lifted from the X70. You can read our first drive review and browse full specifications and equipment on CarBase.my.
GALLERY: 2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive CVT
GALLERY: 2019 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT
GALLERY: 2019 Proton Iriz facelift official photos
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with myTukar.
The Game Changer is back, and better!
CVT is a nightmare for P1. Gd luck to those ppl go for it.
No longer the case, according to Hafriz
So cars are cheaper now. With 367 improvements made inside out. That means, all this while proton was selling overpriced substandard cars?
never drove one but says it’s a nightmare lol
CVT is a nightmare to P1
But I thought the Myvi is the game changer. Why? Because the Myvi is already proven by being the undefeatable market leader in its segment every year.
Kapcais are also market leader in sales every year but is it better?
Many are switching their car selection from Myvi to Iriz after finding out that even Beezy servicing is 30-40% more expensive than comparable Iriz/Persona.
Not to be disrespectful, but this thing is as ugly as the previous model, if not more, and still as unreliable as usual, so not so much of a game changer.
It will be a game changer once the new management changes it at 100%.
Game over instead.. Proton need new 1.5l engine to get petrol subsidy.. And need new gearbox.. Punch cvt is lousy
Now we’re talking. With pricing like that the Iriz can actually compete with the Myvi.
KIpidap Proton!
Even persona price also lower than myvi larrrr. This 2 iriz n persona wanna take on myvi alone but myvi alone enough to sapu p1 whole year sales. So dont know wat else to say larrr. Muahahaha.
Proton finally insaf…the need to reduce prices.The u turn gomen should emulate Proton n reduce car taxes.
Its a bit hard to compete with Myvi. Myvi is like a cancer which has spread across Malaysia.
On paper, Myvi edges the Iriz a little interm of safety assistance.
However is it just me or the area i am living or the new Myvi is not as fast selling like the previous gen?
I am seeing more Axia on the road.
Oh wow didn’t see the price cut coming.
Wow! At prices, it is even better than Axia! Such a value for money car!
Wow! Pricing on par with Axia but for a better car! Such a great value for money!
Campro vvt punch cvt? Nope.. Next!
This took me by surprise. Its time to be reacquainted with the PROTON badge. Congratulations and well done!
Did Proton pick up the press moulds that Perodua threw away?
Nope. It was Perodua that took moulds from Proton rejects.
1.6 campro vvt engine? No petrol subsidy.. This is definitely not petrol subsidy friendly.. Ok next!
Kak… first thing akak qualify utk BSH tak?
Kalau yg tu pun tak qualify, pakai lah engine 0.5l pun, tak dpt jugak subsidi minyak… duhh…
but very very sad no new engine
Please redesign the Premium gearknob! It is designed for left hand drive models for heaven’s sake. Such a glaring mistake and it’s something you use everyday, ergonomically wrong!
The gearknob had been redesigned/flipped as rhd model u dumb. Its not a direct carry over spare part
Please find a Standard model to do a gallery on. Thank you.
1.6L Executive CVT model was dropped in 2017, not 2016 as stated in this post.
1.6L Executive MT and 1.6 Premium however, was dropped in 2016.
CORRECTION: 1.6L Executive MT and 1.6 Premium MT however, was dropped in 2016.
This car is a good drive but a little thirsty compared to myvi.
cant you be wise that what u said is the old model? this is new model!
Saw one at Autoshow at MAEPS, i was quite impressed with the interior. My previous concern was on the big steering wheel, but actually the size was just nice. Plus the seat is seriously very nice with the martini-esque stripe (Premium version). And a lot cheaper now… Good job P1!
Why so hard ar to offer 1.6 maanual gearbox?
Proton make Manual 1.6 for their first Iriz model.
didn’t sell well.
like every car enthusiast says Manual is currently on their way to extinction
With this facelift P2 is smiling continue sell their Myvi like hot cake. I hardly accept the overall design and unrefined engine.
Manual is dirt cheap, quite tempting as a second car
There is a problem if u get the manual…the car will become even more fun to drive around and later becomes your first car.
dah bagi macam2, harga pun dah potong habis – tak laku jugak, tak tahulah!!
Itu buyer tada mau campro & punch cvt.. 2 benda itu kasi tukar baru, memang meletop sales proton..
vader and mohan. u two are drunk.
Lay off the toddy my friend. You are starting to think everyone else is drunk but you forgot to look at yourself.
2 comments since article posted last night….
Usually PROTON threads are flooded by bashers and haters alike….
Still finding words to bash eh?
Seems like PT already perma ban all the bashers to keep the comment section clean
its time to reconsider this car when buying a myvi…
Campro vvt low torque at low rpm, cvt rubber band effect & cost saving low quality parts problems not erase. Only do selective cosmetic change.
You test drive already?
Test drive only comment la
Instead of getting a Jazz to show off, young executive should get this car and another RM50k go and invest anywhere else. Free road tax, to compensate long waiting since booking.
Young exec request for 100% car loan n ptptn..no extra 50k to invest bro…
Still using the same old engine???????!!!!!!!!!
you mean engine from chop shop ka?
Tats why it is called facelift, duh
It’s time say goodbye to axia!
We want a new engine technology & a new gearbox replace punch cvt gearbox…
This car look dope on road, but Proton cvt thank you next. Persona seriously ugly. Perdana look cool on road too. Persona really ugly… I mention twice.
dual airbags….where are the usual bunch that bash other cars when they only give 4 airbags and say their plotong give 6
Axia still gives 2 airbags right up to their top range. Need I say more?
got my myvi couple of days before the annoucing, it would seriously make me dilemma for weeks if i see the news any earlier. I dont think choosing P1 or P2 is a wise thing to do, i still feel its best to stand by consumers’ side. welldone P1 for trying to lift the burden of fresh graduates or people who have lesser to spend! may P1 and P2 both do well and we can aim to sell them overseas soon!
is this car using timing chain ?
is this car using timing chain like honda city ?