2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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.

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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.

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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.

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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.

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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 facelift launched – from RM36,700

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)

2019 Proton Iriz facelift launched – from RM36,700

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

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Vader on Apr 23, 2019 at 9:31 pm

    The Game Changer is back, and better!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 81 Thumb down 8
    • jason on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:28 pm

      CVT is a nightmare for P1. Gd luck to those ppl go for it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 26
      • EDITOR on Apr 24, 2019 at 11:19 am

        No longer the case, according to Hafriz

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • So cars are cheaper now. With 367 improvements made inside out. That means, all this while proton was selling overpriced substandard cars?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
      • never drove one but says it’s a nightmare lol

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • jason on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:30 pm

      CVT is a nightmare to P1

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 16
    • 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.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 27
      • Kapcais are also market leader in sales every year but is it better?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
      • Ghani on Apr 25, 2019 at 2:01 am

        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.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • Ricky on Apr 24, 2019 at 6:35 am

      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%.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 37
    • Game over instead.. Proton need new 1.5l engine to get petrol subsidy.. And need new gearbox.. Punch cvt is lousy

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
  • Mohan on Apr 23, 2019 at 9:41 pm

    Now we’re talking. With pricing like that the Iriz can actually compete with the Myvi.

    KIpidap Proton!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 75 Thumb down 3
    • Kongbuyong on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:44 pm

      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.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 17
    • YB Albert on Apr 24, 2019 at 7:15 am

      Proton finally insaf…the need to reduce prices.The u turn gomen should emulate Proton n reduce car taxes.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
    • panjang on Apr 24, 2019 at 10:04 am

      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.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 7
  • Black Sheep on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:05 pm

    Oh wow didn’t see the price cut coming.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Calvin on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:14 pm

    Wow! At prices, it is even better than Axia! Such a value for money car!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Calvin on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    Wow! Pricing on par with Axia but for a better car! Such a great value for money!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 1
  • Daddykasi on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:39 pm

    Campro vvt punch cvt? Nope.. Next!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 22
  • Raja Kamarul on Apr 23, 2019 at 10:50 pm

    This took me by surprise. Its time to be reacquainted with the PROTON badge. Congratulations and well done!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
  • Andrekua on Apr 23, 2019 at 11:25 pm

    Did Proton pick up the press moulds that Perodua threw away?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 13
  • 1.6 campro vvt engine? No petrol subsidy.. This is definitely not petrol subsidy friendly.. Ok next!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 11
    • DriveNewWays on Apr 25, 2019 at 12:33 pm

      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…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • but very very sad no new engine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • dodgeviper88 on Apr 24, 2019 at 12:18 am

    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!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
    • The gearknob had been redesigned/flipped as rhd model u dumb. Its not a direct carry over spare part

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Dylan Ch'ng on Apr 24, 2019 at 12:49 am

    Please find a Standard model to do a gallery on. Thank you.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Dylan Ch'ng on Apr 24, 2019 at 12:51 am

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Dylan Ch'ng on Apr 24, 2019 at 11:22 am

      CORRECTION: 1.6L Executive MT and 1.6 Premium MT however, was dropped in 2016.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ji Kao on Apr 24, 2019 at 7:59 am

    This car is a good drive but a little thirsty compared to myvi.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • cant you be wise that what u said is the old model? this is new model!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • eeeriz on Apr 24, 2019 at 8:24 am

    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!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • sam123 on Apr 24, 2019 at 8:40 am

    Why so hard ar to offer 1.6 maanual gearbox?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • 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

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • autodriver (Member) on Apr 24, 2019 at 8:43 am

    With this facelift P2 is smiling continue sell their Myvi like hot cake. I hardly accept the overall design and unrefined engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 8
  • Manual is dirt cheap, quite tempting as a second car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • panjang on Apr 24, 2019 at 12:06 pm

      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.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • anakMalaysia on Apr 24, 2019 at 8:58 am

    dah bagi macam2, harga pun dah potong habis – tak laku jugak, tak tahulah!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
    • Gunalan on Apr 24, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      Itu buyer tada mau campro & punch cvt.. 2 benda itu kasi tukar baru, memang meletop sales proton..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Apr 24, 2019 at 9:16 am

    vader and mohan. u two are drunk.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 7
    • Lay off the toddy my friend. You are starting to think everyone else is drunk but you forgot to look at yourself.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • DriveNewWays on Apr 24, 2019 at 9:18 am

    2 comments since article posted last night….
    Usually PROTON threads are flooded by bashers and haters alike….

    Still finding words to bash eh?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • Thank you Paultan.Org! on Apr 24, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Seems like PT already perma ban all the bashers to keep the comment section clean

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • its time to reconsider this car when buying a myvi…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Roger Loo on Apr 24, 2019 at 10:05 am

    Campro vvt low torque at low rpm, cvt rubber band effect & cost saving low quality parts problems not erase. Only do selective cosmetic change.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10
  • azrai on Apr 24, 2019 at 10:44 am

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
    • Young exec request for 100% car loan n ptptn..no extra 50k to invest bro…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Still using the same old engine???????!!!!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 10
  • Henry Lim on Apr 24, 2019 at 2:31 pm

    It’s time say goodbye to axia!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • We want a new engine technology & a new gearbox replace punch cvt gearbox…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • 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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Apr 25, 2019 at 9:22 am

    dual airbags….where are the usual bunch that bash other cars when they only give 4 airbags and say their plotong give 6

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • Avenger on Apr 25, 2019 at 10:19 pm

      Axia still gives 2 airbags right up to their top range. Need I say more?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • vivian on May 13, 2019 at 11:57 am

    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!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • jennifer on May 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm

    is this car using timing chain ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jennifer on May 16, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    is this car using timing chain like honda city ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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