Proton’s worst-kept secret, the facelifted 2022 Iriz and Persona, has finally been launched today. The second such nip and tuck for the B-segment contenders is a far more thorough revision, adding some significant changes to the exterior, interior and mechanicals.
Here, we’re focusing on the Iriz hatchback, which is available in 1.3 Standard CVT, 1.6 Executive CVT and 1.6 Active CVT variants – the latter is a new addition for the lineup. Prices start from RM40,300 for the base Standard, rising up to RM47,100 for the Executive and topping out at RM54,000 for the Active.
The starting price appears to have gone up quite a bit more, with the Iriz previously starting from RM36,200. However, that figure was for the 1.3 Standard manual, which has been dropped. Compared to the outgoing models, the 1.3 Standard CVT is RM1,200 more expensive, while the 1.6 Executive CVT is RM1,100 costlier. The 1.6 Active CVT takes over from the old Premium and is pricier to the tune of RM4,100. Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the 1.3 Executive CVT has also been discontinued.
The figures listed are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption, valid until December 31. Next year, the prices will go up to RM40,800 for the Standard, RM47,800 for the Executive and RM54,800 for the Active. As usual, the Iriz comes with a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a five-year free data package at one gigabyte a month (Active only) and three times free labour for servicing.
On the outside, the Iriz shares the same front fascia as the Persona for the first time, so the full-width trim strip no longer plunges downward to wrap the Proton emblem, instead running along the top edge of the grille. Speaking of the emblem, the Iriz and Persona receive the latest round badge first seen on the locally-assembled X70 early last year.
While both cars share the same Infinite Weave grille this time around, a couple of differences remain. The strip at the top is finished in gloss black instead of chrome on the Persona, while the lower surround is painted red, mirroring the X50.
Lower down, the bumper has also been redesigned, with a broader lower grille and slimmer corner air intakes that house the LED daytime running light strips on the Executive and Active models. There’s also a grey front lip that adds a bit of aggressiveness to the look. The rear bumper and black tailgate garnish from the 2019 facelift has been retained, but the bumper strip is now red instead of the previous chrome.
The entire lineup also goes an inch up in wheel sizes – the Standard gets 15-inch alloys that look very similar to the multi-spoke items found on the outgoing Persona, while the Executive moves up to 16-inch rollers that sport a very handsome Y-spoke design, adding 10 mm to the ride height. Both get a full silver finish.
For 2021, the flagship Iriz now takes the form of the SUV-style Active, drawing its name from a concept shown back in 2014. The rugged makeover consists of black plastic cladding and silver skid plates on the front and rear bumpers and side skirts, with the lower grille also getting a silver surround and a sportier honeycomb mesh cover to match.
But the most striking features are the chunky fender extensions, replete with Satria GTi-style fake Allen bolt heads. The Active is also the only Iriz model to feature the new LED headlights (in a darkened finish compared to the Persona 1.6 Premium’s), while a black roof, silver roof rails and unique 16-inch two-tone multi-spoke alloys complete the look.
The interior has seen arguably bigger changes, not least of which being the new freestanding head unit. This pushes the centre air vents downwards, now in a more conventional horizontal layout with the hazard light and door lock buttons in the middle.
On the Executive and Active variants, the infotainment touchscreen now measures eight inches across, one inch larger than before. While the two displays look very similar, they run on different systems, the Active being the only one with the Geely Key User Interface (GKUI) and an eSIM for online navigation, music streaming, WiFi connectivity and the “Hi Proton” voice control system.
The interface has seen a slight redesign for 2021, with users now being able to control the driver’s side window and air-conditioning with their voice; the controls for the latter have also been moved up to the display. Of course, you can still use the physical knobs down below, and the big change here is the move to a digital air-con system with new knobs, buttons and LCD display. No automatic climate control function here, but you do get an N95 cabin filter as standard, as before.
Further down, you now get three USB ports instead of just the one before, while another has sprouted near the rear-view mirror (no longer frameless, sadly), making it easier for users to fit a dash cam. The central tunnel is also all new, with a cleaner one-piece design and a silver strip running around its perimeter. It also now houses the switches for the front parking sensors, stability control and the new Eco mode (more on that later), along with no less than three cupholders in various sizes.
Those who have been complaining about the lack of an armrest have gotten their prayers answered with a full-sized soft-touch item that hides some storage space down below. The two USB ports for rear passengers have been moved to the back of this console (yes, the Iriz has no less than six ports in total), while up above are new LED map lights taken from the Saga.
The steering wheel airbag boss has also been redesigned, with a crease running across the lower half and the new Proton roundel. This is no half-hearted rebranding – the badge can also be found on the alloy wheel centre caps, although the imprints on the windscreens and windows still feature the old badge.
In terms of furnishings, the Iriz retains its black headlining and pillars (rather than the beige items of the Persona), as well as black fabric upholstery on the Standard model and faux leather on the Executive. The Active gets black part-leather seats with a circuit board-like pattern on the cloth portion, together with red stitching and the “Active” script embroidered on the seats and door cards.
Other bits that are exclusive to the Active are the alloy pedals and the red trim on the air vent surrounds, central tunnel, air-con and steering wheel controls and instrument cluster dial rings. You even get red seat belts, just like on a Mercedes-AMG model or a Honda Civic Type R.
As standard, the Iriz comes with a Bluetooth-enabled radio, the aforementioned digital air-con controls and two speakers, the front parking sensors now being exclusive to the 1.6 litre models. The X70-style leather-wrapped gearlever, previously exclusive to the Premium, is now fitted to all models.
The 1.6 Executive adds LED daytime running lights, a tailgate spoiler, keyless entry, push-button start, auto-folding door mirrors, auto headlights, a colour multi-info display, four speakers and a reverse camera. The Active model is the only one with LED headlights, a multifunction steering wheel and the eSIM with voice control functionality, plus all the equipment mentioned earlier.
Safety-wise, the Iriz has been improved somewhat, now available with at least four airbags (the Executive comes with curtain airbags as well, bumping up the count to six). However, the car still isn’t offered with autonomous emergency braking even on the Active, putting it a step behind the Perodua Myvi in this regard. Other bits of standard kit include stability control, hill start assist and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors. Retested last year under the previous 2017-2020 protocol, the Iriz carries a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
Under the bonnet, the Iriz soldiers on with the same VVT four-cylinder engines as before. The 1.3 litre unit makes 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm while the 1.6 litre mill continues to serve out 109 PS at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The big change here is the transmission. No, Proton hasn’t switched to the Saga‘s four-speed automatic gearbox as previously rumoured, sticking to the Punch CVT used since 2014. However, the stepless unit has received several changes over the years, most recently a thorough hardware refresh for the 2019 facelift.
We understand that this time, the engineers have focused on the software to improve drivability, although no details have been released just yet – we’ll know more once we speak to the R&D team. Notably, the Eco mode is now switchable and looks to no longer be just a light in the instrument cluster to indicate light-footed driving, but an actual drive mode with tangible settings changes for greater efficiency.
There’s also a new “S” position on the gearlever that replaces the previous “L”, hinting of a sport mode or perhaps even the return of the simulated stepped SAT mode. Last but not least, the five-speed manual that was offered on the base Iriz has been dropped, as mentioned earlier (too bad, purists).
The standard Iriz lineup is available in five colours – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ocean Blue and Ruby Red. The Executive variant is also offered with a Citric Orange option, while the Active drops Ruby Red in favour of the X50’s Passion Red paint.
Here’s the variant breakdown in detail:
2022 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT – RM40,300
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
- CVT with Eco mode
- MacPherson struts (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Ventilated brake discs (front), drums (rear)
Exterior
- Halogen reflector headlights
- LED combination taillights
- 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55-section tyres
- Power-adjustable door mirrors
- Shark fin antenna
- Rear wiper
Interior
- Urethane steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped gearknob with silver trim
- 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 with LCD display
- Radio/MP3 player with Bluetooth connectivity
- Two speakers
- Four front USB ports, two rear
Safety
- Four airbags (front, side)
- ABS with EBD and brake assist
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Hill start assist
- Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Rear parking sensors
2022 Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive CVT – RM47,100
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
- Automatic headlights with follow-me-home function
- LED daytime running lights
- 16-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
- Eight-inch touchscreen head unit with smartphone connectivity
- Four speakers
- Reverse camera with dynamic guidelines
Safety
- Six airbags (front, side, curtain)
- Front parking sensors
2021 Proton Iriz 1.6 Active CVT – RM54,000
Adds on:
Exterior
- LED headlights
- Black body cladding and fender extensions
- Silver front, side and rear skid plates
- Honeycomb lower grille
- Silver roof rails
- Black roof
- 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 185/55-section tyres
Interior
- Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with red trim
- Part-leather upholstery with red stitching
- Active logo embroidered on seats and doors
- Red trim on air vents, centre console, air-con controls and instrument cluster
- Red seat belts
- Red floor mat edging
- Alloy pedals
- Geely Key User Interface (GKUI)
- Built-in 4G connectivity with WiFi hotspot
- Voice control (including windows and air-con), music streaming, live navigation data
So there you have it, the facelifted 2022 Proton Iriz. What do you think of the litany of upgrades of the latest model? Sound off in the comments after the jump. Oh, and in case you were wondering, some of the images you see below have been provided by Proton Regal Motors in Petaling Jaya. Excuse the quality of the photos – we’ll bring you full, professionally-shot images once lockdown measures have eased. In the meantime, you can browse full specifications and equipment on CarBase.my.
GALLERY: 2022 Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive facelift at showroom
GALLERY: 2022 Proton Iriz 1.6 Active facelift at showroom
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Haiyyaa even Merc boss don’t believe in EV wei
https://paultan.org/2021/05/12/mercedes-benz-will-keep-combustion-engines-around-while-they-are-still-viable-ready-for-full-ev-switch/
Long live ICE.
The Iriz Active concept which first appeared in 2014 looks better. In my opinion
All concept cars always do look better than its actual production model
Active without 4wd is a fake lame off roader.
Too bad Proton didn’t used that design. Thumbs down.
Stop being a racist jerk when the article does not even beg for one
Unifi also still not yet reach 90% of normal housing, you can dream on if you want to own an EV car without major infrastructure changes.
The 1 thing the Malaysia is doing right in recent times is that they’re not pushing EVs onto the people. Which is a good move, it should be a natural transition, not something shoved down our throats.
The car price start from RM40k+ with abs and traction control.. Use ur brain lar.. You want Proton to sell new EV with that price huh combine with poor current EV infrastructure in Malaysia.. This model definitely released to compete with myvi/Axia .. Though they could at least update the look…
Lame! A big disappointment! Now just trying to complete against Axia. Proton need to speed up & catch up to the rest of the world especially for your bread & butter models/segment.
Just those cant sell old stock junk given facelift to fish new buyer. Kesian plotong too many junk to be facelifted.
You mean this?
https://paultan.org/2018/09/05/2018-perodua-alza-facelift-introduced-from-rm51k/
What are you talking about? Iriz dont compete with Axia, no it is way above Axia level.
Just wanna share a story. Back in Apr 2021 i went to a proton showroom with a wad of cash deposit with the intention of buying a 1.3m std iriz, to replace my wife 2012 savvy manual. Unfortunately the SA said that they stopped producing the manual variant coz they were waiting for the new face lift to launch. So i balik rumah lah.
Now that the new facelift is launched, and theres no manual..lagi la sedih. So i guess the savvy gotta soldier on and im off to looking for other options then. Oh well.
Maybe a certified-pre-owned previous version Iriz manual then?
A true manual lover will do whatever they need to fill that passion
https://paultan.org/2021/02/22/proton-preve-1-6-cfe-turbo-with-a-five-speed-manual/
Active group,
Perodua Axia Active
Proton Iriz Active
Both affordable SUV for Rakyat.
No manual versions at all?
Not enough people buy to make it financially viable
2021 already.. Manual transmission a.k.a dinosaur gearbox. 2021 people searching for auto 4,5,6 speed, CVT, DCT with a paddle shifter.. Buy used car la buy manual gearbox.. so u can race at sepang every week..
Digital dual zone aircon…Cool
Digital but not dual zone & not auto actually
Don’t think Perodua will be offering any manual as well on upcoming launch
Proton really needs to work on weight reduction. Their cars don’t have good power-to-weight ratios. An additional benefit they will get from weight reduction is improved fuel economy.
They should have learned something from Lotus.
The additional weight goes into their superior passenger safety cell, im sure your wallet won’t quibble with the cost just to keep its owner alive. Another plus factor is the heavier weight gives it more planted feel while driving on highways, so drivers will feel more safe & assured compared to lightweight cars. Have you tried driving a Myvi on 110kmph? Just don’t!
Japanese sedans made for asean market going thru ‘discontent practices’ less supporting (unseen,hidden parts) & frames for safety structural integrity, that’s why it weight less verses us, eu & Japan counterparts. Agreed with quotes from Mr.J above.
The major hurdle is to make it affordable. They can make it light and cheap, but just look at Myvi and Axia. To make it lighter and still retain Proton’s character they would need to make more of the car from stronger alloys, better forging, and a more complex chassis design that require more advanced fabrication techniques (revamping the production line). They can lower prices if they can make more cars to distribute the cost over more units (economy of scale). But to do that they need to SELL more cars. Without working directly in the industry I can’t tell how many they have to make, but their best record of over 200,000 units a year is nowhere near enough which is quite apparent. Many experts say 1 million a year is the sweet spot and is what the Tanjung Malim plant is capable of in 2 shifts. They would still be more expensive however, you just can’t run away from that, unless they’re willing to step down on the equipment offerings. But it would put Proton in the same segment with Koreans and some Europeans, in terms of raw technical specs and price. You’d have to work harder to buy a Proton, but it would probably be worth all the effort…if (or when) they get to that level.
Its been a while since I read news on Proton cars, the original not the Geely rebadge car.
I can say this is among the best facelift or little upgrade by proton. Nice and good job. Keep it up. Really hoping Proton to rebadge Jiaji. And hoping proton to bring x50 AWD, preferably with 1.8T, 4 cylinder. Don’t like the BMW 3 cylinder and don’t like X50 3 cylinder.
Still will not buy a car with CVT, unless if really desperate, then buy la CVT car. Remember even the previous version of Audi A4,( a basic model) also run on CVT, lame.
What? Eeeuuuwww! Disgusting proton Iriz active.. Go for Yaris instead..
Copy paste: “No good P2 supporter. Try harder”
Iriz facelift looks nice, Persona still ugly
put ipad in the centre, put shark fin on the roof, change led headlamp, change to sportrim ala honda style, put too many red sticker to show sportiness, ok done. no more go to ahbeng workshop.
How bout ground clearance for the active version? Still the same as normal iriz?
No change compared to the Executive, which itself rides 10 mm higher than the Standard model because of the larger wheels.
Tak malunya tiru orang lain.
Tiru who?
Around RM7000 difference between each variance. But the increment to Executive to Active seems not that value for money? More cosmetic compare to tech, unless got AEB here to compete with MyVi.
The Active version isn’t to compete with Myvi but to open another option previously unavailable to B segment buyers.
Paultan team should do a video on how these current “active” badge models perform on kampung/light off road environment.
It seems like a marketing hype, but worth exploring on our local soil daily usage.
Good idea, althou Iriz did prove itself viable as an offroad rally car albeit modified for that role.
Active cheaper than Ativa, must buy.
I was excited when I heard the facelift was coming but couldn’t wait for it; I’m glad I didn’t.
This is my personal opinion on the car:
-Exterior is ugly, particularly the plastic claddings.
-The roof rails serve no purpose.
-When I look at the plastic claddings (plus the rails) and then I look at the front, I can’t help but feel like its two different concept crammed into one car. It gives the vibe that Proton couldn’t decide which direction they wanted to go with.
-The red line near the logo (at the front) is nice and I like it but certain colour options doesn’t look nice with it.
-I love the interior minus the red seatbelt and red lines near the dashboard. I know some (maybe a lot of people) would love the reds on the inside, but personally, I hate it.
-The steering wheel is the same ugly steering wheel they’ve had for a while. Why can’t they just use the steering from Saga which in my opinion is better looking.
-The safety features still lags behind other carmakers (particularly Perodua).
-There is nothing exciting about this car.
Saga, X50, X70 have been amazing but this Iriz is a letdown in my opinion. With their latest track record, I was hoping they’d do better. *sigh* Hopefully they’ll do a better job with the next car/facelift.
Mate, this is the Active version. The other Iriz models still received appropriate facelift changes that are closer to what you prefer so don’t worry, just buy tanpa was-was.
Those silver external trim just make the car looks cheap
I like the executive variant, not a fan of red linings.
1.6L for under 50K is unbeatable, also when will Iriz have a replacement model?
Misstep to drop the stick shift. Looks really good in its new skin as a crossover concept. But the only reason I would pick this car over the other national stalwart, is for its stick shift.