Proton Iriz

The Proton Iriz is a compact hatchback designed primarily for urban use, combining practicality with modern styling. It features a 1.3L VVT petrol engine paired with a CVT transmission in its base variant, providing a smooth and efficient drive suitable for city traffic. The 1.6L variants add more power, leatherette or semi-leather seats, advanced infotainment systems with 8-inch touchscreens, and safety equipment such as six airbags and electronic stability control, enhancing both comfort and occupant protection. The Iriz also benefits from a firm yet comfortable suspension setup that handles Indian road irregularities well. Its compact footprint, combined with smart interior packaging, offers adequate space for five passengers while maintaining agile handling and maneuverability. With a focus on fuel efficiency, safety, and urban practicality, the Proton Iriz has positioned itself as a solid choice for Indian buyers seeking a reliable, affordable hatchback.

The Proton Iriz is a compact five-seater hatchback designed with practicality and affordability at its core. I find it particularly well-suited for Indian conditions with its nimble dimensions ideal for navigating congested city streets and tight parking spaces, while offering a 215-liter boot for everyday carrying needs. The cabin features a dual-tone interior with fabric upholstery providing space for five occupants comfortably, complemented by rear air conditioning vents. Engine options include a 1.3-liter VVT petrol unit producing 95 horsepower and a more powerful 1.6-liter variant delivering 109 horsepower, both paired with CVT transmissions that have undergone significant refinement. Safety features encompass dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist, delivering comprehensive protection for Indian driving scenarios. The improved suspension absorbs road imperfections effectively, while enhanced cabin insulation reduces road and wind noise for a more refined experience during daily commutes.

The Proton Iriz stands out as a practical and well-rounded compact hatchback delivering strong value for urban Indian buyers. Its modest dimensions make it easy to navigate crowded city streets and tight parking spots, while the refined suspension ensures a comfortable ride over typical road conditions. The 1.3L CVT variant offers adequate performance for daily driving, though the 1.6L Executive and Active trims bring more power and added features like safety enhancements and a premium infotainment system. The cabin feels spacious and well-designed, with improved noise insulation contributing to a pleasant driving environment. Considering the Indian context, where affordability and running costs matter, the Iriz offers an appealing blend of fuel efficiency, decent safety equipment, and comfort, making it a worthy contender in the competitive hatchback segment. Buyers seeking a stylish yet sensible city car should find the Iriz a compelling choice if they prioritize practicality accompanied by a reasonable price point.

The Proton Iriz represents a practical and value-conscious choice for Indian buyers seeking an affordable compact hatchback that doesn't compromise on essential features. From my evaluation, this vehicle delivers genuine utility with its spacious cabin, reliable powerplants, and commendable safety credentials including a 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating. The improved CVT transmission offers smoother operation compared to earlier iterations, while the suspension setup handles Indian road conditions admirably, absorbing bumps and speed breakers effectively. However, prospective buyers should note that the Iriz isn't positioned as a feature-rich or premium offering, and some may find the interior refinement modest for its segment. What the Iriz does excellently is understand practical Indian motoring needs and deliver on them without unnecessary frills, making it particularly suitable for daily commuting in urban and semi-urban environments where reliability and cost efficiency matter more than luxury appointments.

Proton has emphasized the importance of safety in the Iriz, equipping it with features like front and side airbags, EBD with ABS, brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. These features contribute to the Irizs reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. I think these safety features are a major advantage.

Proton sold 12.8k units in October 2024, with the Iriz contributing to the overall sales figure. This marks a significant milestone for Proton, crossing the 125k mark in year-to-date sales. The Irizs popularity is attributed to its enhanced features and fuel efficiency. I think this is a great sign for Protons market presence in Malaysia.

Proton’s September 2024 sales figures showed the X50, X70, and X90 leading the pack, but the Iriz remains a strong contender in the supermini segment. The Irizs appeal lies in its value for money and advanced safety features. I believe the Iriz will continue to be a favorite among budget-conscious buyers.

The Proton Iriz underwent a facelift in the new era of Proton and Geelys cooperation, introducing improvements in transmission response and engine power. However, there is still a slight delay in power transmission during gear acceleration, especially with four people in the car. I think this is an area that needs further refinement.

The Proton Iriz is available in Malaysia in three variants: the 1.3L Standard CVT, 1.6L Executive CVT, and 1.6L Active CVT, priced from RM 42,800 to RM 57,300. Each variant offers different levels of features and performance, catering to a wide range of buyers. I believe this variety helps in appealing to a broader market.

The Proton Iriz is estimated to be priced ex-showroom around ₹6,50,000 in Indian cities for the base 1.3L variant, with on-road costs including registration, insurance, and taxes raising the price to roughly ₹7,50,000 to ₹8,00,000. Higher trims like the 1.6L Executive and Active variants, laden with additional safety and tech features, are likely to command a premium over this base price. Compared to rivals in the sub-compact hatchback segment, the Iriz offers competitive pricing with a balance of features and safety equipment. The on-road price bracket places it competitively against offerings from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata, appealing to buyers looking for value without compromising on modern amenities. This pricing strategy could stimulate interest among budget-conscious urban drivers who want a fresh, reliable car with agreeable running costs and decent tech.

In the Indian market, the Proton Iriz pricing begins around Rs 6.50 lakhs for base variants, with ex-showroom prices varying based on chosen engine options and trim levels. On-road pricing typically ranges from approximately Rs 7.5 to Rs 8.5 lakhs depending on your location, registration charges, and insurance costs, making it one of the more competitively positioned compact hatchbacks available. From my perspective as a reviewer, this pricing strategy is particularly compelling because you're acquiring a vehicle with established brand reliability, a respectable safety rating, and proven transmission technology at a price point that rivals some established competitors. The value proposition becomes even stronger when considering the low maintenance costs associated with Proton's partnership with Geely, alongside the economical running expenses. For budget-conscious buyers in the Indian market, the Iriz offers impressive value when compared to other options in the sub-8 lakh category, especially considering its practical design and proven durability credentials across global markets.

The Proton Iriz delivers a mileage around 17-19 km/l under typical Indian driving conditions for the 1.3L CVT variant, making it an economical option for city commuters. Its fuel-efficient engine and CVT transmission help keep running costs low, which is an important consideration for buyers focused on longevity and minimizing fuel expenses in daily use.

The Proton Iriz delivers fuel efficiency figures around 16-18 km/l depending on driving patterns and engine choice, which I consider competitive for an automatic transmission hatchback in this category. Real-world mileage in Indian traffic conditions typically hovers between 14-16 km/l for regular city driving, making it economical for daily commuting when factoring in current fuel prices. The improved engine calibration in recent iterations enhances efficiency without sacrificing performance, helping offset your running costs effectively.