SUBANG JAYA: Members of the media were treated to a preview of the upcoming Proton Iriz hatchback which has undergone design changes to the front-fascia and rear as well as improvements in the cabin with the inclusion of the intelligent head unit, improved sound-proofing and more legroom for rear passengers among others.
The new Iriz is available with two engine options – 1.3L and 1.5L – and manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearboxes. It is available in five variants: Standard 1.3L MT (manual transmission), Standard 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT.
Prices, however, will only be revealed during the official launch in the near future.
Proton CEO, Dr Li (fifth from left) and executives of Proton at the media preview of the new Iriz.
Head of Proton Design, Azlan Othman, explained in his presentation that the Iriz’ new design elements are meant to portray an intelligent, sporty look. The design changes include new slim headlights, new chrome bar trim inspired by the ‘Ethereal Bow’ and ‘Infinite Weave’ radiator grille pattern from the Proton X70 SUV, new front bumper and sleek LED daytime running lights (DRL).
A significant change at the rear is the tailgate garnish with the Proton logo, again reminiscent of the X70. Also new are the rear bumper, the inclusion of the shark fin antenna, a new typeface for the Iriz nameplate and rotor blade design alloy wheels.
Inside, the new Iriz now comes with the 7-inch touchscreen with full colour display and 16GB of memory and the intelligent head unit embedded with an eSIM card, Wi-Fi connectivity, music streaming, navigation, voice recognition and voice command which is only available on the Premium variant.
“Following the introduction of the Proton X70, the 2019 Proton Iriz will be the second Proton model to receive an intelligent head unit offering functions such as voice command, navigation and music streaming. It will also use the same ‘Hi Proton!’ catchphrase to access the system,” said Chief Executive Officer of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong who also attended the event.
Besides getting a good look at the new Iriz, the media was also able to drive the car on Proton’s test track and see how the car handles on a short slalom course at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya. Although it was brief, the new Iriz handled well on the slalom and acceleration was smooth and the cabin quiet on the track.
Proton will be running a “flash promotion” starting 10am, March 1 and ends on 11.59pm on March 11, whereby interested buyers can make an online booking of the new Iriz on Proton’s official website for only RM9.99. Not only that, those who book the car prior to its official launch will be rewarded with two years free road tax.
Members of the public can also view the new Iriz at selected Proton Edar outlets with the first location at the Proton Edar 4S centre in Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur on March 2-3.
Keyword: New Proton Iriz previewed