Proton has given the Iriz a facelift, with much of the upgrades based on the 2016 Proton Persona that uses the same platform as the hatchback. According to company CEO, Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, this was done after listening to customers’ requests who noticed the new Persona’s improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness level, as well as fuel efficiency.

“And today, we have delivered on our promise,” he said, referring to the improvements.

“we have also added the Eco-Drive Assist Indicator as well as refinement in the ECU calibration that provides linear response for improved driveability. The 1.3L Executive variant also receives an upgrade in the form of push-start button which was previously only fitted in the 1.6L variant. We also created differentiation in the form of 2-tone exterior colours for the 1.6L Premium variant where the roof, spoiler and side mirrors are black. As for the interior, we have further improved it with red stitching to the leather wrap steering and seats making the Iriz look sleeker, sportier and more stylish,” Dato’ Fuaad added.

The Iriz retains all the safety features as before, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX and top tether, as well as 6 airbags for the Premium variant. For its class, the new Iriz is the most affordable 5-star ASEAN NCAP car in the region.

The new Iriz comes in 4 variants – the 1.3L Standard (MT & CVT), 1.3L Executive CVT and 1.6L Premium CVT, priced from RM43,800 to RM58,800, and available in 2 new colours, Ruby Red and Carnelian Brown, apart from the existing Iriz colours, Graphite Grey, Atlantic Blue and Cotton White.

Since first introduced in September 2014, Proton has sold more than 45,000 units of the Iriz.