The 2017 Proton Iriz has yet to go on sale, but it
has made its public debut at the DRB-Hicom Autofest 2017 show before it reaches
showrooms soon. The refreshed B-segment hatch has been given very minor updates
inside and out, with bigger gains seen under the skin.
Exterior changes, amount to just paint,
with the upper grille wing, door mirrors, roof and rear spoiler on this
top-spec 1.6 Premium model now coming in gloss black, although the bodykit is
still finished in the same warm grey as before. New Proton badges are also
fitted front and rear, while the previous Fire Red hue has been replaced by the
more vibrant Ruby Red you see here.
Inside, one can spot a new touchscreen head unit
with Smart Link screen mirroring, as well as new part-leather (previously full)
upholstery with red stitching and blue and red stripes in the centre that bear
a striking resemblance to the Martini racing colours. Other trims will get full
fabric seats with the same pattern.
Also added is a new Persona-style gearlever for the
CVT models, plus the Persona’s redesigned instrument cluster (with the Eco
Assist light) and new carpets with red piping. Unfortunately, features such as
automatic headlights and the auto-up function on the driver’s side window have
been removed.
The lineup previously
featuring as many as eight variants, has been streamlined to just four – 1.3
Standard manual, 1.3 Standard CVT, 1.3 Executive CVT and 1.6 Premium CVT. The
1.3 Executive model will gain keyless entry and push-button start, previously
reserved for the Premium model.
Proton has yet to announce any mechanical changes,
but we can expect the Iriz to come with the same noise, vibration and harshness
(NVH) improvements as we’ve seen on the Persona, as was previously intimated.
These include a reduction in the number of engine mounts from four to three,
along with a revised ECU for a more linear throttle response. The much-maligned
CVT should receive a few updates as well.
Engine and transmission choices should remain the
same as before – 94 hp/120 Nm 1.3 litre and 107 hp/150 Nm 1.6 litre VVT mills,
mated to either a five-speed manual transmission (1.3 Standard only) or a CVT.
