Now we’ve gotten an closer look at the refreshed
Proton Iriz – the mule cruising right along the busy Jalan Tun Razak in
downtown Kuala Lumpur – thanks to a video shot by reader Shocky, including our
first proper look at the new front end.
Here, new really means new, with the bonnet and
reflector headlights having been taken from the Persona sedan, replacing the
old projector lamps. The chrome strip on the top edge of those lights now run
into a redesigned grille, flowing out of the shield-shaped Proton badge.
Meanwhile, the front bumpers have been made more aggressive, with LED daytime
running lights fully integrated in the corner air intakes.
We also get a better shot at the rear of the car,
showing a prominent bulge on the rear bumper and a reshaped number plate
recess. There also appears to be a new tailgate appliqué hiding under the
camouflage, but while the tail lights also wear disguise they appear to be the
same LED units as before. A new 10-spoke wheel design can be found too, again
covered in camouflage.
The Iriz already received mechanical updates last
year, including a reduction in the number of engine mounts (from four to
three), a new exhaust system and higher-quality sound insulation as part of
measures to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Proton also retuned
the ECU and the CVT’s transmission control unit (TCU) for quicker, more linear
response.
Expect engine options to soldier on, with a 94
hp/120 Nm 1.3 litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine and a larger 107 hp/150 Nm
1.6 litre unit, paired to either a five-speed manual gearbox on the base 1.3
Standard variant or a CVT on the 1.3 Standard, 1.3 Executive and 1.6 Premium.
