We finally have more information about the 2019 Proton Iriz. Starting with the former, the new design is clear inspiration from the X70, the Iriz’s face carries the ‘ethereal bow’ grille that is highlighted in chrome, which leads into the top of the headlamps and “cups” the Proton logo in the centre.

Look a little closer at the base of the bow and you’ll spot the ‘infinite weave’ pattern that is prominent on the X70. There’s also a new bumper here, with slim LED DRLs nestled within the corner faux intakes. Along the sides, the Iriz retains its familiar silhouette, with the addition of 15-inch ‘rotor blade’ two-tone alloy wheels on specific variant, and a shark fin antenna.


Much like the front, the rear takes a page out of the X70 as well, with the Proton script in chrome applied on top of a black base on the tailgate. A new bumper with a squared off middle section houses the number plate, reflector/rear fog lamp and fake outlets.

Inside, the upper (including the headliner) and lower portions of the cabin have been darkened for uniformity, while a more youthful pattern is applied on the fabric seats. The driver’s interface also gets an update, with a new seven-inch head unit that offers a range of connected services that are similar to the X70 (“Hi Proton” voice commands for navigation, music, weather, etc. but without the capability to work the windows/sunroof and air-con).


Elsewhere, there’s a full-colour multi-info display in the instrument cluster, along with a new look for the analogue gauges (bigger and more legible now). The steering wheel is as before, with the addition of a perforated leather wrap and a voice control button for the head unit, while the Premium CVT variant gets a new X70-like gear lever and a frameless rear view mirror.

In terms of powertrains, they are carried over from before, albeit recalibrated for better fuel economy. The first of two engines is a 1.3 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder VVT engine (94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm), while the larger-displacement option is a 1.6 litre unit (107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm). A five-speed manual and CVT are the available transmission options.


Proton also claims that it has made changes under the skin to improve braking performance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. We finally come to the meat and potatoes portion of this article, the available variants for the new Iriz, of which there will be five – Standard 1.3L MT, Standard 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT.

Available colour options include Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ocean Blue and Ruby Red, with the first four being new additions. Proton has more good news to share because you’ll be able to place a booking for the Iriz at just RM 9.99 as part of an online flash booking promotion, which will run from March 1 to March 11, 2019. Those who do so before the model’s official launch date will even get free road tax for two years!