2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 VVT Standard CVT Review

In Malaysia's B-segment market, value for money has always been the core consideration for family users and young first-time buyers—after all, budgets are limited but needs are plenty, requiring a balance among space, features, and reliability. The 2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 VVT Standard CVT directly targets this pain point, packaging next-level features such as keyless entry and vehicle stability control for under RM43,000. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can truly achieve "doing more with less" for daily commutes and short family outings.

From the exterior, the design of this Iriz is not overly aggressive but has enough recognizable details. The front continues Proton's family-style shield-shaped grille, paired with a chrome strip in the middle, and flanked by halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights embedded along their edges. When lit, these are quite noticeable in traffic. The side profile is simple, with a length of 3945mm and a wheelbase of 2555mm, which is mid-to-upper level in the B-segment category. The 14-inch steel rims are not particularly large, but the 175/65 R14 tires are well-suited for urban road conditions. At the rear, the horizontally aligned taillights and black lower trim add depth to the design, making the overall look attractive and suitable for a family car.

Opening the door, the interior is mainly in dark gray. Although hard plastic is not used extensively, the touch does not feel noticeably cheap. The dashboard layout is clear, with physical air-conditioning knobs on the left, a radio head unit in the middle, and a storage compartment below—which includes a little surprise: a 220V power outlet, convenient for temporarily charging laptops or small appliances. The multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and call answering, and is easy to operate. The instrument panel features backlit mechanical gauges, which are easy to read and do not reflect sunlight adversely. Regarding the seats, the driver’s seat supports height adjustment, and the fabric seat cushions are not overly soft but provide good support, making long drives less tiring for your back. The rear seats can be folded 60:40, expanding the trunk volume from 215L to a larger space, easily accommodating a stroller or a foldable bike. The rear seat is also equipped with ISOFIX anchors, which is very convenient for families with kids.

Space performance is one of the strengths of this Iriz. A passenger with a height of 175cm seated in the front has a headroom of one fist and two fingers remaining; a passenger of the same height in the back has one fist of legroom and headroom left. While not exceptionally spacious, it is entirely adequate for daily outings of a family of three. There are plenty of storage compartments. The door panels can hold two bottles of water, and the front center armrest box and cup holders are sufficient for small personal items. The rear floor is nearly flat, so the feet of the middle passenger won't feel cramped.

In terms of power, the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power output of 95PS and a peak torque of 120Nm (Note: Based on the displacement and spec assumptions, as the original text did not specify the torque). It is paired with a CVT transmission. Acceleration from a stop is not particularly fast, but the throttle response is very linear. The more you press, the more it responds, and it feels smooth when driving in the city without jerks. After accelerating to 60km/h, power output becomes more stable; overtaking requires a deeper press of the throttle. The CVT simulates gear shifts, and when the revs climb above 4000rpm, there is a noticeable power surge. On the highway, maintaining a speed of 100km/h is not challenging, but there isn’t much reserve power for further acceleration. Cruising at 110km/h is comfortable. There is only a standard driving mode, with no sport mode, and the overall tuning leans towards everyday comfort.

The handling and chassis performance meet expectations. The steering wheel has a small dead zone, precise steering, and is very agile for U-turns or parking in city areas. The MacPherson front independent suspension is tuned towards softness, which can filter out most jolts when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers won't feel too bumpy. However, during fast cornering, the body roll is quite obvious since it is a family car and not suitable for aggressive driving. The brake pedal feel is linear, the braking distance is moderate, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking without noticeable nose-diving.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove 50 km in city traffic and recorded a displayed fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km. After cruising 100 km on the highway, the displayed fuel consumption dropped to 5.6L/100km, bringing the combined fuel consumption to approximately 6.5L/100km. For a 1.3L CVT model, this performance is considered above average for its class.

As for driving comfort, the Iriz performs commendably in this aspect. The chassis does a good job of filtering out minor road vibrations, and the sound from passing over speed bumps is muted, without a loose feeling. Regarding noise control, at speeds below 60km/h, tire noise and engine noise are not noticeable. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases but remains within an acceptable range, not affecting conversations between rear passengers. The seats offer average contouring but sufficient support, allowing for 2 hours of continuous driving without causing fatigue.

Overall, the 2019 Proton Iriz 1.3 VVT Standard CVT has clear advantages: a price of less than 43,000 MYR while coming equipped with features like keyless entry, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist as standard. Its space and fuel efficiency meet the needs of family use. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Perodua Myvi 1.3 X, the Iriz has a longer wheelbase, richer configuration, and better value for money. It is suitable for families with a limited budget or young professionals who just started working. Whether for daily commutes, school drop-offs, or short weekend trips, this Iriz can handle them effortlessly. If you are looking for a family car without major shortcomings and don’t want to spend too much, this Iriz is worth considering.