2021 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT Review

In Malaysia's B-segment hatchback market, value for money and basic practicality have always been core demands for consumers—after all, most families need a reliable car that can handle daily commutes and occasional cargo needs. The 2021 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT, as a popular choice in this segment, is priced at under RM 43,000, equipped with basic safety features such as 4 airbags and vehicle stability control, as well as convenient functions like keyless entry, which certainly piques the interest of many. The main purpose of our test drive this time is to see whether it can truly meet the needs of a typical family in terms of static experience, dynamic driving, and everyday practicality.

Starting with the exterior, the overall style of this Iriz leans towards a simple household design. The front fascia features Proton's family-style shield-shaped chrome grille, paired with halogen main headlights and LED daytime running lights on both sides, offering decent recognition without excessive flamboyant design. The side profile is relatively straight, with 15-inch standard rims that are moderate, while the taillight assembly at the rear adopts a horizontal layout that matches the width of the car body. The overall look is harmonious but lacks standout design highlights.

Stepping inside, the interior mainly uses dark plastic materials, which is in line with the standard at this price point. There is no soft-touch material in easily reachable areas, but the stitching between panels is fairly uniform. The dashboard layout is very straightforward, with a small-sized multimedia screen in the middle (though the spec sheet didn’t mention the size, it is adequate for operation), and physical buttons for the manual air conditioning below, which are very convenient for blind operation. In terms of features, keyless entry and start are small surprises, eliminating the need to search for the key. There is a 220V power outlet for the front row, which is very practical for occasionally charging a laptop. The seats are manually adjustable and made of fabric material, offering average support but are not uncomfortable to sit on. The rear seats can be split-folded 60:40 to expand the trunk space.

As for space, its 2555mm wheelbase is at a medium level within the B-segment. A front-row passenger of 175cm can have a fist of headroom remaining, and there’s sufficient legroom. In the rear, a 175cm passenger has approximately two fingers of knee room from the back of the front seat and a fist of headroom, which isn’t spacious but fits two occupants for daily use without issue, though it will feel cramped for three people. The trunk has a standard capacity of 215 liters, which can fit two carry-on suitcases comfortably. Folding down the rear seats allows it to hold a stroller or a folding bike, meeting basic family needs.

In terms of power, the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power of 95PS, with peak torque delivered at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. The power response during startup is relatively mild, and it takes the engine revving above 3000rpm for noticeable acceleration after applying the throttle. It is adequate for daily city commutes, but overtaking requires pushing down the accelerator in advance. Switching to sport mode sustains higher revs, and the power delivery becomes more direct, but the overall explosiveness remains limited due to the inherent engine displacement.

As for handling and suspension, its front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort. While going over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension can filter most minor vibrations, but larger bumps will still lead to noticeable jolts in the rear seat. The steering is relatively light, which is convenient for parking or low-speed driving, and it becomes slightly heavier at higher speeds, providing decent stability. When driving on mountain roads, the body roll is not excessively large, maintaining basic tracking performance, but don't expect it to provide a strong sense of driving excitement.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove half the distance in the city and half on the highway, with the air conditioning on throughout. The final displayed fuel consumption was 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.6L, mainly due to higher RPMs during city traffic congestion. This fuel consumption level is within the normal range for fuel-powered cars of the same class. Regarding braking performance, the front ventilated disc provides uniform braking force. The initial response is not very sensitive, but deep pressing delivers sufficient braking power, making daily driving very linear.

As for driving comfort, noise control is average. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind and tire noise become noticeably audible inside the cabin, especially tire noise. The 185/55 R15 tires produce relatively prominent noise on rough roads. The fabric material of the seats is quite breathable, so it doesn’t feel too stuffy during long periods of sitting; however, the lumbar support is lacking, which might make long-distance driving somewhat tiring. The absence of an auto start-stop function impacts fuel consumption during city traffic jams, but it also reduces the jolting sensation caused by frequent restarts.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2021 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT is its cost-effectiveness—for a price of less than RM43,000, it comes equipped with features such as four airbags, vehicle stability control, and keyless entry, prioritizing safety configurations compared to similarly classed Perodua Myvi 1.3 X. Its weaknesses include underwhelming power, compact rear space, and average noise control. However, as a daily commuter vehicle, these shortcomings fall within an acceptable range.

This car is suitable for families on a tight budget who prioritize basic safety and practicality, especially young individuals who have just entered the workforce or small families with kids. It’s well-equipped for daily commuting, grocery runs, and school pickups. If you’re seeking strong power performance or spacious interiors, it may not be the best choice. But if you simply need a reliable and affordable hatchback for family use, it’s worth considering. All in all, it’s a car that’s “good enough,” meeting the basic needs of an ordinary family with its modest performance.