2021 Proton Iriz 1.6 Active CVT Review

B-segment hatchbacks have always been a mainstay in the local market. Consumers demand fuel efficiency and ease of driving for daily commuting, while also expecting adequate features and sufficient space to meet family needs. As a representative model of the local brand, the 2021 Proton Iriz 1.6 Active CVT version maintains a budget-friendly price while fully equipping practical features such as 6 airbags and LED automatic headlights. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can meet the comprehensive needs of mainstream family users.

In terms of appearance, the 2021 Iriz 1.6 Active avoids an exaggerated style, leaning towards a steady and enduring design. The front features Proton's signature "Infinite Weave" grille, paired with sharp LED automatic headlights on both sides, providing decent recognition. The side profile has smooth lines, with 16-inch wheels that are proportionally sized and don't appear small. The rear section's simple LED tail lamp clusters and clean bumper designs align well with its positioning as a family car.

Sitting inside, the interior predominantly features a dark color scheme, and the center console layout is clear and user-friendly. The 8-inch touch screen is the visual centerpiece, offering decent touch responsiveness and basic multimedia functions. The air conditioning is a manual single-zone unit but includes voice control, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to adjust the temperature. The steering wheel features a multifunction design, allowing control of volume and calls, which is practical enough. Regarding materials, the center console area is partially covered with soft-touch materials, though the majority is hard plastic, which is reasonable given the price point. The seats are manually adjustable, with decent support in the front row, while the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, making it more convenient for occasionally carrying larger items.

Space performance aligns with the positioning of a B-segment car. With a wheelbase of 2555mm, a 175cm tall front passenger enjoys about a fist of headroom and no tightness for legroom. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults, offering a fist of headroom and about two fists of legroom, though the middle passenger's feet rest on the central floor hump, which could become uncomfortable for long rides. The trunk has a standard capacity of 215L, capable of holding two 20-inch suitcases. Folding down the rear seats provides increased space, sufficient for occasionally storing large items. As for storage compartments, the door panels can hold two bottles of water, and both the central armrest and glove compartment offer adequate space for daily small items.

Regarding performance, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum output of 109PS and maximum torque at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. For daily commuting, the car accelerates smoothly from a standstill, with linear throttle response that doesn’t feel sluggish when following traffic. However, once the speed exceeds 80km/h, acceleration weakens, requiring a harder press on the accelerator for overtaking. The CVT gearbox is notably smooth, with minimal gear-shifting jolts during regular driving, aside from slight delays in rev climbs during sudden acceleration. The car only offers a standard driving mode, which is sufficient for everyday usage.

As for handling and chassis, the overall performance skews towards comfort. The front MacPherson independent suspension adequately absorbs bumps over speed bumps, avoiding any overly harsh impacts. On highways, the car maintains good body stability, feeling secure even at speeds of 120km/h. When cornering, body roll remains within normal limits for a B-segment vehicle, ensuring safe and comfortable driving for everyday use. The steering wheel feels moderate in weight, with minimal slack, and doesn't feel heavy during parking maneuvers.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested a combination of urban and highway conditions, and the fuel consumption was approximately 7.5L per 100 kilometers, slightly lower than the official figure of 8.1L. Using 95-octane gasoline, the 40L fuel tank can cover approximately 530 kilometers on a full tank, making it suitable for weekly refueling for daily commutes. The braking performance is stable, with a linear brake pedal feel, and the vehicle does not veer during emergency braking, providing a sense of confidence.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the noise insulation is decent. Below a speed of 60km/h, the interior is relatively quiet, but above 100km/h, tire and wind noise become more noticeable, though still acceptable. The seat padding is not particularly soft, but it provides good support, preventing back discomfort during long drives. The air conditioning system has effective cooling, and the voice control function responds fairly quickly, eliminating the need to look down to press buttons.

Safety features are a highlight of this car. It comes standard with six airbags (including front and rear curtain airbags), electronic stability control, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera, making it a well-equipped option in its price range. Compared to similar models like the Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV, the Iriz 1.6 Active offers more airbags and has a longer wheelbase, providing an advantage in space. In terms of pricing, the RM57,300 price tag is close to the Myvi 1.5 AV, but the Iriz offers more comprehensive features.

In summary, the 2021 Proton Iriz 1.6 Active CVT’s key advantages are its high safety features, adequate space, and affordable price. It is well-suited for practical family users who prioritize safety and functionality, making it suitable for daily commutes and short weekend family trips. However, for those seeking strong performance or extreme fuel efficiency, it may not be ideal. For most mainstream families, though, it is a balanced and sensible choice.