Proton Iriz Review

The B-segment hatchback market has always been the focus of local consumers, especially for those with a budget in the range of RM40,000 to RM50,000. These consumers are looking for basic practicality while refusing to compromise on safety features. As the entry-level model in the lineup, the 2023 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT, priced at RM42,800 and equipped with standard vehicle stability control and 4 airbags across the range, has become a popular choice in this price segment. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying: Can this entry-level model meet the core needs of daily commuting and short family trips? Can its performance, space, and features truly match the “high-value” label?

At first glance, the 2023 Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT continues the family design language, featuring a large lower grille paired with slim LED daytime running lights for decent recognition. The car's side profile is simple, with a length of 3945mm and a wheelbase of 2555mm, which are standard dimensions for the B-segment category. The 15-inch multi-spoke rims may not be particularly eye-catching, but paired with 185/55 R15 tires, they strike a balance between comfort and fuel efficiency. At the rear, the LED tail lights echo the design of the front daytime running lights, while the black plastic trim on the lower rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. However, the boot capacity is only 215L, which may feel slightly cramped for situations requiring more cargo space.

Upon opening the door, the dark-toned interior becomes apparent, with a cleanly organized dashboard. The physical buttons are concentrated in the air conditioning area, making them intuitive and easy to operate. The seats are fabric-clad; although lacking the premium feel of leather, they offer decent support and breathability. The front seats are manually adjustable, allowing for a comfortable driving position to be found. In terms of features, the entry-level model comes standard with keyless entry and start, which is convenient for daily use. The instrument panel is a backlight analog design, clear for information display but lacking a sense of advanced technology. The speaker count is limited to 2, providing audio quality that is basic and functional. Notably, the rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, which expands storage space when folded, enhancing practicality. The rear seats are also equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors, making it easy for families to install child safety seats.

Starting the vehicle, the noise control of the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine is within an acceptable range. With a maximum power of 95PS and a peak torque of 120Nm, paired with a CVT transmission, the power delivery tends to be smooth. During daily commutes, the car feels responsive and light at start-up and low-speed driving, with no issues following traffic in urban congestion. However, during highway overtaking, the accelerator needs to be pressed deeply to bring the engine speed above 5000rpm to achieve noticeable acceleration, reflecting a slight lack of power reserve in the higher range. The suspension system features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned more toward comfort. It effectively absorbs most minor bumps when going over speed bumps or uneven roads. However, when encountering larger undulations, the rear seats may experience slight bouncing. The steering wheel has a moderate level of effort and minimal slack, making daily driving quite agile. However, at high speeds, the braking feedback from the rear drum brakes is less linear compared to disc brakes, requiring drivers to anticipate their stops more carefully.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.9L/100km. During the actual test drive, fuel consumption in congested urban areas was about 7.5L/100km, while on highways it could drop to 6.2L/100km. The overall performance meets expectations. With a fuel tank capacity of 40L, a full tank can roughly cover about 550 kilometers, which is sufficient to meet a week's commuting needs. For noise control, the interior remains relatively quiet at speeds under 60km/h, while tire and wind noise become more noticeable above 80km/h, but it does not affect normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT lie in its balanced safety features and budget-friendly pricing. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Perodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X, although the Myvi has slight advantages in space and configuration, the Iriz features 4 airbags and vehicle stability control as standard across the entire lineup, offering greater safety assurance. This car is suitable for budget-conscious, safety- and practicality-focused family users, especially those who require daily commuting or occasional short trips. If you are seeking strong performance or abundant tech features, you might consider the higher-configured 1.6L version. However, as an entry-level model, the Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT meets most daily usage scenarios and is a pragmatic choice.