PROTON Holdings Bhd's latest take on its popular five-seater hatchback is all about energy.
Through the brand's "Active" styling, the B-segment 2022 Iriz, which is available in the 1.3L Standard, 1.6L Executive and 1.6L Active variants, is given a sporty makeover that borders on almost rugged in nature.
It's a one-of-a-kind update that's clearly done to make it stand out from the competition. Success and appeal, however, depend on where you're coming from.
Those who do pony up for the new rocking style will be rewarded in their own personal way. But fresh bodywork aside, the latest Iriz is more or less the same returning model and is where your mileage with the car truly matters.
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
The new Iriz Active takes a page out of the X50's aesthetics with a black roof and roof rails in a two-tone colour scheme.
New all-around body mouldings run from the front bumper across the wheel arches and side sills before ending at the rear bumper.
All variants share a front exterior that now sports an iconic Infinite Weave front bumper design with Ethereal Bow grille and red underlining.
The model has been updated with LED headlamps that support auto on/off and follow-me-home functions.
The design is complemented by 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch alloy wheels for the Standard variant), a black roof finish and new finishing on the rear combination lamps.
For a more youthful approach, the Iriz now comes in Citric Orange or Passion Red exterior colour options.
A noticeable change to the interior is the new eight-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions that have been updated to control the air-conditioning and driver's window.
It has a total of six USB ports - three at the front, two at the rear, and one behind the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam.
The new head unit, housed at the top of the instrument panel for easy access, is matched with repositioned air vents while new controls for the air-conditioning now come with a digital display and a N95 cabin filter fitted as standard.
The new centre console has enhanced functionality providing an armrest as well as improved storage space.
Pushing the sporty feel, the Iriz Active variant comes with aluminium sport pedals. The interior ambience is lifted further by red highlights. There is "Active" embroidery on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, as well as red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts.
The model has received the five-star Asean NCAP rating, with the safety features including a reinforced body structure using hot press formed steel, electronic stability control, traction control system and hill-hold assist.
Additionally, it comes with a reverse camera and parking sensors to provide visual and audible parking assistance while an Eco mode offers improved fuel consumption.
The Iriz runs on a combination of a 1.6L engine (four-cylinder in-Line, 16-valve DOHC, VVT) with continuously variable transmission, delivering a max power of 109PS at 5,750rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
The exception is the Standard variant, which sports a 1.3L engine that delivers 95PS at 5,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
Those pining for a manual transmission will, unfortunately, find that it is absent this time around.
Owners get 215 litres of boot space with the rear seats up.
The 1.3L Standard variant is priced at RM40,300, the 1.6L Executive comes in at RM47,100 and the 1.6L Active at RM54,000.
All prices are on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.
GET GOING
There are two types of people the "supermini" will attract: those who only know it as a B-segment car and those who know of the Iriz's potential.
If you're in the former, then it is easy to underestimate the new Iriz.
Most immediate would be its size. The Iriz may be classified as a compact competitor but it actually packs quite the volume.
Place it beside most cars (especially those in the A and B segments) and you'll be shocked to find it either measures up or even marginally towers over them.
It has a length of 3,965mm, a height of 1,574mm and a width of 1,740mm, with a wheelbase of 2,555mm. Despite its physical appearance, it does have decent cabin room space.
At certain angles, it could even be compared to a mini sport utility vehicle.
The Active styling has transformed the car into something that looks like it can handle itself in any rough environment.
Do not attempt that, though, as the updates are purely cosmetic and not mechanical.
The cabin, on the other hand, exudes a sportier character than usual. The design choice didn't feel too intrusive, with mostly the red trims and "Active" wording doing the busywork.
Speaking of standard, the Iriz is known to be a "zippy-sprinty" car with decent cabin space and that hasn't changed.
It is perfect for those looking for a little spice in their city drives.
Its fuel economy is decent, although slightly on the high side when compared to the competition.
But it's a small tradeoff for having a larger and potentially more powerful 1.6L engine over the usual 1.3L and 1.5L versions.
VERDICT
There are two main scenarios here, being the appeal of the 2022 Iriz and the Active styling.
The car makes for an excellent urban companion at a reasonable price. It has a dash of performance, space and practicality packed into a "supermini" design.
The Iriz may be the sportiest and most performance-driven among its competitors in its price range.
If you've already had your sights set on the model prior to the update, then now is a great time to check out the car.
The Iriz that you are familiar with makes a return with updated in-cabin features and the option of "new clothes", so you're not missing out on anything major but getting some extra goodies instead.
The Active styling itself is more of a novelty for those who think the base variant is a little too boring or needs an image boost.
But while it looks great on the Iriz, those who are price-conscious need not feel pressured.
Again, the refresh is primarily cosmetic with no mechanical changes. That means performance stays relatively the same as it did pre-facelift.
Already a solid model choice, the new design update by Proton only makes the Iriz extra desirable.