Proton Iriz refined

“THE most affordable Asean NCAP five-star rated” car in Malaysia, Proton Iriz, has received some upgrades and improvements, making it drive and “feel” better.
Proton explained that the refinement, three years after the Iriz was officially launched, was to provide “product lifestyle refreshment and create market excitement”. These are achieved through "refinement and improvement activities on the Iriz, focusing on improving noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), and address customers’ feedback on initial quality study (IQS) and consumer surveys".
The NVH refinement consists of three major elements:
- Sound proofing upgrade: Usage of best-quality material for superior noise insulation and absorption;
- Raising standard to competitor level: Cabin noise level is comparable with the Iriz’s competitors; and
- Cabin comfort: Three-point mounting offer better refinement by reducing noise and vibration from powertrain (five decibels quitter than the current Iriz).
During a media test drive at Proton’s test track at its headquarters in Subang Jaya recently, all the variants of the Iriz – using the 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre engines, as well as the manual and CVT (automatic) transmissions – clearly indicated the result of Proton’s effort. The fleet of cars we tested boast better acceleration, response, handling and cabin noise level, thanks to engine control unit (ECU) and transmission control unit (TCU) re-mapping (two major elements of the driveability refinement package), and the aforementioned three-point mounting noise-insulating material.
Proton stated that ultimately, the refinement’s objective was to optimise occupant comfort.
Other than those improvements, there are cosmetic changes and additions too – black roof (for 1.6L Premium variant), two-tone colour skirting, black grille, new fabric and leather seat design and new interior finishing colour, among others.
As for the prices for the refined Iriz, Proton will announce it very soon.