New Proton Compact Car - AKA the Proton Iriz - Our initial opinion.

Proton has previewed its all-new Compact Car on its own microsite called http://www.betulbetulonz.com.my/. 

BUT to view the car Proton expects us to catch a glimpse of the car by asking us to scan the QR Code on the website and get 3 other friends to do so and then link the photos together. Fortunately for us, and unfortunately for Proton we have Paultan.org, Malaysia's largest automotive portal to do that for us. And in doing so undermines what Proton is trying to achieve with all that nonsense about linking photos together, making life difficult for you and I as well as losing a ton of traffic on their own micro site and getting Paultan.org more hits. Fantastic isn't it? Anyway, for more explanation on the new car which according to sources is to be called the Proton Iriz you could head over to Paultan for more. But if you're here, it means you value what I think about the car.

The Proton Iriz, as it will be called (even that micro site is called betulbetulonz, which makes no sense for the 'z' to be there) will be prices from between RM42,000 to around RM63,000 (I could be wrong). This could be very true as it is Perodua MyVI sized and should cost about the same. I am of the opinion that we would get to see two engines - the 1.3l ( like in the 1.3 satria neo) and 1.6l campro in the car with the range toping turbocharged 1.6 campro making it cost RM63,000. I mean, there can be no other reason for such pricing especially when the Perodua Myvi 1.5SE costs cheaper. I do hope they launch this turbocharged variant and launch it as soon as the Iriz starts getting sold.

As for its looks, I think this is just another compact car with smallish wheelarches and a tall body. Great for space, but if you look at the wheelarch to bodywork ratio in the main picture above, it looks pretty awkward. But one photo isn't something to be judgmental, and it also looks very similar in styling, size and space to the Perodua Myvi.

1st gen Hyundai i10 (facelift)...+

2nd gen Hyundai i10..

=    Iriz?

That largish front lower grille looks pretty much like something from a Hyundai i10 as well as that rear wheelarch proportions. Imagine the styling of the first i10 pictured above coupled to the latest styling cues of the latest i10 with slightly larger dimensions of the Perodua Myvi and you get an Iriz. It seems that Proton may need to get their hands on some proper car designers.

Aside from that the car is loaded with all the comforts and more. You would expect a lot of kit from Proton as they need to impress people and get them to buy this car. So if the looks don't get you, the equipment and safety kit  (lots of airbags for the top spec - see pic below) should. This is what Proton's hoping.

But let me reserve my full judgement until I see it in the flesh. As for now - It looks normal, has tons of equipment and if they bring out the turbocharged version, will be fast enough to be fun.