Proton has released the first official photos of the upcoming Proton Iriz facelift. The B segment hatchback is set to be launched sometime in the first half of 2019. The Iriz will receive some exterior redesign as well as the addition of a more connected infotainment system inside. This compact hatchback is the first existing model from the Proton line-up to receive a facelift since its partnership with Geely was announced.
The main thrust of the facelift is it Proton Iriz's looks. Proton has given it more styling tweaks outside than in. The new exterior lines are designed to portray connectivity with a sporty look as well as to build visual links with other models especially the newly launched X70 SUV (The first Proton-Geely collabo) by using design elements that are common between them.
The front of the Iriz gets new slim headlights that are integrated with a differently styled front grille. According to Proton,, the grille is inspired by the “Ethereal Bow” styling concept that made its debut on the Proton X70. So we know that this new facelift keeps inline with the new Proton-Geely design philosophy. The lower grille, i.e the intake at the front bumper, features the “Infinite Weave” pattern sculpted into its design and is topped by a trademark Proton logo. Aside from the new bumper intake, the bumper also features LED daytime running lamps (DRL), which is a must in new cars these days.
For the rear of the Iriz, it gets a differently styled tailgate garnish where P R O T O N is neatly spelt out. It replaces the Proton logo which was the centerpiece previously. It reminds us of the early Proton EMAS Concept car from a few years ago with its black garnish plate. What this is is that the Irizi now looks wider, especially when coupled to the new rear bumper. Vertical garnish inserts framing a new bumper stripe are the bumper’s most prominent features.What all of these deisgn elements do is make the rear of the Iriz look wider.
Final touches to the exterior redesign are a new 'Iriz' logo, a shark fin antenna and new rotor blade design for the hatchback's alloy wheels.
As for the interior, basic trim seems to be carried over with the same fabric pattern (which I personally like as it has that 'Martini' Racing-esque stripes on them). Dashboard design seems to look the same but from what I've been reading and what I've been told by the chaps at Proton (during the recent media drive for the X70) is that the face lifted Proton Iriz is equipped with a colour touch screen, developed by PROTON and ECARX which will offer connectivity options as well as voice command functions. Much like the new X70 SUV with its google-like 'Hi Proton' voice command functions.
This will be the first time a B-segment hatchback from a national car maker is offered with such features. Proton wants to be seen as having a sporty yet intelligent image for their cars.
Proton has stated that more information on the infotainment system and the mechanical specification of the Proton Iriz will be released closer to the launch date. I have heard that the information stated is the main focus of the facelift - the exterior styling to bring it a little more up to date and the connectivity suite ala X70. There will not be any changes to the engine and drivetrain from what I have heard even though there have been many complaints about its refinement issues. But if you readers recall, Proton actually just refined / enhanced the Iriz in 2017 with new engine mounts that actually made the car more driveable and liveable (to me).
That Iriz upgrade made things so much better in terms of driveability as it actually brought down NVH levels of the Iriz to about class average levels. Not class leading mind you, but class average levels. So for a car that was first launched in 2014, this mid-life facelift has to be cost effective at best for a car manufacturer. A new engine or drivetrain would be actually too costly to crash test and homologate again. Yes, you do need to crash test a car again after major components have been changed. And as a modern car's production lifespan usually sits somewhere between five to eight years these days, what Proton is doing is the most cost effective upgrade to the Iriz before something like a Proton-Geely designed car comes out.
But personally, it does look good this new facelift. I also note that Proton must have decided to publish their official photos as the spyshots (which I reported earlier - and now confirmed to be true) and the widely spread photographs of Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir driving the facelifted car around town. Tun M is actually Proton's most prominent #KOL or Key Opinion Leader. They do not need to have bloggers, vloggers, Instagrammers or Youtubers. All they need is get Tun M to drive in one and it creates a buzz louder than a million honey bees buzzing in symphony.
So there you have it. Photos of the soon to be launched 2019 Proton Iriz Facelift. Looks promising.
Here is our review of the Enhanced 2017 Proton Iriz
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