Proton Iriz launched

TANJUNG MALIM: The new Proton Iriz promises class-leading comfort and safety features as well as being easy on the pocket.

The B-segment five-door hatchback was launched by Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Proton City in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Also present were Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Hamim Samuri, and Proton chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, and DRB-Hicom Bhd chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza.

The five-door hatchback is billed as having specifications and equipment that are on par with or exceed non-national cars.

Its size pits it against B-segment cars like the Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

The Iriz has new 1.3 and 1.6-litre engines with VVT (variable valve timing).

The 1.3-litre Iriz comes in entry-grade Standard and mid-grade Executive variants, while the 1.6-litre Iriz has Executive and high-grade Premium variants.

For all variants, the transmission is either a Getrag-sourced 5-speed manual or a 6-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission) from Punch Powertrain.

All Iriz variants come standard with ESC (electronic stability control), ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), traction control, brake assist, HHA (hill hold assist), and a SBR (seat belt reminder) system for all seat belts.

The Asean NCAP has awarded the Iriz a five-star rating in Adult Occupant Protection and four-star rating in Child Occupant Protection.

Dr Mahathir said Proton has received 17,000 bookings for the Iriz to date. Deliveries to customers are expected to start in mid-October.

"The mindset in Proton today is to produce cars that can be sold anywhere in the world," said Dr Mahathir.

"We are improving our quality to meet the stringent requirements of foreign markets. During the development of the Iriz, we tested the car in winter conditions in Sweden and also, in extreme desert environment where temperature was 42 degrees Celsius.

"The Iriz also ran for 100,000km in endurance testing. You will find driving the Iriz a great pleasure. It is the best car I have driven out of Proton."

On-the-road prices start from RM42,438 and the highest grade variant is retailed at RM62,888.