New 2021 Proton Iriz will drop its lousy CVT, but can it overtake the Perodua Myvi?
Sanjay · Nov 12, 2020 05:00 PM
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With a flurry of spyshots seen in recent times, one of the cars we can await for next year is the 2021 Proton Iriz facelift. Let's take a look.
There's a Proton Iriz spyshot?
Photo credit: The Ajerul. The car in front is the upcoming facelifted Proton Persona.
Oh yes. In fact there's been multiple - the picture above is one of the earlier ones. Since then, it was spotted a few more times around Malaysia, often in pairs with the 2021 Proton Persona facelift.
Photo credit: Ibrahim bin Ahmed
As is textbook, facelifted cars come with visual updates - and the Iriz's hefty camoflagues hint at that. Not to forget, we also spotted a curious image during the 2020 Proton X50's launch which the office thinks look a lot like the upcoming Iriz.
Okay, if the spyshots above aren't convincing enough, what about this? Spotted just under a month ago was this Iriz wearing the distinct black and yellow theme of the 2020 Proton Saga Anniversary Edition.
Manufacturers typically produce runout specials before a new model debuts, and this points to that direction.
Understood. So what's new about the 2021 Proton Iriz?
Proton's Punch-sourced CVTs could be better.
Apart from new looks, it's possible that the new Iriz will get a new transmission as well. There's talk abound of Proton replacing the jerky, unrefined CVT in the Persona with a conventional torque-converter 4-speed automatic.
Judging by how similar both cars are, the same gearbox could find its way in the Iriz as well.
The Proton Saga is a stellar package - read our review here!
Facelifts usually don't constitute a brand new powertrain, so the Iriz is almost certainly keeping its both its engine options (offered depending on variant):
While the idea of a new Geely-sourced engine seems fun, chances of that happening are slim to none as the Iriz is a pre-Geely era car and wasn't originally designed to fit that engine.
What else will be new?
Photo credit: The Ajerul
In one of the many spyshots, we note that the Persona had a bigger floating headunit. This points to a newer system possibly employing the latest Geely Key User Interface (GKUI), as seen in the 2020 Proton X50, which could also find its way in the updated Iriz.
The big one - there's a new variant of the Iriz?
2014 Proton Iriz Active Concept.
Remember the 2014 Proton Iriz Active Concept? Featuring fancy roof rails, chunky claddings and stylish wheels? It may soon make it to production.
Photo credit: Behind The Wheel
Amidst regular Iriz facelift sightings was this example. Note that it has roof rails and it rides higher than normal. Keep in mind that the Iriz Active Concept rode 30 mm higher than the regular Iriz, so an SUV-styled Iriz Active could be coming here.
Still, a lot of things hang in the balance - the Proton Iriz Active name is as yet unconfirmed too. More as we have it, so stay tuned.
Can I still buy the current Proton Iriz?
Yes you still can! Here are its specs and prices:
2020 Proton Iriz variants and prices
Variant
Prices
1.3 Standard MT
RM 36,700
1.3 Standard CVT
RM 39,700
1.3 Executive CVT
RM 44,700
1.6 Executive CVT
RM 46,700
1.6 Premium CVT
RM 50,700
Before you buy though, you might want to read our review, go through its commendable 160/250 rating and watch Adrian and Felicia grab durians in one.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
