Perodua Myvi vs Proton Iriz; what are the differences?

Jerrica Leong · 2020-01-23 17:01:08

Since its launch 15 years ago, the Perodua Myvi has been holding the top spot as Malaysian’s favourite hatchback. It took Proton a few tries to come up with a competitive product before they came to the Iriz. It’s been 6 years since the 2 cars have been in close combat, now in their latest updates, which car should you pick? Here's a quick comparison between the top spec of each car!

When the Iriz was first introduced, enthusiasts were shocked at the high price tag of RM 62,888 for the top spec metallic option. That puts the car closer to the non-national B-segment hatch than its intended target.

At the time the Iriz was launched, the Myvi was already in its second generation but looking dated and less appealing though Perodua had quickly countered the competition with a facelift that saw modern facilities added.

No doubt, the Proton Iriz was looking like the better option despite the car’s hefty price tag. Fast forward to 2018 and Perodua launched a new generation of the Myvi with an even more affordable price compared to the second gen facelift and more features that one would never expect in a national car.

The third generation Myvi, priced between RM 42,790 to RM 54,900, saw a 6.2-inch infotainment with navigation and even smart link system installed, Eco Start/Stop for better fuel consumption, and even Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A). It came with 6 airbags and even VSC and traction control.

Perodua Myvi's ASA system — The first generation ASA system in the Perodua Myvi

And that’s not to mention the much more spacious cabin along with the many added conveniences that makes even a Honda owner weep like built-in toll reader, speed sensing front wipers and Perodua’s trusty anti-snatch hook for handbags.

Proton Iriz touchscreen infotainment — You can bark orders at the Proton Iriz's infotainment, it's pretty accurate

The Iriz also upped their game by introducing a facelift complete with the flavours of the Proton X70. So not only does it now provide you with better handling than the Myvi, though the CVT is still a clunky unit that leaves you wishing for the Myvi's 4AT, it also has the Proton GKUI that comes with 4G and WiFi connection that makes a techy's dream come through.

ESC and traction control are also available on the Iriz Premium along with daytime running lights and a massive price drop. Priced between RM 36,700 to RM 50,700, the facelifted top spec Iriz is now almost RM 4,000 more affordable than the Myvi 1.5 AV.

But the line has been drawn. If connectivity ranks high on your list of needs then, hands down, the Proton Iriz is the better car for you. But if practicality is the game, then the Perodua Myvi is the everyday car that you need in your car porch.

Jerrica Leong Writer

There isn’t a time in memory that doesn’t involve staring at cars. After discovering the excitement of watching Schumacher vs Hakkinen, Formula 1 became a major part of life. The love for cars and F1 ultimately led to a job with CAR Magazine. The untimely death of the magazine meant a hiatus from cars at lifestyle women’s magazine Marie Claire before another opportunity came knocking again.