After many spyshots, teasers, and leaked photos, the 2022 Proton Iriz MC2 facelift finally makes its official debut via an online livestream. Starting from RM 40,300 (sans SST, valid until 31-December 2021), the facelifted Iriz receives more than just a new face unlike the previous update that was launched in 2019.

Proton has reduced the number of variants from 5 to 3 with the Iriz Active replacing the 1.6 Premium as the top-of-the-range model. Prices for the Iriz MC2 see a slight increase across the variants and below is the price comparison for the pre-facelift and the facelifted Iriz:

*Prices shown without SST, valid until 31-December 2021

Launched alongside its sedan twin, the Persona, the updated Iriz sports a revamped exterior and interior but the biggest change is obviously the addition of a crossover-like variant called the Iriz Active.

Also read: New 2021 Proton Persona facelift (MC2) launched in Malaysia, priced from RM 45k - 6 USB ports and digital AC as standard

New updates, not a new generation

Proton isn’t as loaded as it once was even under new ownership. Hence, we’re looking at another update on the Iriz instead of a new generation. Regardless if the model essentially dates back all the way to 2014, this fresher-looking Iriz is still much needed for the Malaysian Tiger.

Also read: How is the Proton Iriz still on sale 7 years later and is it still relevant?

The facelifted hatchback now sports a brand-new grille and bumper, similar to the Persona. This time around, the Proton roundel-type logo which debuted on the Proton X70 CKD in 2020 is seen on the centre of the Infinite Weave-patterned grille.

Elsewhere, only the Iriz Active comes with LED headlamps while the rest gets halogen headlamps. Around the rear, the Iriz largely retains the same design as the pre-facelift model but the taillamps receive a new finishing.

Revamped and modern interior

The interior of the Iriz also receives some much-needed changes. Chief among which is the 8-inch floating-type touchscreen infotainment display and a digital climate control unit.

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment is offered on the Executive and Active variants. Meanwhile, the base Standard variant uses a standard audio head unit with Bluetooth.

Unfortunately, there is still no Android Auto/Apple CarPlay feature on the Iriz but the updated infotainment system now allows voice commands to control the power windows and even the car’s air-con.

Also read: Why isn’t Proton accepting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto yet? The simple answer is user data

Other improvements in the interior include:

• Centre armrest
• 2 more USB ports (Total 6)
• 1 USB port for dashcam
• Tweaked instrument cluster
• New seat upholstery

The Iriz for the active lifestyle

Moving on, we come to the Iriz Active. It is the top-of-the-range model in the Iriz line-up with prices starting from RM 54,000 (without SST). Its styling is reminiscent of the surprisingly popular Perodua Axia Style with its faux-by-faux looks.

Also read: You should skip the Perodua Axia Style and go for the Axia SE. Here's why.

From the plastic cladding over the wheelarches to the roof rack, this rugged style kinda fits with the Iriz’s somewhat boxy hatchback design. Make no mistake though, it’s strictly front-wheel driven, so don’t think about crossing rough terrain in one.

Besides, the Iriz Active is also 20 mm taller than the regular Iriz and 7 kg heavier than the Executive variant.

Inside, the Iriz Active sports some minor differences compared to the regular Iriz with the words “Active” stitched into the seats and the door panels. Ditto the seat belts and centre panel that are painted red.

Goodbye Manuel manual

Aside from the addition of the Active, another change in the facelifted Iriz’s line-up is the absence of the manual variant. This is indeed sad news for the shrinking crowd of buyers who prefer to row their own gears as the 1.3 Standard MT has been dropped.

Also read: Here's why the manual transmission still matters

The other powertrains, however, are carried over from the pre-facelift: the 1.3-litre (95 PS/120 Nm) and 1.6-litre (109 PS/150 Nm) naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mills. The Active is powered by the latter unit and all variants are equipped with a CVT-type automatic gearbox.

Also read: Wait, no 4AT? 2021 Proton Iriz and Proton Persona MC2 might retain Punch CVT

The CVT is tweaked slightly to offer 5 virtual speeds and comes with a drive mode selector that offers Eco and Sport modes. We'll leave the comments for the review.

Where’s the ADAS?

On the safety front, the minimum number of airbags on the Iriz bumps up to 4 airbags on the base Standard variant while the rest gets 6 airbags. While the Iriz does receive a 5-star rating, it's per ASEAN NCAP’s 2017-20 protocol.

The new 2021-2025 methodology requires ADAS in order to receive the maximum 5 stars.

Also read: 2021 Proton Iriz and Persona get 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, with ADAS?

Rivals like the Toyota Yaris and Perodua Myvi come equipped with ADAS on higher variants so it's a pretty glaring omission on Proton's part.

Additionally, the 2022 Proton Iriz comes with a Launch Package. Said package consists of:

• 5-year / 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first)
• 3 times free Labour Service
• 5-year Data Package with 1GB quota monthly (only for the Active variant)

Compared to its chief rival, the Myvi, the Iriz has always been trailing behind the King for years. The Iriz is around RM 3,000 less than the cheapest automatic Myvi but will these improvements keep the sales gap closer between the two Malaysian hatchbacks?

Also read: Proton Iriz: 7k units sold last year, can Proton hit 10k units in 2021?