• Both were recently updated
• Both are now equipped with CVT
• Both are of nearly the same price

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a retiree, the Perodua Myvi will fit the bill. It truly is the people’s car. But let’s not forget the Proton Iriz, because if you look specifically at the Executive variant, it actually offers a compelling argument against the Myvi.

First and most importantly – the price. The Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive is priced at RM 47,100. The closest variant of the Perodua Myvi in terms of price would be the 1.3 G with PSDA (Perodua’s suite of ADAS), priced at RM 47,700.

Which way should your RM 47k go? Well, here’s a brief breakdown of what you would get with the Proton Iriz Executive and Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA.

Which has more power?

This one’s simple, it’s the Iriz, with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine makes 109 PS/150 Nm. Meanwhile, the Myvi in question here gets a 1.3-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 95 PS/121 Nm. Both cars are equipped with a CVT-type automatic.

Which is more fuel-efficient?

We haven’t tested the exact specifications of the models mentioned here, but based on the fuel consumption tests of their range-topping counterparts, we can surmise that the Myvi is more fuel-efficient than the Iriz.

Also read: 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.5L CVT has lower fuel consumption than our Ativa

Which is better equipped?

Let’s start with the exterior. The Iriz Executive gets larger wheels, measuring 16-inch, wrapped in 185/55 profile rubbers. The Myvi 1.3 G wears 14-inch wheels with 175/65 tyres. 

The Myvi 1.3 G features LED headlights as standard but loses out on daytime running lights (DRL). The Iriz Executive gets DRLs but misses out on LED headlights. Both feature follow-me-home headlamps.

Moving inside, both get keyless entry with push start button, urethane steering wheel, and 4 speakers.  The main difference would be the infotainment system. The Myvi 1.3 G’s head unit has only 2 listening sources – FM radio and USB input. No Bluetooth connectivity.

In the Iriz Executive, there’s an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity. No “Hi Proton” voice command or online music streaming, but it’s a step up from the Myvi 1.3 G nevertheless.

Also, the Iriz Executive’s seats are upholstered in leatherette, compared to the Myvi 1.3 G’s fabric seats. There’s also an armrest in the Iriz while the Myvi still does without one.

Because of the Myvi’s head unit and fabric seats, it does feel more basic than the Iriz. Which is why the Iriz wins this round as well.

Which offers better safety features?

Both the Proton Iriz Executive and Perodua Myvi 1.3 G are equipped with the usual set of passive safety features like ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, plus hill-start assist.

What separates the two is the number of airbags - the Myvi 1.3 G has only four airbags whereas the Iriz Executive has six airbags with the addition of curtain airbags. But as the name of the variant suggests, the Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA has AEB, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.

It’s a tough call to decide which is the winner here. On one hand, there’s no denying the effectiveness of curtain airbags in protecting against head injuries or even death in the event of side collisions. On the other, AEB is also important as prevention is the ultimate goal to road safety.

But if we were to decide which comes out on top, it’s the Iriz with 6 airbags. Why? Because we would put passive safety features above active safety features in order of importance. In the event of an unavoidable collision, it’s crucial to mitigate as much damage as possible.

Also read: No ADAS but the 2022 Proton Persona and Iriz has one feature every car should have

Conclusion

In an ideal world, we would have the Perodua Myvi’s fuel-efficiency and brilliant interior space packaged in the body of a Proton Iriz. But in reality, with all the items listed above and for the same price at RM 47k, it’s the Proton Iriz Executive that edges out against the Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA.

Also read: Ratings: 2022 Proton Iriz Active - How much better is this updated Myvi rival?

WapCar’s Opinion

Driving experience aside, which the Iriz has always been praised about, we feel that the Iriz is a nicer place to be in. The seats are more comfortable and there’s a touchscreen infotainment system while the Myvi doesn’t even offer Bluetooth.

If you want a Myvi, we would suggest going for the higher-rung variants that are more complete in terms of features. At this price level, we think the Iriz hits the spot.

Also read: 

Review: 2022 Proton Iriz Active – more tech, but has the CVT improved enough?

2022 Proton Iriz facelift - Worth paying RM 7k more for the Active variant?