Review: 2021 Proton Iriz (facelift 2021) 1.6 (109 Hp) CVT

The 2021 Proton Iriz, with its facelift, brings a fresh look and updated features to the compact hatchback market. Known for its affordability and practicality, the Iriz is a popular choice among urban drivers and small families. In this review, we'll explore the key features of the 2021 Proton Iriz, its performance, and how it fits into different lifestyles.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify some essential terms. The Proton Iriz is a hatchback, which means it has a rear door that swings upward, providing easy access to the cargo area. This body type is ideal for city driving due to its compact size, making parking and maneuvering through traffic a breeze.

The Iriz is powered by an internal combustion engine, specifically a 1.6-liter engine that produces 109 horsepower. This engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it doesn't use a turbocharger or supercharger to increase power. The car uses a CVT, or continuously variable transmission, which provides smooth acceleration without the traditional gear shifts found in manual or automatic transmissions.

Performance and Features

The 2021 Proton Iriz is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine that delivers 109 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. This power is adequate for city driving and occasional highway trips, offering a balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency. The car's front-wheel-drive system ensures good traction, especially in urban settings.

With a kerb weight of 1178 kg, the Iriz is relatively light, contributing to its nimble handling. The fuel tank capacity is 40 liters, which is sufficient for daily commutes and short road trips. The car's dimensions, including a length of 3945 mm and a width of 1722 mm, make it easy to navigate through tight spaces.

The Iriz features a McPherson front suspension and a torsion rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride over various road conditions. The braking system includes ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear, supported by an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

When considering the Proton Iriz for your lifestyle, it's important to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses:

City Driving: The compact size and responsive handling make the Iriz ideal for urban environments. Its small turning circle of 10 meters allows for easy parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Long-Distance Travel: While the Iriz can handle highway speeds, its smaller engine may not provide the power needed for extended high-speed travel. It's best suited for short to medium-length trips.
Family Use: With seating for five and a hatchback design, the Iriz offers practicality for small families. However, the trunk space may be limited for larger family outings.
Single Ownership: For singles or couples, the Iriz provides a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation, with enough space for daily needs.
Adventure Lifestyles: The Iriz is not designed for off-road adventures or heavy-duty use. It's best suited for city and suburban driving.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a quick overview of the Proton Iriz's strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths: Compact size, fuel efficiency, affordable price, easy maneuverability.
Weaknesses: Limited power for long-distance travel, smaller cargo space, not suitable for off-road use.

Conclusion

The 2021 Proton Iriz is a practical choice for those seeking an affordable and efficient vehicle for city driving. Its compact size and user-friendly features make it an excellent option for urban dwellers and small families. When considering a car purchase, think about what features matter most to you. Do you need a vehicle that's easy to park in the city, or are you looking for something with more power for long road trips?

Specifications Table

Attribute	Details
Generation	Iriz (facelift 2021)
Modification (Engine)	1.6 (109 Hp) CVT
Powertrain Architecture	Internal Combustion engine
Body Type	Hatchback
Seats	5
Doors	5
Fuel Type	Petrol (Gasoline)
Kerb Weight	1178 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	40 l
Length	3945 mm
Width	1722 mm
Height	1564 mm
Wheelbase	2555 mm
Drive Wheel System	Front wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)	CVT
Front Suspension	Independent type McPherson
Rear Suspension	Torsion
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes	Drum
Assisting Systems	ABS
Power Steering	Electric Steering
Tire Size	185/55 R16
Wheel Rims Size	16