Summary
The Proton Iriz is a B-segment hatchback produced by Malaysian automaker Proton from September 2014 until its production ended on September 9, 2025. Developed as part of Proton’s shift toward independent vehicle design and manufacturing, the Iriz was notable for its distinctive European-inspired styling, practical versatility, and a focus on safety, achieving a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. Over its decade-long production, it received multiple updates and facelifts, including a significant redesign in 2022 that introduced a crossover-styled Active variant.
Throughout its lifecycle, the Iriz played a key role in Proton’s lineup as the brand’s sole hatchback offering, contributing to steady domestic sales and helping maintain Proton’s competitive market share amid a challenging automotive landscape. Despite ambitions for expanded exports and electrified variants, these plans did not fully materialize, and the model’s sales gradually declined in later years. The quiet discontinuation of the Iriz reflects Proton’s strategic realignment toward electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies in response to evolving market demands and global industry trends.
The Iriz’s legacy is marked by its combination of affordability, safety features, and modern technology, including advanced infotainment systems with voice command functionality. It also gained international recognition through motorsport participation, notably as an R5 rally car in the United Kingdom. While its end signals the close of a significant chapter in Proton’s history, the Iriz remains a notable example of Malaysia’s automotive development and Proton’s efforts to elevate its product offerings in a competitive segment.
Background
The Proton Iriz, a small-class hatchback introduced by the Malaysian automaker Proton, has been a significant model in the brand’s lineup, noted for its bold design and versatility. Developed on a platform that allowed for future improvements and even an electric version, the Iriz featured distinctive design elements such as LED daytime running lights on the front bumper and a grille accented with silver or chrome depending on the trim level. The interior saw a notable update in 2022 with the introduction of an 8-inch floating infotainment head unit equipped with voice command functions, which extended control to the air-conditioning and driver’s window. Externally, the 2022 facelift brought redesigned bumpers and a new grille design called the Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow, distinguishing the Iriz with a new profile and a striking red color, while its sibling, the Proton Persona, received enhanced chrome framing around the updated PROTON logo.
Proton’s strategy to evolve its product range saw the Iriz positioned as part of a broader portfolio that includes models across various segments such as the Saga, Persona, Ertiga, Preve, and others catering to different market needs. Despite its importance, the Proton Iriz was eventually discontinued as part of the brand’s strategic adjustments to make way for new models, signaling the end of its production era on September 9.
Sales figures underscore the Iriz’s sustained appeal; in May, it experienced a 14.1% growth in sales, maintaining its status as the fourth most popular B-segment hatchback in Malaysia. This performance came amid Proton’s overall positive sales momentum, with the company achieving three consecutive months of growth and maintaining a significant market share nationally. The Proton Iriz’s role in Proton’s lineup, from its innovative design to its steady market presence, marks it as a noteworthy chapter in the company’s automotive history.
Development and Production
The development of the Proton Iriz began as part of Proton’s strategic evolution from assembling vehicles under Mitsubishi’s license to independently designing and manufacturing cars from the ground up. This shift allowed Proton to develop the Iriz’s platform with flexibility for future improvements, including the potential for an electric variant. After four years of development, production of the Proton Iriz commenced in September 2014 at Proton’s Tanjung Malim manufacturing plant in Perak, Malaysia. The launch marked a significant investment of RM560 million to establish and scale manufacturing capabilities for this B-segment hatchback.
Following its introduction, Proton saw steady growth in Iriz production, achieving a cumulative output of over 43,000 units by mid-2016. The company initially focused on serving the domestic market, with early deliveries starting as soon as October 2014, including the 1.6L variant. Production ramp-up was carefully managed, particularly with the export market in mind, as certain variants like the 1.6L were primarily targeted for overseas sales. Despite ambitions to expand export volumes, Proton faced challenges due to global economic conditions, which slowed the expected growth of international sales in 2023.
After over a decade of production, reports from September 2025 indicate that manufacturing of the Proton Iriz concluded, with the final unit assembled at the Tanjung Malim plant on September 9. This milestone marks the end of an era for the model, which has been a notable part of Proton’s lineup throughout its production run.
Features and Specifications
The Proton Iriz is equipped with two petrol engine options: a 1.3-litre and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, both featuring variable valve timing (VVT) technology. These engines incorporate new blocks, pistons, and valves and comply with Euro 5 emission standards, although they are detuned to Euro 4 for the domestic market. The 1.3-litre engine produces 95 PS (94 bhp/70 kW) at 5750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission. The 1.6-litre variant delivers 108 PS and 150 Nm of torque, offered exclusively with a CVT gearbox.
Inside, the Proton Iriz offers a practical and comfortable cabin for five occupants, featuring quality fabric upholstery and adjustable seating. The dashboard showcases a minimalist design with curved surfaces, a centrally mounted infotainment screen atop the center stack, and round ventilation knobs positioned below. The 1.6-litre models come standard with a rear-view camera, while other convenience features include power-adjustable exterior mirrors and a centrally located fuel tank.
In terms of technology, the Executive and Premium variants are equipped with Proton’s GKUI head unit, with the Premium trim adding the Hi Proton voice recognition feature. Gear shifter designs vary between variants, with a new design exclusive to the Standard MT and Premium CVT models. The Premium variant also boasts a frameless rearview mirror. Instrument clusters differ as well: the Standard variant has a basic LCD display, whereas the Executive and Premium models feature full-colour displays with enhanced functionality.
Safety is a prominent focus for the Iriz, which includes Proton’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system—comprising Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Hill Hold Assist (HHA). This system helps maintain vehicle control by monitoring steering and braking inputs and intervening when traction loss is detected. The Iriz also includes front, side, and curtain airbags, an engine immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat mounts, parking sensors with reverse camera, crash sensors, seatbelt warnings, child safety locks, and impact beams for additional protection. The model achieved a five-star rating in the 2020 ASEAN NCAP crash test.
Updates and Facelifts
The Proton Iriz received several updates and facelifts throughout its production run, with the most significant being the 2022 facelift launched in August. This update featured notable exterior changes such as redesigned lights and bumpers, alongside the introduction of a crossover-styled Active variant that sparked mixed reactions among enthusiasts. The interior was also refreshed, delivering a surprisingly modern look, although the facelift retained the Punch CVT gearbox, a choice that drew some criticism.
Prior to this, the first facelift of the Iriz was officially launched on April 23, 2019, following a media preview in February of the same year. This update reintroduced the 1.6L Executive CVT model while limiting the manual transmission option to the 1.3L Standard model. Additionally, automatic headlights were made standard across the range, enhancing convenience and safety.
Over the years, Proton’s approach with the Iriz and other models has been to offer a diverse lineup catering to various market segments, including hatchbacks like the Iriz, sedans, MPVs, and others. Despite the competitive landscape, the Iriz managed to maintain a position in its segment, although sales numbers in recent periods placed it behind models like the Proton Saga and X70. The facelifts and updates throughout its lifecycle aimed to keep the Iriz relevant amidst evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements.
Market Reception and Impact
The Proton Iriz received a generally positive reception in the domestic market, with particular praise directed at its European-inspired design and appeal. Its exterior styling was noted for blending distinct elements reminiscent of popular European hatchbacks, such as the Renault Clio and Fiat Punto, which contributed to its favorable first impressions among consumers and critics alike. This design approach marked a significant step for Proton in elevating its product aesthetics to compete in a more discerning market.
Sales performance of the Iriz, alongside other Proton models, reflected the brand’s resilience and steady growth despite challenging external conditions. In 2023, Proton achieved a fourth consecutive month of year-on-year sales growth, with a total of 9,415 units sold in April, representing a 6.5% increase compared to the previous year, even amidst production constraints caused by holiday periods. The brand maintained a strong market presence with an estimated 20.4% market share in April 2023, solidifying its position as the second highest-selling automotive brand nationally.
By mid-2025, Proton continued to demonstrate growth momentum, with May sales reaching 13,328 units—a 6.1% increase over the same month in the prior year. This growth contributed to a year-to-date sales figure of 61,087 units and a forecasted market share of 19.2%, signaling sustained consumer demand and brand loyalty. The Iriz played a role in this performance, although Proton emphasized a strategic focus on strengthening its domestic market presence before expanding aggressively overseas.
Despite the positive domestic impact, Proton faced mixed opinions regarding its international prospects with the Iriz and other models. Some industry observers viewed the UK and EU markets as valuable testing grounds that could elevate Proton’s global profile if the company met stringent safety standards such as Euro NCAP. Conversely, skepticism remained about Proton’s ability to overcome quality perceptions and compete effectively abroad, prompting calls for prioritizing improvements in domestic product quality before international expansion.
Proton’s diversified model lineup, including the Iriz, Saga, Persona, and others, allowed the company to cater to a wide array of customer preferences across segments such as sedans, hatchbacks, and MPVs, helping it maintain competitiveness amid intense domestic and international competition. However, external economic factors and shifting consumer spending behaviors continued to pose challenges to sustained growth and market penetration.
End of Production
Production of the Proton Iriz officially came to an end in early September 2025, with the final unit, body number 97576, being assembled at the Tanjung Malim plant on September 9. This conclusion marked the closure of a significant chapter for Proton, as the Iriz was the brand’s sole hatchback offering—a segment Proton had maintained continuously since 1994. Despite the car still appearing on Proton’s official website and no formal announcement from the company, the quiet cessation of Iriz production follows a similar pattern to the discontinuation of the Exora MPV in 2023.
The decision to end production reflects a strategic realignment within Proton’s product portfolio. Annual sales of the Iriz, which once peaked in the tens of thousands, had gradually declined in recent years, prompting the company to reconsider its focus. This shift aligns with Proton’s broader ambition to channel resources towards the development of electrified and intelligent vehicles, adapting to global automotive industry transformations and evolving consumer preferences.
Having been in production since September 2014, the Proton Iriz represented a major investment for the company, with RM560 million allocated to develop manufacturing capabilities and scale production of this B-segment hatchback. Over the course of its lifecycle, Proton produced tens of thousands of units, achieving steady growth in the early years and receiving multiple updates throughout its tenure. The Iriz was initially launched with the aim to challenge segment leaders like the Perodua Myvi, emphasizing competitive pricing and safety features.
The end of the Iriz signifies the end of an era for Proton’s hatchback presence, closing a notable chapter that began with the Mitsubishi Mirage-based Satria and later the Saga Aeroback. This strategic transition underscores Proton’s efforts to remain competitive amid intense domestic and international competition, while navigating economic challenges and shifting market dynamics.
Legacy
The Proton Iriz holds a distinctive place in Malaysia’s automotive history as a homegrown compact hatchback that captured the hearts of many drivers since its launch. Introduced amid considerable anticipation, the Iriz was shaped through an inclusive branding campaign that garnered over 44,000 name suggestions, with “Iriz” symbolizing a modern and international identity. Its spirited performance and premium features positioned it favorably against segment rivals like the Perodua Axia and Myvi, offering a driving experience that balanced everyday practicality with enjoyment.
Despite not meeting some of its initial global ambitions—such as exports and promised electric or turbocharged variants—the Iriz maintained a steady presence in the domestic market with facelifts in 2019 and 2021. Its impact extended beyond conventional road use, as it found a niche as a competitive R5 rally car in the United Kingdom, showcasing Proton’s engineering capabilities on an international motorsport stage. The model’s comprehensive infotainment offerings, including voice command and online music streaming through a 7-inch touchscreen with 4G and Wi-Fi, highlighted Proton’s commitment to integrating modern technology under the banner of “Intelligence that Excites”.
Over time, however, the Iriz’s sales gradually declined, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and the evolving automotive landscape. This downturn prompted Proton to realign its strategy, culminating in the decision to end Iriz production as the company pivots towards electrified and intelligent vehicles to remain competitive in a transforming global market. Nonetheless, the Iriz’s legacy endures as a testament to Proton’s innovative spirit and its contribution to Malaysia’s automotive identity, bridging a gap between affordability, performance, and technological advancement for urban drivers.
The content is provided by Harper Eastwood, Front Signals
