SHAH ALAM: Proton today gave the media a preview of the upgraded Iriz, which promises better noise insulation, driveability, and lower NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

The 2017 Iriz is expected to be launched by end-May, and has a new black front grille, interior finishing, ECO indicator, and leather/fabric upholstery design. It also sports the new Proton logo, and comes with two new colours of Carnelian Brown and Ruby Red.



The top 1.6-litre Premium CVT Iriz variant gets a black roof for a two-tone colour exterior, and Smart Link feature for the infotainment system. The 1.3 litre Exec Iriz variant gets push-start ignition.

The Persona's powertrain tuning also made it into the improved Iriz, for better acceleration and gear shift response. Like the Persona, the improved Iriz also has a 3-point engine mount system.

The 3-point engine mount system reduces vibration transmission into the cabin, which translates into better occupant comfort, according to Proton group engineering head Hazrin Fazail Haroon.



Media members had a short test drive of the improved Iriz at a track at the Proton Centre of Excellence here.

Based on our brief driving experience on a quiet track with steep banks, the improved Iriz seemed to be a quieter creature, and was definitely a better drive in terms of power delivery and responsiveness.

The Iriz preview and drive came on the same day DRB-Hicom announced Geely as the foreign strategic partner for Proton.

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