​Owner Review: Practical yet understated - My 2015 Proton Iriz 1.6(A) Executive​

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Basic information about my car:

2015 Proton Iriz 1.6(A) Executive

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I needed a daily driver car. My previous car was a Fiat Panda plagued with a gearbox issue that ultimately caused a major accident. Initially, I looked at second-hand cars, mostly Japanese and local. Reliability was the main element as I would be driving a fair distance to office and back.

My family encouraged me to buy a brand-new car, so naturally I looked at nearby showrooms. I love hatchbacks, so it was almost love at first sight with the Iriz. Wanted a manual, but I'd have to wait a few months (Much regret, I should have waited!). So I bought the automatic in 2016 with a CNY discount.

Car selection process

I have a budget of: RM 50,000

Models that I have considered include: Myvi, Honda Jazz, Alfa Romeo 147, Satria Neo CPS

Reasons why I chose this car:

I wanted a fuss-free hatchback that I could daily drive with enough capacity 3 passengers and luggage. I've heard about Proton's superior ride and handling in the Iriz, but I didn't pay much attention to it back then. Only after a two test drives I understood what it was all about. Since I was buying brand new, I considered safety too. Driver and front passenger airbags and ABS are standard on the 1.6 Executive so it fit right into my criteria. Not many tests were done comparing fuel economy of the car back then so I didn't worry too much about consumption. 

User Experience

• I have done: 79,000 km
• My average fuel consumption is about: 11 km/l

Looking back at the pre-Geely era of Proton, the Iriz is their closest attempt at a 5-door hot hatch. Aside from incredible ride and handling, the interior feels roomy yet cosy. Everything is within reach yet there is enough space to stretch a little. Visibility is great as the windows are large. You will need some sunshades even with the windows tinted (I got the magnetic ones from Shopee) to block out heavy sun rays. Proton put thought into the seats and seating position as you can sit high enough to see your bonnet – much like an SUV. It's a perfect solution for new drivers. 

Initially, I didn't like the CVT as it was noisy and a little rough to my driving style. Proton's signature "dancing dashboard" of vibrations were also a pain to deal with. I sent my car in to the service centre and the vibration was still present after. Of course, these issues have been addressed and thoroughly refined in the 2019 and 2021 Iriz models. To me, these are character flaws which we learn to live with. They give my car a personality. It doesn't take much know that the car certainly has lots of room for improvement. 

The Iriz matures well. I've driven it from my bachelor days till now, married with one child. The little things like ISOFIX and comfortable back seats are things I took for granted but now appreciate more. I feel proud when my passengers (mostly my in-laws or friends) fall asleep in the back seat during road trips. It's proof that the rear cabin and seats provide comfort and a sense of security. However, I do wish there were more features for the price point of RM50k back then. It would be great to have curtain airbags, automatic folding side mirrors, automatic Daytime Running Lights etc. 

The Iriz is heaps fun to drive in the city though! Small and nippy, you'll be confident squeezing through tight spots when parking. It's also agile enough to weave through traffic (when in a rush), although I wouldn't suggest making it a habit. The real fun is on the curvy roads towards Frasers Hill, Ulu Yam, Genting, and Cameron Highlands. You'll anticipate every curve in the road. There's no excuse for you to creep out of your lane when taking a turn because the car is planted and controlled with plenty of steer.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1. Great handling around corners
   Comfortable seats with bolstered side support
   Ride height appropriate for new drivers
   Easy to find spare parts and accessories, maintenance not too pricey either
   A pleasure to drive around a busy city
   Capacity to carry 4 people comfortably
   Quirky green colour paint (not in production anymore)
   Reverse camera and automatic rear windshield wiper

Cons

1. Engine noise
2. Interior vibrations
3. Can feel laggy if you're not used to the CVT
4. No leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats
5. No automatic DRLs, side mirrors, driver's window up
6. Infortainment system is from the Jurassic period. It's old and can't even be updated. 
7. The stock Silverstone tires were low quality. Recommend change to Goodyear Triplemax 2 or Continental CC6
8. Driving a small car, you will often get tailgated.

Total Score: 4

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 3

Space: 4

Ride comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 4

Price & cost: 4

Summary:

The 2015 Proton Iriz is a great little hatchback for a daily driver. Practical yet understated, the Iriz offers superior ride and handling with a comfortable interior. It's ideal for use as a single driver or even with a family in tow. It's a nimble machine that I tend to fall in love with each time I start the engine. Although it has a few drawbacks, namely the engine noise and interior vibrations (on earlier models), I love the way it responds. Such a pleasure to drive around corners and even on busy city roads.

Interesting Events:

Some small aesthetic modifications were done to the car. The most obvious are the rims. The original rims just had to go! I always thought they looked too much like a flower and gave the car an overly feminine look. I knew the Iriz would look good with the 2020 Proton Saga sport rims (they fit perfectly thanks to same dimensions). I think they give the car a Euro pseudo-GTI look. Honestly, sport rim shopping is a hassle as not many original sport rims come in 15-inch with PCD 114.3 – at least none that I liked. The original ones that do are above my budget. I wanted something that wasn't too flashy also, so I traded my rims in for these fairly new ones.

The most recent of the mods is the leather wrapped steering wheel. I decided to DIY and bought a faux leather-wrapped with Iriz steering measurements (also from Shopee). I'm a noob at leather- wrapping, so sewing it was a tedious process that took 2 days to complete. However, I'm thrilled with the result. The car feels brand new – with the smell and feel of the leather.  
Truth is, with a Proton, a bit of modifying won't hurt. 

As for major repairs, I've only experienced one after almost 4 years of driving. The car overheated when the radiator had a leak. After a radiator flush, I had to replace a part of the radiator tubing to solve the problem. Other than that, nothing serious aside from wear and tear maintenance. Overall, I would say the Iriz is a reliable little hot hatchback with lots of potential for mods and fun drives. 

*As a Hot Wheels collector and aspiring writer for Flower Chimp, Joel tells us about his love for his daily driver.

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