Criss-crossing Borneo

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A snapshot of five Irizs at the Yayasan Complex, overlooking the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Sri Begawan.

AS the Proton Iriz Media Drive-Borneo was my first long distance automotive assignment, I looked forward to it with much excitement and trepidation.

The dry run not only challenged us to test the ability of the car to go the distance but also the efficiency of its other specifications such as fuel efficiency, safety and security.

The Iriz was first launched on Sept 25, 2014, marking Proton Holdings Bhd’s entry into the compact car B-Segment market to capture a larger share of the automotive industry.

As a regular A-Segment car driver, and knowing little about automobiles, I figured it would not make much difference driving the Iriz — except for size and power. However, I discovered the Iriz to be much more than just that as we revved through rough and smooth terrain in an exhilarating drive from Miri to Bandar Sri Begawan, Brunei before arriving at the final destination of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We logged a total of 725km over four days.

During the expedition, each reporter got to test-drive two Iriz variants — 1.3-litre equipped with five-speed manual gearbox or 1.6-litre equipped with CVT transmission. Given my debit in driving manual cars, I only managed to drive the auto versions for the entire journey.

Proton Edar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Norzahid Mohd Zahudi said at the welcoming dinner that the way Proton cars are manufactured has definitely improved over the years in terms of engineering and design.

We were assured at the outset that we would quickly learn to get used to the excellent road-holding and handling of the Proton Iriz. True enough, over the next four days, we had the opportunity to experience driving the car through all types of terrain — for both city and long distance driving.

Day 1

On arrival at the hotel in Miri and over lunch, we were given safety and product briefings and details for the first activity — The Economy Run (Eco Run). The purpose was first to introduce the Proton Iriz to the East Malaysian market, especially the media, and secondly, to demonstrate its reliability as a city car and suitability for long-distance journeys.

More importantly, the Eco Run would help to prove the car’s fuel efficiency. Proton representatives noted the fuel efficiency reading of the car on Peninsular Malaysia’s highways was practically the same as that on inner trunk roads.

We were given two hours to complete the 84km Eco Run — from the hotel to the Niah National Park. As the Eco Run was meant to reflect real world conditions, the air-conditioning controls of the cars were blocked off, leaving both drivers and passengers alike with only a constant blast of cool air.

We were also informed of the departure time, and by adding on two hours, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should be able to make our designated arrival time at the Niah National Park. Every five-minute delay would add 0.3 litres to the fuel score.

While my partner Adela and I did not even come close to winning the challenge, we still had a lot of fun taking turns driving the Iriz. With the electric power steering system (EPS), the new engine with variable valve timing (VVT) technology giving more power and better fuel efficiency, not forgetting the superb suspension, I had no trouble overtaking some of the larger trucks and other vehicles on the way back to the hotel without waking my passenger taking a siesta.

That night, the winners of the Eco Run were announced with the lowest fuel consumption for the Proton Iriz 1.3 manual at 5.2 litres per 100km and an impressive 4.9 litres per 100km for the 1.6 auto variant. The total distance covered for the day was 168km.

Participants of the Proton Iriz Media Drive — Borneo at the entrance of the Niah National Park, Miri.

Day 2

The second day saw us rising early for the 151km-drive to our first destination of Bandar Sri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Most of us thought it was doable given that it was just double the amount of driving from the previous day. Including a bit of moving around Brunei town (about 10km), we logged a total of 161km for this leg of the whole journey.

While heading out of Miri, we drove through empty roads and took the opportunity to pick up speed in the 1.6 auto, and as the second car in the convoy, easily kept up with the lead car.

As usual, along the way, we had to be cautious — and daring enough at the same time — in order to overtake wherever necessary so as not to be left behind. Luckily, for the most part, the lead cars were able to give specific instructions. But the Iriz never came up short when it was time to floor the gas and let the racer in us take over.

On arriving in Brunei, we found the smooth dual carriageways leading into the city even more reason to power up — and off we went, cruising along at speeds of up to 100kph or more until we were warned by passers-by of the speed traps ahead.

After lunching at a local restaurant, we set off for the Yayasan SHHB Complex overlooking the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque — a great photo opportunity.

The azure sky, together with the mosque and shop buildings as the picturesque backdrop, brought out the Fire Red, Atlantic Blue, Solid White, Citrus Green and Silver Moon Dust colours of the Iriz, all providing for a breathtaking picture-perfect snapshot.

The convoy heads towards the Niah National Park during the Eco Run.

Day 3

After a well-rested night, we were ready to tackle the 396km stretch of roads from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu. On the whole, it was not a very tiring drive, partly because we constantly changed drivers, passengers and, later, even cars.

As Adela had mostly been driving the previous day, I decided to let her rest and took over the wheel — which was good timing as I was suddenly up for some fast driving of the Iriz on the trunk road. Not long after, Adela parted company for her own sojourn of experiencing the joy of driving the Iriz 1.3 manual.

The roads, especially leading up to and exiting the checkpoints, were not particularly level. However, knowing these were the best situations to test the comfort and suspension of the car, I gleefully sped over the terrain.

Fortunately, my fast driving did not really leave my new partner Adrianna on the edge of her seat holding to dear life. In fact, I did not feel the jolting when driving over the occasional road bumps or potholes as I normally do with my own car.

Furthermore, I noticed the Iriz’s sculpted semi-bucket seats — together with the height-adjustable driver’s seat — allows for a very comfortable drive. By finding a more comfortable sitting position, I was able to stay alert longer and feel fresher throughout the journey.

Along the way to Kota Kinabalu, the convoy stopped by Kampung Batu Danau and Kampung Medait, Limbang, to provide some flood relief to over 80 families badly hit by the recent flooding in the area. Proton had generously donated basic necessities such as food products and items of daily use to the victims.

We left the villages soon after, and Adrianna took over until we arrived back in Sarawak. We entered Sindumin (Sabah border) at which point I was behind the wheel. I did manage to unexpectedly test the brakes during this part of the drive. On getting the heads up from the lead car that it was clear to overtake some of the vehicles in the convoy, I sped up without waiting.

However, there was a slight jam of cars ahead, causing me to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front. For that, I have to thank the Iriz’s efficient anti-lock braking system (ABS) together with the electronic brake-distribution (EBD) and brake assist.

The Iriz’s ABS and EBD prevent the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, and shorten the braking distance to ensure proper force distribution between front and rear wheels for effective braking. With the brake assist, additional braking force is automatically applied during emergency braking so the car stops in the shortest possible distance.

Day 4

The final day of the Media Drive did not disappoint as we were treated to a driving exercise (USP/Slalom test) at the Likas Stadium Carpark. The purpose was to show the superiority of the Iriz’s electronic stability control (ESC), the traction control and the chassis control. The total time taken for the demonstration was about two hours, covering the slalom/brake, steer/avoid exercises.

Initially, I was reluctant to try these exercises, knowing my ability to avoid objects while driving at high speed was almost nil. However, after sensing the adrenaline rush of my colleagues, I decided to jump into the next available car and try my luck.

As expected, I sent a few cones flying and could hear the passengers squealing as I swerved around. Eventually, I got the hang of it and realised it was not necessary to brake immediately as the Iriz’s ESC programme brakes the wheels individually and automatically modulates engine power to allow you to steer away from possible impact.

As for the traction control, it is particularly useful when road and weather conditions make driving difficult, especially when there is little grip. The traction control allows power to be safely and effectively delivered.

At the conclusion of the four-day Media Drive, Norzahid shared his optimism with the media that the Iriz would be a fresh perspective for the Proton models and that it was a segment that would grow in Sarawak and Sabah.

Most affordable

B-segment hot hatch

Designed to meet the demanding needs of the modern lifestyle, the Iriz is powered with Proton’s new four-cylinder VVT engines with a choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT transmission.

The 1.3-litre comes in Standard and Executive options while the 1.6-litre has Executive and Premium options.

Apart from the technologically advanced features of convenience at its fingertips, the new model is also equipped with a smart EPS system for effortless driving and superior handling.

The Iriz is also fitted with high-end passive safety features for the Premium option — six airbags, anti-trap power window at the driver’s side, keyless entry, car alarm system and a fully-integrated LED daytime running lights.

Another feature called Impact Sensing Door Unlock has also been fitted. This works if a collision is detected with the doors of the car unlocking automatically to allow a quick exit or for the occupants to be rescued easily.

Not forgetting the salient feature of the car structure that provides durability and toughness in the event of a collision — the Hot Press Forming (HPF) structure which Proton is proud to own.

Malaysia is the only sixth country in the world to adopt this German technology and the only Asean country to invest in the production of the HPF structure which helps keep the bodyweight of the car at its optimum stability while keeping the occupants’ cabin tough during impact.

The Premium trim is also equipped with a reverse camera. There are also ISOFIX attachment points for child safety seats all of which cater to the strict regulations in the international market.

Overall, Proton has focused on improving every aspect of the car, especially in terms of safety and convenience. The Iriz comes with the highest safety standards Proton can offer, topped off with a five-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

Given the Iriz’s affordability, Proton is primarily targeting first-time buyers and newly-employed youths aged 25 to 29; single or just married couples; household size of one to two people; fresh graduates; young professionals (in urban/sub-urban areas) and with income levels of RM30,000 per annum.

Chic and upbeat groups with fun and outgoing lifestyles who rely heavily on social networks and are digitally savvy are also the sector Proton is appealing to.

The group’s secondary target for the compact car are buyers intending to buy an additional or replacement car, especially couples aged between 30 and 40 years with a small family.

On-the-road prices for Iriz in East Malaysia start at RM44,438 (Standard); from RM48,438 (Executive) and from RM61,438 (Premium).

The Proton team with beneficiaries of the CSR programme at Kampung Batu Danau, Limbang.