Proton launched the Iriz subcompact car in Malaysia on Thursday, hoping it will help the national carmaker regain ground lost to key domestic competitors including Perodua.
The new model comes with a choice of 1.3- and 1.6-litre VVT Euro IV engines and retail prices range from MYR42,438 (US$13,000) to MYR58,268 ($17,860).
Malaysia’s first national car company said it had received 17,000 domestic orders for the car before its official launch at the Tanjung Malim plant.
The Iriz is also expected to help push Proton’s export sales, having received the highest safety ratings and top ratings from the Asean New Car Assessment Programe (NCAP).
CEO Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah claimed the car, which cost MYR560m (US$172m) to develop, is Proton’s best yet.

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