It was unveiled on 25 September 2014 at Proton City by Malaysia’s fourth and seventh prime minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

[4] The first official Iriz details from Proton came in the form of a naming contest called Nama Siapa Hebat?

Proton began processing contest entries by August 2013, taking the necessary precautions to avoid trademark conflicts and language ambiguity in global markets.

[6] On 22 August 2014, Proton Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Abdul Rashid Musa held a media briefing on the upcoming P2-30A.

[1][7] The briefing detailed that two new engines will be offered, a 1.3-litre and a 1.6-litre, both of which incorporate variable valve timing (VVT) technology for more power and improved fuel-efficiency.

[7] The new Proton will be able to travel from Bukit Kayu Hitam in the very north of the Malay Peninsula to Johor Bahru in the very south, a journey of around 800 kilometres (500 miles) in just a single tank of petrol.

[10] Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, recently appointed chairman of Proton has stated that in a bid to move upmarket, the upcoming Iriz will cost more than expected, but nonetheless still cheaper than its rivals from the same segment.

[21] The 2019 Iriz sees a new seat pattern for the Standard and Executive variants, and the air conditioning controls markings are now white only.

The Standard variants feature a double din like-sized head unit with capacitive buttons that are not visible without illumination.

[22] The 2019 Iriz key design changes include revised front fascia with Proton's new infinite weave design language with a chrome strip dubbed ethereal bow and Proton lettering on the rear as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers.

This includes new bumpers with the top-spec Active variant gaining a rugged crossover look, aimed towards the younger crowd.

Proton had announced plans to license a turbo diesel engine from a foreign manufacturer, to better compete in European markets.

[27] All Iriz variants get Proton's VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) active safety net which consists of ESC, TCS, ABS, EBD, BA and HHA.

[28] This is done under the newly revised and restructured protocols of the 2020 ASEAN NCAP guidelines which has a different testing regime over its previous system.

[29] The critical sections of the Iriz's body structure incorporates Proton's RESS hot press forming (HPF) technology, which is five times stronger than normal cold rolled galvanized steel.

[30][31][32] In the event of an accident, the Iriz's body control module automatically unlocks all doors to facilitate an emergency exit.