Malaysia - Proton Iriz to get a Euro 5 engine for overseas markets

The existing 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre VVT petrol engine meet Euro 4 emission norms.

The newly launched Proton Iriz will be looking to go places after establishing itself at home.

Speaking at the launch of Malaysia's first global car, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Executive Chairman, Proton Holdings Berhad, has told Paultan that the company is looking to source a new engine for the international markets.

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Dr. Mohamad stated that the current VVT petrol engines of the Iriz comply with the Euro 4 norms. Since most of the international markets have implemented stricter Euro 5 or 6 norms, a cleaner engine is required to tap those markets. The ex-prime minister of Malaysia hinted that the overseas-spec engine could be sourced from a foreign manufacturer since designing a new engine from the scratch could take as long as 5 years.

It's to be noted that Proton currently has ties with Japan's Honda and China's Geely. There could be a new collaboration to source a cleaner powertrain for the global Iriz.

Also read: Proton Iriz driven in public by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

The hatchback which is a part of the automaker's ambitious global project has been developed to take on well established rivals from dominant automakers like Volkswagen, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, etc.

Competitors: VW Up!, Honda Brio, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Spark (Beat)