Life. By no means simple, is it? Even when yours is as straight as an arrow, the universe will discover a solution to make it um, extra fascinating. Cue Covid, which upended the world and its methods.
In the event you advised me in 2019 that I’d be right here writing an proprietor’s evaluation of an SUV, by no means thoughts one which has a CVT, I’d have requested you to take a Himalayan hike. However right here I’m, 5 months into Perodua Ativa possession and responding to the bosses’ request for an account.
It’s from a singular perspective – given the place I’m coming from (pre-Covid, I had two handbook coupes), my historical past (that is my first ever automated), my standing (no household, I don’t want greater than two seats) and my job (regardless of all the above, I’m conversant in SUVs) – so my notes won’t be relevant to everybody. What’s annoying to me could also be invisible to you, vice versa.
Additionally, it’s my first time reviewing a automotive that I personal, and I realise that it’s very completely different from the evaluation of a check unit, which we sometimes borrow for a couple of days. Dwelling with a automotive for an prolonged interval implies that some preliminary observations are amplified with time, some grow to be non-issues, some issues matter extra and a few much less. The day by day routine has unearthed new factors, too.
As such, what I consider the Ativa at the moment may differ from my first impressions, in addition to Hafriz’s evaluation. As soon as once more, these are private views from a singular perspective and utilization, and factors raised could not apply to others.
Why the Ativa?
With out going into an excessive amount of element, priorities modified, my automotive life wanted a reset, and the Ativa is a candidate that fulfils my present wants from a day by day experience.
I experimented with a Myvi and King Unicorn (certainly the G3 1.3L handbook is rarer than Ferraris) was the right pandemic associate – eminently sensible and wonderfully frugal, whereas expertly mixing right into a sparse panorama (bear in mind the early MCO days?), even in Peppermint Inexperienced.
It shortly grew to become clear that the bottom Myvi is my private base level – it’s the most affordable present automotive that I’m OK with. The Axia/Bezza I can’t do, the Saga is just too gradual and the Persona too ugly. The Iriz loses out to the Myvi on too many essential areas to be viable. The Myvi served me properly, however I needed one thing higher than base – proper on cue Perodua launched the Ativa.
The Ativa’s tech was the principle draw. Nobody might have imagined a Perodua with a downsized turbo engine, security/driver help options that have been unprecedented under RM100k (this was earlier than the Myvi G3 facelift) and Lexus-level Matrix LED lights. I additionally just like the design, which is somewhat distinctive for an city SUV – the outside is extra square-cut than the norm, whereas the inside is a bit quirky with its sharp edges, geometric sample and crimson accents. The RM70k price ticket was the clincher.
Present state of play
I collected my Granite Gray AV in September 2021 and have been day by day driving it for 5 months now. As of January 31, the odometer studying is 6,889 km.
I’m lucky to be dwelling simply 6km away from Perodua Sentral, the model’s flagship 4S centre in Petaling Jaya, and have made three visits with the Ativa to this point (assortment, 1,000 km inspection, countermeasure). I coated the launch of this 4S centre again in 2015 and have been sending the Myvi there for servicing too – every time I go away impressed.
P2 Sentral’s ready lounge is spacious and cozy, and the frontline workers skilled. I often work there whereas ready, and the first rate WiFi is appreciated. My automotive is all the time prepared earlier than the estimated wait time, too. Snacks and water are offered, however a espresso machine can be good. All in all, no complaints.
Points
Let’s begin with what many are right here for, the negatives. No automotive is ideal, and I do have an inventory of “if onlys” for my day by day. I’ve simply had a weekend with a RM1.35 million intercourse siren of a automotive and may’t suggest it with out main caveats, so there you go.
Some issues have continued to bug me 5 months on and a few have light into normalcy. The Ativa’s experience consolation sits someplace in between. I’m happy with its excessive pace experience and stability – for me, the suspension strikes a great steadiness and is rarely boat-like tender, and there’s no occasional sideways rocking that some greater SUVs exhibit.
It’s the day by day low pace experience on dangerous surfaces that might be higher. I really feel that the jolts are too large, and the automotive hops over horizontal joints and lands with a thud.
My day by day route has numerous pace bumps, and the Ativa’s rear finish jumps over these and lands arduous with a thump. The Myvi leaps over the identical humps with cushioned journey, and I’m used to this stage of abandon – to should go slower over obstacles in an SUV type of defeats the aim of a taller and more durable car IMO.
This preliminary shock to my routine (actually) was compounded by a clunking noise from the rear proper wheel, a free metallic sound that surfaced over street imperfections. It’s a identified downside and the repair is the addition of a washer to the rear brake drum meeting. I had this finished on November 18 after elevating a ticket and the sound is gone.
So, much less hopping and extra damping can be good. The Ativa’s not very refined experience is at odds with what in any other case seems like a really fashionable, excessive tech automotive, so it’s a bummer.
One other concern that I can’t swap off to is the seatbelt that digs into my neck. The Ativa lacks the Myvi’s seatbelt top adjustment (I all the time slide it to the bottom), and I believe that is why we don’t get alongside properly. A ache within the neck, actually.
The opposite negatives are minor ones. Radio reception is patchy and presumably poorer than any automotive I’ve tried, and it’s not like I reside within the boondocks. Additionally, at low and parking speeds, stepping on the brake pedal releases an “air compression” or friction type of sound. Whereas it doesn’t have an effect on braking efficiency, it’s fairly audible and may be categorized as a minor irritation.
No concern, simply me
The factors on this part are extra to do with adaptation coming from the Myvi somewhat than failings on the Ativa’s half. The previous was my pandemic battle machine, and its myriad sensible options have been all absolutely utilised and appreciated.
The Ativa is the primary Perodua to come back with a central armrest, and whereas that’s an amazing (and far desired) addition, having it between the entrance seats means there’s no place for P2’s signature “purse hook”, which debut within the Axia in 2014. The Myvi additionally has pockets on the entrance seat sides. Again then, I used all of those for my day by day fight gear – caps, pen, masks, USB cable.
The Myvi’s entrance seat backs have built-in “tapau hooks”, that are lacking right here. The Ativa’s equipped hooks that sit on the base of the headrests are downright ineffective – manner too brief and tight. A visit to Mr DIY solved the problem, however the low-cost repair will not be a really elegant answer. Hooks apart, I’d nonetheless select the armrest over the Myvi’s intelligent seat storage concepts – the Ativa is a cruiser and the sacrifice is price it.
A observe on the Ativa’s gasoline consumption. My largely city cycle has returned anyplace from 13 to fifteen km/l. Whereas that is a way off the official claimed ECE score of 18.9 km/l, a couple of km/l drop in the actual world is anticipated. Initially, I noticed my FC outcomes as “dangerous”, however that’s solely as a result of I used to be coming down from a 1.3L handbook Myvi, the place 16 km/l can be thought-about meh.
With extra time and perspective, I’m now absolutely at peace with 14 km/l returns from my light-footed driving fashion, which is definitely fairly good contemplating the Ativa’s brick of a entrance form and the efficiency it has. That’s higher than many non-Peroduas on the city run, one thing I forgot whereas dwelling in Myviland.
Non-issue for me
Everybody talks in regards to the vibration of the three-cylinder engine, however it’s simply not a factor for me, even within the early days. This wants some rationalization and context.
Little question, the vibration is there, however it’s not what you may suppose, and I reckon that you just’ll solely discover it if you happen to’re actively searching for it. If I’m carrying my automotive reviewer hat for a weekend check drive, this could be an even bigger deal than it’s now, in a long-term possession report.
In any case, it’s faint however noticeable throughout idle, barely extra so when in D than in N, which is my default visitors mild place. The place may you’re feeling it? The pedals and the seat base, sometimes. It’s nowhere close to the seen shaking of the Axia and Bezza, and the idle is definitely very quiet. I’ve been in premium model automobiles with direct-injection engines which have extra intrusive idling, no because of engine clatter.
Are four-cylinders all the time higher? No. I used to be lately given some beneficial perspective by the newest Proton Iriz/Persona facelift. That four-pot actually breathes by way of the steering rim – you’ll be able to really feel the vibes rise with rpm, and since P1’s CVT doesn’t settle down throughout a freeway cruise, the steering wheel is a continuing vibrator. The Ativa cruises like a Rolls-Royce compared.
Turbo + CVT in a Perodua
Do you realise that the CVT – typically maligned by automotive guys – is now not an alternate gearbox however the default and majority transmission round? Do a head depend. Most Toyotas and Hondas use it, Proton has been on it for a while now, the Ativa has it, and Malaysia’s best-selling automotive has simply shifted from 4AT to CVT.
Maybe it’s as a result of we get to pattern numerous automobiles, however I’m used to CVTs (regardless of solely shedding my automated transmission virginity in 2021) and have lengthy stopped hating on the stepless field on non-enthusiast automobiles. The truth is, I like its effectivity, and my private driving fashion doesn’t convey out the more severe in CVTs.
A agency however temporary squeeze of the throttle is all that’s wanted to rise up to hurry within the Ativa. The low pace response is a bit excitable and if you happen to stomp arduous in minimize and thrust driving, it will get a bit growly. The secret’s to keep up momentum and be gradual with the gasoline, easing out and in of it as a substitute of treating the pedal like an on/off swap.
The turbo and CVT mix for very environment friendly use of energy, which makes the Ativa a somewhat swift and easy automotive – efficiency clever, it’s higher than anticipated and quick sufficient for me, a lot in order that I by no means use the PWR button or handbook mode, simply the occasional shift to S for immediate bursts of acceleration.
The half I like finest in regards to the D-CVT is its nature of going into “coast mode” every time attainable, making for serene lengthy distance cruising (110 km/h is completed round 2,500 rpm). Sure, it’s not the quietest or most torque converter automatic-like CVT round (versus Japanese manufacturers, no programmed steps right here), however I’m high quality with that. The buzzy depth of the Iriz/Persona CVT offered me with context and appreciation for what I’ve.
A phrase on the turbo. Don’t let that phrase lead you to sizzling hatch dreamland as a result of it’s nothing like that, not even a VW TSI-style expertise. The enhance is there for effectivity, to make it simpler to get the automotive in control, which in flip delivers good gasoline effectivity. There’s no kick within the again, however that massive digital speedo may rise sooner than you’d suppose. Cock your ears for the old fashioned whistle, too.
Unconventional design
With all of the negatives over and finished with, right here’s what I like in regards to the Ativa. As one of many few house owners who’ve seen the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize within the metallic earlier than Perodua launched the D55L, I’m shocked that I truly choose the Ativa’s face. IMO, even the P2’s profile is barely higher with the much less abrupt bumper cuts at each ends.
Preferring the seems of P over D and T is one factor. Truly liking it surprises me until at the moment. You see, I’m not likely an SUV type of man. Even for sedans, I must rewind 5 automobiles again to achieve one (E36 3 Sequence). I’m a sucker for glossy shapes – low is sweet, the less doorways the higher, a roadster to come back later. Personally, I like my coupes curvy and SUVs boxy.
Now, the Ativa isn’t any Jimny, however the design is sort of distinctive for an city SUV. These items are often fairly rounded – they both appear like barely bigger superminis (Renault Captur) or have swoopy strains and falling rooflines (Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3). That’s the pattern, however I a lot choose the tall bluff face, straight beltline and clear/excessive sides of the Ativa. Even for hatchbacks, I’ve all the time most popular a straight rear glass (VW Golf) over a slope (suppose Mk2 Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback), and the square-cut Ativa delivers.
But it surely’s removed from a boring field with no design. The distinguished wheelarches (rims are well-sized at 17″) and the chamfer alongside the wheelbase prevents the profile from trying slab-sided (see the night time shot above), whereas the kink on the rear finish supplies visible curiosity, and dare I say, some muscle.
That’s my favorite half, together with the C pillars that break up the facet glass panels. This “fin” is rare, and it jogs my memory of the Land Rover Discovery Sport (and the Freelander earlier than it). The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the identical pillar fashion too. This element provides character and actually units the Ativa aside within the SUV subject.
The Ativa is smaller than your common B-SUV, however the design makes it look bigger than it’s, in contrast to say, the Captur. The one angle the place it seems its dimensions is head on, the place the Perodua seems slender and tall. Just like the Myvi, I purchased this as a device, so I’m shocked at how typically I’m taking a look at it after parking.
The inside can be individualistic in design, eschewing the favored Audi-like horizontal fashion that the HR-V introduced into the SUV class. No clean flowing strains, flashes of chrome and excessive centre console right here – as a substitute, it’s geometric shapes, sharp edges, nooks and crannies. It’s fairly a cool sprint, and I can think about that some is perhaps turned off by the riot of parts, preferring a cleaner look.
I’m OK with this unconventional method, and really feel that it provides to the distinctive design character. Going for the AV nets you crimson highlights on the facet aircon vents, centre tunnel cubbies and door handles (curiously, the H will get solely the door bits); this seemingly small contact – along with the crimson accented leather-based seats – lifts the cabin atmosphere significantly.
As a substitute of boring piano black, the gear space is surrounded by a 3D geometric floor that jogs my memory of Seiko’s Presage Sharp Edged dials. No rationalization from Perodua or Daihatsu, however the watchmaker says that its dial work is predicated on Asanoha, a Japanese hemp leaf sample. This flourish is repeated within the crevices surrounding the higher screens.
Talking of screens, the 7.0-inch absolutely digital instrument panel provides the Ativa a high-tech atmosphere. It’s tremendous clear too, with a set massive digital speedo and couple of preset tacho/journey designs. Including to the superior really feel is the large (9.0-inch) touchscreen and a full complement of steering buttons. There’s only one clean on the left spoke – a “Mute” button would have been good.
Cockpit design apart, I just like the Ativa’s comparatively excessive seating place – that’s the purpose of an SUV, isn’t it? A excessive perch isn’t a given with fashionable crossovers – the Hyundai Kona I lately drove felt no completely different from an everyday hatchback, for example. Lastly, I’m joyful that Perodua retained the air-con reminiscence buttons that I loved within the Myvi.
There’s no pretence of premium right here – not within the design, nor within the arduous plastics – however I’m high quality with that because the Ativa is merely a device (for me). For individuals who need to really feel atas, I feel that the Proton X50 does a a lot better job in each appear and feel, however it’s a costlier automotive on the finish of the day – the value distinction between the Ativa AV and X50 Flagship is an Axia. I’m curious – these with plush dashboard surfaces, do you ever contact it once more after the primary time?
So low-cost, a lot package
it by now. Perodua’s ASA security pack is now in model 3.0 and is customary throughout the Ativa board together with Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW). The AV goes semi-autonomous with the addition of Lane Preserve Management (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Site visitors Alert (RCTA) and Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC). This stage of security and driver help was unprecedented in a automotive under RM100k, till Perodua outdid themselves with the Myvi facelift, which tops out at RM58,800.
BSM and AEB have been issues that I used to be particularly in search of in my subsequent automotive. I’ve not had the prospect to make use of ACC but, however it will likely be good help on lengthy distance drives. Ditto LDW, which I’ve turned off for day by day driving.
In contrast to a lot of the ADAS options, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) impresses me on a regular basis. These Matrix LED-style, Lexus-level lights are tremendous efficient – in comparison with comparable techniques in costlier automobiles, I really feel that ADB could be very desirous to go most at each out there alternative. The draw back is that after you’re used to this stage of lighting, it’s arduous in your eyes to do with out it. Oh, and since the headlamps sit fairly excessive, the foglamps (LEDs) truly make a distinction.
Nonetheless, I do have a small wishlist. For me, auto brake maintain is among the most sensible fashionable automotive options, however it might solely include an digital parking brake. Not unrealistic, because the top-spec JDM Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid has EPB (requires a brand new centre console), and so does the brand new Toyota Veloz MPV in Indonesia.
A mute button and electrochromic rear view mirror can be good, too. That’s about it, kit-wise.
Conclusion
I feel it’s fairly apparent that I don’t consider the Ativa as an ideal automotive. Then once more, how can perfection be yours for less than RM70k? That sum buys lots of automotive, although. A downsized turbo engine, an environment friendly gearbox, all the protection I would like and extra, plus the bonus of unconventional design that tickles my fancy.
What’s higher is that the Ativa isn’t simply numerous automotive, however a great automotive as properly. Sure, there are some things that I feel might be higher, however they pale compared to the positives. On the entire, it’s ticking off extra bins than I anticipated a device to, and I’m grateful {that a} automotive of this stage got here from Perodua, which is a certain guess for affordability and reliability.
It’s nonetheless early days, however I foresee the Ativa occupying my day by day driver slot for a couple of extra years on the very least.
GALLERY: Perodua Ativa AV
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