The brand new Perodua Alza is the perfect household automobile priced under RM100k. And past, however we’ll stick with the spherical quantity. Not simply the perfect reasonably priced MPV in Malaysia, however the perfect household automobile, interval. Hear us out.
Perodua has been doling out hit after hit of late, upping the ante in relation to what we will anticipate for X sum of money. The volley of blows began with the Ativa in early 2021 – the small SUV noticed the native debut of the Daihatsu New International Structure (DNGA) platform, Turbo-CVT powertrain, Stage 2 autonomous driving and Matrix LED headlamps, amongst different options.
The market chief then up to date the Myvi late final yr, fortifying Malaysia’s best-selling automobile with a number of the options that debut within the Ativa. Already miles forward of rival Protons within the security division, the Myvi is now supplied with Superior Security Help (ASA) in all variants, and the AV will get the Ativa’s Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC) and Lane Preserve Management (LKC) as effectively. The D-CVT introduced refinement, efficiency and economic system advantages to the G3.
That 1.5L NR engine and D-CVT combo powers the brand new Alza, which turbo engine apart, will get all of the tools discovered within the Ativa, after which some. The second-generation Alza is the perfect geared up Perodua so far, and it’s astonishing what we’re getting for the cash, which is from RM62,500 to RM75,500 for the AV you see right here.
No holding again the equipment
Toyota Malaysia could have its personal model of the Alza referred to as the Veloz, which is the luxury sister of the brand new Toyota Avanza in Indonesia. For this era, the Alza was merged with the Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia, making it 4 variations of the identical MPV. All sit on the DNGA platform, which additionally underpins the Ativa-Rocky–Raize SUV triplets.
The Veloz shall be priced round RM95k, which signifies that the hole between it and the highest Alza – each made in the identical Perodua manufacturing unit – is RM20k, a reasonably huge premium for vehicles under RM100k. Whereas the variations between Perodua and Toyota MPVs are deeper in comparison with the Aruz–Rush, together with a 30 mm increased floor clearance for the Veloz, we nonetheless anticipated extra. In different phrases, we didn’t anticipate the Alza to be so well-kitted subsequent to the “huge brother”.
As talked about, the Alza combines the powertrain of the Myvi with all of the equipment of the Ativa, with the bonus of some new-to-Perodua options. Six airbags and ASA are commonplace from the bottom mannequin (no compromise in relation to security), and there’s additionally the digital meter panel, ACC + LKC (this pack at all times comes with BSM and RCTA) and the Lexus-level Adaptive Driving Beam LED headlamps.
The Alza goes additional with some new-to-brand options, such because the digital parking brake (EPB) with auto brake maintain (necessitates rear disc brakes), a 360-degree panoramic view monitor and a brand new infotainment system that appears higher and has Android Auto and the just-approved Apple CarPlay. Brake maintain makes day by day city driving a lot simpler and the PVM has a nifty steering button to manually flip it on. The ACC now has low velocity observe or site visitors jam help.
This stage of equipment is method past what non-national B-segment sedans and hatchbacks supply for the cash. Proton? The bottom X50 goes for RM86,300 and has simply 4 airbags. Need AEB? P1’s least expensive automobile with ADAS is the X50 Flagship, yours for RM113,300.
If you wish to go deeper, the next-generation Vios, which has simply been revealed in Thailand, lastly will get on DNGA and receives ASA (branded as Toyota Security Sense, however with out ACC). The brand new Toyota’s steering wheel and meter panel are the precise objects used within the Ativa/Alza; ditto the minor cabin switches. So, we’re primarily getting the group’s next-gen B-segment stuff prematurely through Perodua.
The identical might be mentioned of the Veloz, after all, however at RM95k, it’s much less of a price proposition. Face and journey peak apart, key variations embody LED DRLs (you’ll must GearUp within the Alza for DRLs, an awesome majority are going for it), 17-inch wheels (an inch up), black roof/roof rails, Toyota’s head unit (wi-fi AA and CP), auto air-con (however with out P2-style reminiscence) ambient lighting and a Qi wi-fi charger. We’ve detailed the variations in a separate put up right here.
Whichever method you have a look at it, the Alza is loads of trendy automobile for the cash.
Household first
You’re right here as a result of you have got a household, proper? The Alza’s rear quarters is the place it units itself other than passenger vehicles or small SUVs within the value bracket. It’s actually plush right here in comparison with the Honda Metropolis, Toyota Vios, Proton X50 and Perodua’s personal Ativa.
The brand new Alza is 4,425 mm lengthy and 1,730 mm vast, which signifies that its footprint is 205 mm longer and 35 mm wider than the unique JDM-based mannequin, even when the two,750 mm wheelbase is unchanged. The bigger physique yields extra inside room for each people and cargo – inside size with the second row seats pushed furthest again is 2,765 mm, which is a big 115 mm greater than earlier than. The 35 mm additional width of the physique absolutely interprets to inside width, too.
The previous Alza was barely there as a three-row MPV and had solely 83 litres of boot area with all seats raised. Now, it’s a usable 137 litres (+54L, good for a few duffel baggage). With the third row bench folded (50:50), cargo area is now 498 litres, a large 150L enchancment.
Used purely as a two-row automobile (Perodua says 40% of previous Alza homeowners did so), legroom may be very beneficiant when the center row is pushed furthest again (you’ll be able to even cross your legs), and toes can tuck underneath the entrance seats simply, even when the entrance chairs are at their lowest place.
Couple this with a variety of backrest recline, a fold down centre armrest and a three-speed blower, that is pretty much as good because it will get for rear lodging under RM100k. There are two USB chargers behind the entrance centre console, plus a single cupholder there. Talking of drinks, there are useful cupholders on the rear doorways (arm stage, acceptable for decent drinks) and a row of them within the bin under.
The GearUp fake leather-based seat covers you see right here have further seatback pockets in varied sizes. They look like designed for a cellphone, an iPad and a laptop computer/journal.
That is earlier than we even issue within the bonus over selecting an MPV over a B-sedan/hatch – the third row. It’s comparatively nice again right here – there’s sufficient knee and headroom for this 175 cm author and my toes can slot in underneath the center row, which is essential. Normally, youngsters shall be relegated to the third row when there are additional adults to hold, and so they’ll be wonderful right here – it’s not claustrophobic and there’s even a USB charging port and extra cupholders.
Capability is one factor, entry is one other. It was a deliberate resolution by Perodua to maintain the Alza’s floor clearance to a car-like 160 mm (Malaysian-spec Veloz 190 mm, Indonesian-spec Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander 205 mm, Aruz/Rush 220 mm) and it pays off within the ease of entry. There’s no have to climb into the Alza, and when you have aged dad and mom or passengers who’re much less cellular, it is a robust level. Entry to the third row can also be very simple because of the one-movement tumble fold perform.
I see loads of sense within the Alza being a household automobile when you have two youngsters (I don’t, however my dad and mom cherished the area), versus a B-segment passenger automobile (image a baby seat, a stroller and per week’s value of groceries). It’s like a Myvi with additional legroom and a giant boot, with a bonus row of seats for the dad and mom/in-laws. Prolonged household outing apart, it is a spacious five-seater that’s as simple to drive as a B-hatchback as a consequence of its stance.
Glad driver, completely happy household
So, we’ve established that the Alza is a superb household automobile, however you – the driving force – should not forgotten. In spite of everything, completely happy driver, completely happy household, proper?
The Alza’s cockpit is a nice place to be working in. The above-mentioned low floor clearance may be very obvious in case you’re coming from the Ativa, as I did. You’ll be able to actually really feel these few centimetres when getting out of the automobile, when your leg touches the bottom. The “common automobile really feel” continues with the standard dashboard format, versus the MPV-style central meter place of the previous Alza.
The driving force’s seat is snug for lengthy distances, being not too exhausting and well-bolstered. The leather-fabric combo is sweet too – the quilt sample isn’t too loud, and the accents match the deep crimson/brownish trim on the dashboard. I choose the common AV seats over the GearUp PVC covers – the latter feels a bit “puffy” and its brighter crimson doesn’t match the sprint.
A lot is made from Peroduas not having telescopic steering. Attain adjustment is at all times good to have, however within the Ativa and now the Alza, I’ve no issues to find an excellent driving place, not like within the Axia/Bezza. Maybe I’m of median peak, however one ought to at all times strive a automobile out for measurement. I additionally like that the Alza’s seat goes low sufficient, and also you don’t really feel such as you’re “sitting on the automobile” as you do in a Myvi G3.
Many parts are from the Ativa. The sharp and customisable digital meter panel, the steering wheel (boss and backside spoke design modified), the AC management panel with two reminiscence positions, and the minor switches shall be acquainted to homeowners of the SUV, however the Alza AV’s head unit is an improved one.
The 9.0-inch touchscreen (measurement unchanged) has a slimmer bezel, a full row of fastened buttons, prettier tiled dwelling display screen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a primary for Perodua. With the latter, you’ll be able to view and entry navigation, music and messaging apps on the automobile’s display screen – goodbye suction cellphone holders. Observe that this new head unit is unique to the AV – the H makes use of the identical one from the Ativa whereas the X has no touchscreen.
One other little luxurious is the EPB with auto brake maintain. Brake maintain, which might solely be supplied together with EPB, makes driving in jams bodily a lot simpler. If genie provides me one Alza function for the Ativa, it’ll be this.
Generally, it’s wonderful how a little bit of color can completely remodel an inside. The X50 Flagship’s crimson sprint prime is an instance, and take a look at this previous-gen HR-V’s wine crimson cabin. Of all of the AV-exclusive objects, the dual-tone cockpit could be best and least expensive to implement, however it makes an enormous distinction – in comparison with the H, the AV’s dashboard feels extra particular, extra premium even.
In fact, it’s simply an phantasm of premium. It is a RM75k MPV and exhausting plastics are solely to be anticipated, besides, Perodua went additional than it wanted to. Look intently and also you’ll discover that the feel of the sprint prime has a novel grain to it, a cross hatch sample much like Saffiano leather-based – zoom into the picture under (the one with my pockets) to see what I imply.
It’s good that the crimson/brown sprint part “flows” into the door panels, and there’s even a diamond motif on the finish of it. The AV’s commonplace part-leather seats sport the identical brownish tone and its quilted centre part matches the diamond theme as effectively. Collectively, all these little touches uplift an in any other case typical sprint design. At evening, the array of lights on the meter panel and a full complement of steering buttons (zero blanks!) provides off a fully-loaded, high-tech really feel. This one isn’t an phantasm.
Good because the cockpit is, there are a number of query marks. I discover that there’s no pure place to put my cellphone within the AV. The big void on the base of the centre stack within the X/H is sealed up within the range-topper, with slots both aspect of the transmission tunnel as replacements. However that is fairly a stretch.
To me not less than, there’s ample area for a cellphone slot on the centre console, the place the Veloz has its wi-fi charger, however P2 elected to put a card slot right here. The AV’s centre bin can also be fairly small, however not less than its armrest lid feels nicer than the Ativa’s “gentle” materials, which is sticky and under no circumstances comfortable. By the best way, the X and H get a unique centre console format, one with a “valley” to accommodate the guide handbrake.
Talking of empty areas, there’s extra of it on the centre stack. It’s definitely tall sufficient for 3 storeys of controls, however just one stage is absolutely occupied. The huge area underneath the AC panel homes simply the push begin button and seatbelt reminder, drowned in piano black trim. A lidded cubby would have neatly stuffed up the area and added performance.
The Alza’s rear view mirror has a considerably compressed view that isn’t very pure, and the guide anti-glare tab didn’t work correctly on our tester (improper angle).
A balanced drive
The brand new Alza is a completely nice drive, and it achieves this niceness not by wowing in any explicit division, however by being well-balanced. I can’t consider something to complain about, actually.
We’ll begin by addressing the most well-liked query – is it underpowered? Truthfully, I don’t know why persons are even asking this query, as Malaysians have been dwelling with 1.5L naturally aspirated engines for such a very long time. An NA engine of this measurement is the default for this class of MPV, in addition to B-segment sedans and hatchbacks.
Nevertheless it’s huge and heavy, proper? At 1,170 kg, the 105 hp/138 Nm Alza is just 20 kg heavier than the highest spec Vios, which makes use of the identical Perodua-made Twin VVT-i NR engine. For additional context, the sporty Mazda 3 Hatchback, which additionally comes with a 1.5L NA engine, ideas the scales at 1,368 kg, practically 200 kg extra.
In follow, the Alza accelerates wonderful with 4 adults and their baggage onboard. Maybe not as deceptively swift because the Ativa, however completely sufficient for a household MPV. Truthfully, I’m unsure the way it’ll fare climbing Genting seven up, however what number of precise prospects try this? And in case you do, I wager your expectations shall be adjusted accordingly, and also you received’t be doing it with a stopwatch.
The CVT transmits energy effectively and the Alza will get as much as desired cruising velocity with minimal fuss. Like within the Ativa, there’s guide mode with seven digital ratios (omitted within the Myvi) however by no means did I really feel the necessity to DIY, which factors to an intuitive gearbox. D-CVT is the world’s first break up gear CVT system and you may learn extra about it right here.
Additionally pointless for me personally are the drive modes, as a result of Regular is completely balanced, correctly. You’ll positively really feel the distinction between modes – Eco makes the automobile really feel sluggish, prefer it’s towing one thing, whereas Energy holds the revs increased and for longer – you do get higher response, however the engine turns into noisy and tetchy.
Which is what it’s not more often than not. The calm powertrain contributes enormously to the Alza good cruising efficiency. On the freeway velocity restrict of 110 km/h, the engine is ticking at just under 2,000 rpm, and 90 km/h is completed at simply above 1,500 rpm. That’s a really low vary – the Ativa does 110 km/h at round 2,500 rpm, by no means thoughts the previous 4AT vehicles – and it advantages NVH and gasoline economic system.
Powertrain apart, the Alza has good cruising manners. There aren’t any irregular wind points even at speeds method past the nationwide restrict and rolling refinement is best than the G3 Myvi. We did encounter some rain and may affirm that the Myvi’s wheel-well water splashing noise is absent right here. If we had been to nitpick, there’s a really faint whine from the powertrain (presumably transmission) that’s sometimes audible.
For me, the largest shock on this pack of surprises is the Alza’s journey consolation. This might effectively be the perfect driving Perodua so far, with a secure main journey at excessive speeds (sections of the LPT to Peninsular Malaysia’s northeast might be fairly wavy, and the Alza coped with the dips effectively, with no ‘aftershocks’) and good bump absorption within the Klang Valley.
On our construction-scarred city roads, the Alza rides higher than the Ativa, which matches round with extra jiggle and hop. Because the Alza rides on P2’s personal suspension tuning and journey peak, it’s a job effectively executed by our native guys and women.
The remainder of the dynamic package deal is in tandem. The steering is gentle and straightforward (there’s no pretence of ‘sport’, which is nice) whereas brake really feel is miles higher than within the previous Alza, which unresponsive pedal (for a lot of the journey, earlier than it instantly bites) might be categorised as harmful. Elsewhere, the Alza has good grip and well-tamed physique roll – you actually do really feel the advantage of that low GC within the bends. Toyo Proxes CR1 is a surprisingly sporty tyre alternative for an MPV, too.
All the above are fused into an total driving efficiency that’s well-balanced. The brand new Alza is a lovely drive, not only for finances MPV requirements, but additionally compared with B-segment passenger vehicles within the value bracket.
Final however positively not least for an reasonably priced household automobile is gasoline consumption. The current media drive to Kota Bharu wasn’t very reflective of typical utilization (we had been a bit too quick), so I took the Alza AV out for a weekend of normal motoring.
After 407 km of combined city/freeway driving, together with vital idling time throughout our photoshoot, I returned the automobile with the journey studying 15 km/l. I reached a excessive of 15.3 km/l earlier than the shoot, and reckon that 14-15 km/l needs to be the place it’s at for my comparatively gentle proper foot. Coincidentally, 14-15 km/l is what I’m getting from my Ativa as of late.
That’s a way off the 22 km/l in what P2 calls the Malaysian Driving Cycle, which supposedly displays native situations (18.9 km/l within the extra acquainted NEDC), however claims are often simply that – claims. In any case, 15 km/l is a really respectable return for combined driving, and an outstation journey is bound to yield greater numbers.
The most effective household automobile under RM100k?
After experiencing the brand new Alza on an extended journey as each driver and passenger, and utilizing it in my weekend routine, I believe it’s.
In comparison with the opposite sub-RM100k three-row MPVs on sale in Malaysia, the Alza each a greater product and a greater drive, earlier than even contemplating the Perodua’s value benefit. In the event you’ve seen, there aren’t many comparisons with the unique Alza on this overview, and that’s as a result of identify apart, the D27A is worlds other than its 13-year previous predecessor in each facet.
For these buying within the RM70k to RM100k vary, the default choices are B-segment sedans and hatchbacks from Toyota and Honda. The Vios, Yaris, Metropolis and Metropolis Hatchback had been not too long ago joined by nationwide SUVs within the type of the Ativa and X50. All have their deserves and are nice choices in case you’re utilizing them as private vehicles. Whilst a two-child family’s sole household automobile, they’ll do the job.
Nonetheless, none does that job in addition to the Alza, which has area and flexibility on its aspect. Its rear dwelling quarters is the perfect right here by some margin, and there’s the bonus of a 3rd row for the prolonged household. Used purely as a spacious five-seater with a giant boot, you’re not sacrificing something in drivability and gasoline effectivity versus the B-sedans/hatchbacks, because the Alza is low-slung and drives effectively.
For me, the Alza’s solely disadvantage is the “much less cool” picture of an MPV. It might be low and sporty for for its form (of the 4 faces, I like Perodua’s design the perfect; even the GearUp equipment appears good this time) however it’s nonetheless a folks service on the finish of the day, and that could be a deal breaker for some. If it is a non-issue for you, and you’ve got two youngsters or extra, you owe it to your self to think about the Alza, even when an MPV wasn’t in your unique household automobile shortlist.
GALLERY: 2022 Perodua Alza AV with GearUp bodykit, equipment
