Perodua Ativa Hybrid owner review – subscriber shares thoughts on CBU study car, RM500/month plan

By Victor Kan

The Perodua Ativa Hybrid is lastly being delivered, and being one of many fortunate 300 subscribers, right here’s my private tackle the way it compares to the common turbo variant of the Ativa.

Having pushed the automobile for awhile each in painful KL visitors and on the freeway throughout states, I assume now can be a superb time to do a hands-on introduction to our first nationwide hybrid automobile. OK, that feels like a stretch, as technically it is a Daihatsu Rocky eSmart Hybrid by and thru, however hey it carries the Perodua emblem, so let’s simply say it’s.

Wanting similar to the Ativa Turbo, the Hybrid may be distinguished by a number of variations when you understand what to look out for. Let’s start on the entrance of the automobile, which carries a totally completely different fascia. The grill is smaller and is an island, as a substitute of the wide-grinning grill that ties the headlamps collectively on the Turbo. The fog lamps are encompassed in a diamond-shaped black case and never the Perodua T-shaped case. This creates a much less aggressive entrance search for the Hybrid – I’ll go so far as calling it cute.

Shifting on to the perimeters, one other distinction that juts out – and this isn’t one thing the Ativa Turbo can simply convert to – is the five-lug wheels. The Ativa Turbo makes use of four-lug wheels. The aspect mirrors are additionally of various sizes, with the Hybrid having barely smaller ones; and when you look to the passenger aspect, the aspect mirror comes with a really JDM-looking curb mirror. The Hybrid rides a bit decrease than the Ativa Turbo, however in actual life, it isn’t noticeable, except you might have them parked side-by-side.

As for the rear, how do you inform if the Ativa in entrance of you is a Hybrid? First, the ATIVA emblem on the tailgate isn’t accompanied by anything. No AV or H badges right here, simply ATIVA. Then, wanting on the bumpers, the housing for the reflectors are – like those in entrance – formed like rotated diamonds as a substitute of Perodua’s T form. Additionally, when you look carefully on the driver aspect of the bumpers, you’d see a rear fog lamp. And as a bonus, the quantity plate bracket is tiny, because it adheres to Japanese plate dimensions, not Malaysia’s.

Talking of the rear, do you know that the Hybrid has a full plastic tailgate? This had my mates asking “is it protected?”. Nicely, it’d higher be, seeing that plastic is the tailgate materials of alternative for a lot of newer automobiles in Japan. The upside of plastic is obvious – weight discount. However don’t fear, it’s fairly powerful and strong – this isn’t the identical plastic used to make these flimsy cutlery that comes with our nasi lemak.

Shifting inside and into the driving force’s seat, you’d instantly really feel that the inside has a slightly muted air to it. Gone are the blaring pink discovered all through the seats, door trim, AC vents and dashboard – as a substitute, you’re greeted by a black, gray and silver themed cabin.

Now, relying in your age and preferences, you’ll both prefer it or hate it. I personally prefer it as I’ve at all times appreciated much less “sporty” wanting interiors for automobiles of such calibre. Maybe this opinion will change after I can lastly personal a Bugatti Veyron. However till that day comes, I’d like a humble wanting inside to match my humble little experience.

There’s arduous plastic surfaces throughout, much like the Ativa Turbo we’re aware of by now, however I’m glad Perodua determined to not skimp on essentially the most fundamental of trim right here. You could find comfortable leathery surfaces on all of the locations that matter – on the steering wheel, gear knob, elbow rests, and likewise on the semi-fabric seats and headrests.

The centre console has been completely redesigned, because the Hybrid makes use of an digital parking brake (EPB) as a substitute of the normal handbrake. This has allowed a pair of big cup holders to be added. Coupled with the EPB is an auto brake maintain button. This has spoiled me and I’ve been feeling lazier the extra I exploit the automobile! Extra on that later.

The Hybrid retains the usual Rocky auto local weather management with twin round knobs. I really feel that this seems to be extra at dwelling with the remainder of the inside, together with the dual round controls on the steering wheel, in addition to the steering centre hub. However once more, that is private style. Lacking can be the reminiscence operate discovered on the AC controls from Perodua.

That mentioned, I discover the auto local weather management a lot simpler to make use of, because it’s a set-once-and-forget resolution, so regardless of whether it is throughout a sizzling day, or a chilly evening, the AC would routinely alter itself to the temperature we set. In truth, it may possibly blow sizzling air too if required. As a bonus, there are seat heaters for the entrance seats, however I don’t suppose we’ll ever want them in our heat local weather.

The trunk is essentially the identical, however you gained’t discover a full-sized spare wheel underneath the board. As a substitute, the auxiliary battery is there, together with some hidden compartments. So what do you do when you get a flat tyre? A tyre restore package (mainly an electrical pump) is hidden away on the wall for that. I do like this rather a lot, as I slightly not get my arms and garments soiled, and would simply re-inflate the flat tyre so I can drive to the closest restore store. Extra automobiles ought to go along with this path when you ask me. And the Hybrid has LED footwell lights, which come on routinely at any time when the headlamps are on – beautiful! (DT: Ativa AV has footwell lighting too)

What in regards to the precise driving expertise? It is a hybrid powertrain in any case. However with so many sorts available in the market now, which type of hybrid is that this? To greatest clarify it, this automobile works just about like a full EV however minus the vary anxiousness related to them.

How? The reply lies within the Hybrid label, as a result of this automobile additionally has an everyday petrol engine inside. Now right here’s the fantastic thing about this design. The 1.2L petrol engine is there solely as an electrical energy generator. It runs to generate electrical energy to energy the electrical motor (and cost the battery) that truly strikes the automobile. So no CVT transmission in right here guys, only a good ol’ electrical motor.

Press the accelerator pedal and off the automobile goes with that signature clean, instantaneous and torquey push from standstill, identical to an EV needs to be! When the 1.2L petrol engine isn’t on, the automobile could be very silent and nonetheless. It feels as if the automobile hasn’t even been began. The air-con system can also be powered electrically, which is logical.

The Ativa Hybrid is provided with an S-Pedal driving mode by default. You may change it off when you need. Because the title implies, that is single-pedal operation the place you’ll be able to transfer and cease the automobile utilizing only one pedal, with out requiring using the brake pedal. The brake is barely used when it’s worthwhile to make an abrupt cease.

One other main enchancment in comparison with the Turbo can be the addition of the EPB and auto brake maintain. It permits the automobile to maintain itself stopped till you’re prepared to maneuver once more, with out having to make use of the handbrake each single time. Very useful for metropolis stop-and-go visitors circumstances. One other improved characteristic is the Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC). Because of the EPB, the Ativa Hybrid can carry out low pace auto-follow (a part of the ACC) from a whole standstill. This was not doable on the Ativa Turbo.

Keep in mind after I mentioned I’ve gotten lazier the extra I exploit the automobile? That’s as a result of my limbs are transferring rather a lot much less throughout driving. My left hand is at all times on the steering wheel, even within the metropolis, because the EPB and auto brake maintain does its job completely. No extra fumbling to shift into N, no extra pulling and releasing the handbrake stick on the visitors lights. And with the S-Pedal, my proper foot hardly ever strikes away from the accelerator pedal too. I’m starting to really feel like a sofa potato – in a automobile seat!

All the things sounds good and dandy to date, however let’s get to the cons, or issues that would have been improved. For starters, some options have been faraway from the unique Rocky Hybrid, and likewise lacking when in comparison with the Ativa Turbo.

The 110V emergency electrical outlet that may be discovered within the trunk of the Rocky Hybrid has been eliminated. I used to be actually wanting ahead to have the ability to use the automobile as a mini-camper, however now I must convey alongside an exterior energy provide as a substitute. Additionally eliminated is the Rocky’s head-unit, being changed with an everyday unit much like the one discovered within the Ativa Turbo. This successfully additionally removes Apple Carplay, Android Auto, quantity management on the steering wheels, and most painfully, the reverse digicam. Additionally, blind spot monitoring is lacking. Unhappy, however it’s what it’s.

So with the automobile evaluation executed, what do I consider Perodua’s leasing mannequin? Though your title does seem within the automobile’s grant and insurance coverage, these tremendous restricted 300 models of Ativa Hybrids are technically leased, not bought. The cost is RM2,150 upfront with a recurring RM500 a month for 60 months.

Now, opposite to what some would possibly suppose – no, you aren’t eligible simply because you might have RM500 to spare every month. Each potential lessee is correctly screened by, identical to the way it works if somebody have been to take out an everyday rent buy mortgage. I assume that Perodua wants the peace of thoughts realizing that they gained’t have to alter lessees half-way by the programme.

All common servicing, repairs, put on and tear elements, insurance coverage and highway tax are absolutely coated by Perodua, so the lessee solely must pay for petrol. And this automobile is anticipated to run frugal too, with a claimed mileage of 31 km/l. No, I haven’t been capable of attain that, nevertheless it isn’t that far off, in order that’s superb sufficient for me. The catch is the mileage cap of 100,000 km and that you just can’t make modifications to the automobile in anyway. For individuals who simply desire a enjoyable to drive and frugal automobile to get from level A to B, that is positively a steal.

UPDATE: Proprietor has been averaging 21 km/l over the primary 1,000 km

I’m utilizing the Ativa Hybrid as my most important automobile for work commutes within the Klang Valley, and I’m loving it. The automobile will not be too large, has a excessive driver POV, feels nimble and has a small turning radius – excellent for weaving round in visitors. Better of all, it runs like an EV, so apart from being tremendous quiet, it additionally strikes very effortlessly with the various stop-and-go moments in visitors jams.

The automobile’s total construct high quality has been nice; being a CBU from Japan might have lent a variety of credence to that. It doesn’t appear to undergo from the power points that appear to plague the Ativa Turbo, as discovered on web teams.

The most important draw back of possession to date can be the lonely isolation from everybody else. There hasn’t been a variety of boards solely devoted to the Ativa/Rocky/Raize Hybrid. So getting help and asking questions particular to the hybrid might get you nowhere – hopefully this can change within the close to future as Ativa/Rocky/Raize Hybrid possession will increase each regionally and globally.

GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid, proprietor’s photographs

GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid

GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky e:Sensible Hybrid

Tags: Perodua Ativa Hybrid