Review: 2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 AV – All the car you need for less than RM80k!

As a carmaker, Perodua holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Malaysians. The brand’s knack for providing accessible mobility to the masses at bargain basement prices has been the key behind the success of every one of its creations since its establishment in 1993.

Though some of its past products did miss the mark at times, their relative affordability, low running costs, and universal ease and appeal easily offsets any downsides. Thankfully, as consumer demands and needs evolved over time, Perodua has kept up with the times, and the results are telling.

One need not look past the rave receptions garnered by the recently refreshed Myvi hatch and the marque’s groundbreaking new Ativa crossover SUV. Now though, Perodua has a stellar third act to follow up after those two, and it’s the all-new, second generation Alza 7-seat MPV.

Having charted nearly 1,000km of testing mileage over a week with the latest flagship Alza 1.5 AV variant featured, we’re certain that this really is all the car that anyone will ever want or need.

 OVERVIEW

Unlike its predecessor, which was essentially a stretched and enlarged second-gen Myvi hatch, this new Alza underpins the DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) platform – the same as the Ativa, as well as the Alza’s upcoming Toyota Veloz twin.

Unlike the Ativa though, the new Alza ditches said crossover’s 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo heart, favouring a tried-and-tested 1.5-litre DVVTi naturally aspired 4-cyl petrol mill instead. This isn’t bad news entirely considering just how bulletproof and economical said mill is.

The key benefit of the DNGA platform is the high degree of tech and safety it blessed the new Alza with. The result is not only a car that now drives much better, but also one that’s much safer too. Coupled with all the practical conveniences Perodua laced this range-topper with, it’s easy to see why so many are convinced with the new Alza’s proposition.

ON THE INSIDE

Like how the Ativa looked and felt on the inside? Then the Alza’s spacious cabin is a treat to be in, even if you’re a lanky, sub-six-footer sitting in the third row. Aiding this are second row seats that can slide forwards and back, as well as recline, and it makes all the difference towards third-row seating comfort.

Certainly, the new roof-mounted air-cond blowers – present in all variants – should keep second- and third-row occupants at ease thanks to the three adjustable fan speeds and directional flaps it offers. Just don’t forget to tell folks up front your preferred temperature settings – it’s still a single-zone air-cond unit in this sense.

The stylish two-tone colourway of the dash and door inserts are also a visual treat. In our tester’s case, the upgrade from partial to full leather seat covers – a rather solid offer from Perodua’s extensive GearUp accessories catalogue – are noteworthy too. Yes, they cost extra, but the added plush comforts they delivered makes them a worthwhile investment indeed.

Standard-equipped in this AV variant is a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen which, in this range-topper, gets paired with a decent six-speaker audio setup. It also hosts a myriad of other functions including both Apple and Android connectivity, as well as a nifty 360-degree parking view monitor.

Speaking of screens, this range-topper also gets a rich digital instrument display panel to treat its driver. The inclusion of four USB charge ports, two 12-volt sockets, keyless entry and ignition, as well AV variant-specific kit like the electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, and front dashcam, all add up to elevate this MPV’s daily usability too.

Apart from the absent telescopic steering adjustment, it’s safe to say that Perodua covered all the basics well, with this AV-variant’s premium add-ons, plus the range of GearUp accessories present, all add towards making this relatively affordable MPV look and feel a lot more upmarket.

DRIVING

Regarding the powertrain, this isn’t the peppiest package around, but 105 HP and 138 NM are enough to get this new range-topper’s claimed 1,170 KG kerb heft going. The 7-speed D-CVT transmission paired with it, on the other hand, will need some getting used to.

It has that typical CVT drone and lag when pushed. Nevertheless, get to grips with it and the affair can be both smooth and pleasant, thus allowing you – and your passengers – to bask in the rather respectable noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) suppression levels that this Alza’s cabin is blessed with.

Depending on how many passengers and luggage you’re ferrying, highway cruising and overtakes aren’t difficult, the latter made brisker thanks to the presence of a selectable PWR drive mode too – one of three selectable modes, on top of Eco and Normal, that are exclusively primed in this AV variant.

In terms of ride and handling, things felt equally impressive, even by MPV standards. This isn’t a high-riding crossover, thus the car-like taut and firmer ride, which also offers plenty of feedback. The other bonus to this low ride height is the easier cabin access granted for both children and the elderly.

Above all else, those opting for this range-topping variant will also benefit with an intelligent adaptive cruise control suite with stop-hold function, which makes both daily city and highway drives less taxing. Having this feature at the this price point simply adds further to the Alza’s cause.

SAFETY

If we had to choose a single avenue that carries this Alza 1.5 AV variant’s weight in full, it has to be the total safety package it offers. Perodua left nothing to chance here, brimming it with an arsenal of active and passive features to ensure peace of mind.

Six airbags are standard across the board, as are ISOFIX childseat anchors, ABS with EBD, traction and stability control suites, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Opt for the  AV variant and said basics are strengthened further with a pair of rear disc brakes that heightens this MPV’s halting abilities, plus a forward dashcam.

On top of all that, this range-topper also gets an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Highlights include blind-spot info and warning, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, auto high-beam assist, not forgetting a rear cross-traffic alert function to match with the 360-degree parking monitor mentioned.

Yes, much of these aren’t exactly new, but they are more commonly found in cars that cost at least twice what this flagship Alza variant commands. The fact that Perodua is making all this accessible to the masses without breaking the bank – or the RM80,000 mark – truly deserves high praise.

RUNNING COSTS & RELIABILITY

Perodua’s decision to employ its tried-and-tested 1.5-litre DVVTi 4-cyl petrol mill in this larger and heftier 7-seater is a sound move. It has powered the Myvi for a while now, and it’s a reliable trooper to say the least. This, in turn, makes it perfect given the high miles most owners will end up racking with the Alza.

If anything, Perodua’s 5-year or 150,000KM warranty coverage should ease any other worries too.

In terms of fuel economy, Peroduas typically excel here, this new Alza is no exception either with its official 22 KM/litre (or 4.5 litres/100KM) claimed average. In our week-long test, we mustered slightly less at 17 KM/litre (4.8 litres/100KM), but our tester having barely covered 1,800KM when we picked it up might have something to do with it too.

Nevertheless, after a proper run-in, each full fill-up of the Alza’s 43-litre tank with RON95 shouldn’t cost more than RM90, and should grant at least 600KM of travel, especially in Eco drive mode. Indeed, these aren’t bad fuel economy figures for any car, let alone a 7-seat family MPV.

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?

The short answer: YES, even if you don’t need as many seats or cargo space.

Evidently, it’s plain to see that the Alza, especially in range-topping AV form, makes a tonne of sense, more so after factoring everything it has offer at the price it commands – RM75,500 excluding insurance and any additional GearUp accessories.

Truth be told, the new Alza will make an honest family man – or woman – out of anyone. It certainly did with this writer at least.