FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
With the statistics of the GDP in Malaysia, it illustrates the fact that not everyone is able to afford a MPV or even a premium mini-MPV as their daily car. I strongly believe one of the inclination of a family man is to own 7 seaters MPV. Therefore, I think Perodua did this right by introducing the Perodua Alza mini-MPV’ to the domestic market in Malaysia. With the introduction of Alza, it helps Perodua to expand their product offering and market shares which previously limited to small compact car to slightly larger car.
Probably, if you think Toyota Avanza could be your cup of tea. You may now think twice before hand as now you have more choice. Perodua Alza was introduced back in 23 November 2009. During the research and development stage, this car was known as Perodua D46T.
Currently, the Perodua Alza is available in 6 variants – Standard (SX, EZ), Premium (SXi, EZi) and Advanced (GHP, ZHP) with option of 4-Speed Auto or 5-Speed Manual Transmission. All models are fitted with the same 1.5 DOHC 16V DVVT engine (3SZ-VE). The engine churns out only 104PS max at 6,000rpm with a torque of 136Nm @ 4,400rpm. Although the engine is similar to the Toyota Avanza and Rush, the engine output is lesser. But what I am sure of is, the Perodua Alza is definitely more fuel efficient than the Toyota’s as the Alza is built to run on Front Wheel Drive (FWD) instead of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with a huge axle at the rear that lead to slightly power loss during the power shifting.
Perodua Alza has finally got something closer to compare with now – the Honda Freed. The overall dimensions of Perodua Alza (L:4205 x W:1695 x H:1620) is not as long, broad or tall as compare to the Freed (L: 4215 x W:1700 x H: 1735). However, both Alza and Freed are reasonably able to fits 7 people but Freed has individual seats on the second row and slightly spacious seats on the third row.
Unfortunately, the Perodua Alza does not have the auto-sliding doors like the Honda Freed. But what the Alza able to offers is a pair of huge rear doors that able to open widely. Some car owners might not like the Alza to park beside their car because Alza’s rear doors are able to open widely which possible dent their car. But the awesome part, the passengers can access to the car easily.
In terms of technology, Honda Freed is more advanced with 5-speed auto transmission and slightly powerful engine with 118PS. In logic maths, you can almost buy 2 units of the Perodua Alza with the price of 1 unit of Honda Freed that design and built for the same purpose.
To fulfil myself with a better article to review the Perodua Alza, I managed to get hands-on with the Perodua Alza EZi for a week. During the time frame, I drove the Alza to work, shop for grocery and driving around with my friends & family. Overall in performance wise, I would say the Alza’s felt livelier than Proton Exora for sure although I got an Automatic Model here. However, it performed what it suppose designed for and I wouldn’t say it is underpowered but is responsive enough for this mini-MPV. But it does feel a little sluggish when is fully loaded with passengers. The Alza’s come with a 42 litres Fuel Tank Capacity. A full tank of RON95 Unleaded Fuel that cost me RM60 takes me approximate 400km.
Apart from performance, moving forward I would say the car is incredibly versatile for all occasion but personally preferred the third row seats to be folded down as flat at all time to gain a huge boot space that is larger than the sedan cars. Whenever you need the third row seats, it is just as easy as one step to pull it up. Not to be surprise, the Alza’s air conditioning is fairly powerful and cooling especially during the night drive. In terms of ride and handling, the Alza’s deliver better than the MyVi as the car doesn’t have much body roll, much comfortable and not bouncy as the light-truck’ replica – Toyota Avanza.
In terms of interior finishing, I like the dark colour theme which looks exclusive. The quality of material on the upper part of the dashboard is nice, but the lower part of the dashboard which grey in colour looks plasticky’. The steering wheel is fully wrapped and stitched with leather and audio controls which makes me felt more exclusive, even the Honda Freed doesn’t have it. Do take note whether you able to accept the Auto gear shifter that affix for the Alza, personally I felt it is fragile and I would be more comfortable with a gated shifter like the one on the Toyota Vios.
For the Alza EZi, the auto gear shifter is on the dashboard and the front seats are having the bench-type which makes this car something special about. The parking brake is not engage by hand but with the left foot instead – like most of the MPV and SUV. Some of you might already know that the Alza comes with Integrated Stereo with Bluetooth. I tried to pair my Nokia E65 and performed loud and clear.
According to the specification, all windows are fitted with UV protected glass.
Comparing the Perodua Alza head-to-head with Honda Freed, both cars are built on small car platform. As results both cars having the same Small Turning Radius of 5.2m which making city driving and parking on narrow space effortless. The Perodua Alza is also having rear drums brake too.
One thing in common again for Alza with the Honda Freed is that both are having a lot of Cup holders on-board. This Alza EZi come with 12 cup holders, however I preferred the front cup holders to be mounted near the dashboard instead at the door panels. The rest, I am pretty much happy about.
In conclusion, if you were shopping for Small Passenger Cars (e.g. Perodua MyVi, Hyundai i10), mini-MPV (e.g. Honda Freed) or even larger MPV like Nissan Grand Livina. Do consider the Perodua Alza as part of your list. I am confident that this car able to satisfy you with the balance of space, size and values. Outspokenly, it is a very decent car to own and drive especially for the young family.
Prices are On-The-Road with Insurance for Peninsular Malaysia
Standard
RM 55,490 – Perodua Alza 1.5 SX (M) – Solid
RM 55,990 – Perodua Alza 1.5 SX (M) – Metallic
RM 56,190 – Perodua Alza 1.5 SX (M) – Special Metallic
RM 58,490 – Perodua Alza 1.5 EZ (A) – Solid
RM 58,990 – Perodua Alza 1.5 EZ (A) – Metallic
RM 59,190 – Perodua Alza 1.5 EZ (A) – Special Metallic
Premium
RM 60,490 – Perodua Alza 1.5 SXi (M) – Solid
RM 60,990 – Perodua Alza 1.5 SXi (M) – Metallic
RM 61,190 – Perodua Alza 1.5 SXi (M) – Special Metallic
RM 63,490 – Perodua Alza 1.5 EZi (A) – Solid
RM 63,990 – Perodua Alza 1.5 EZi (A) – Metallic
RM 64,190 – Perodua Alza 1.5 EZi (A) – Special Metallic
Advanced
RM 66,490 – Perodua Alza 1.5 GHP (M) – Solid
RM 66,990 – Perodua Alza 1.5 GHP (M) – Metallic
RM 69,490 – Perodua Alza 1.5 ZHP (A) – Solid
RM 69,990 – Perodua Alza 1.5 ZHP (A) – Metallic
Extra features on Premium edition
1) Dual SRS airbags
2) ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
3) Fog lamps
4) Rear spoiler
5) Audio system with USB and Bluetooth support
6) Steering wheel with audio switches
7) Seat height adjuster
8) Silver colour door armrest
9) Blue illumination meter
10) Higher grade seat cover
11) Higher grade carpet mats
Extra features on Advanced edition on top of Premium edition
1) GPS with reverse camera
2) Leather seat
3) Tinted film
4) Front skirting
5) Rear skirting
6) Side skirting
Photo Gallery: Perodua Alza EZi Premium
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