Perodua Alza Launched: Car One Moment, MPV The Next

Perodua.. a word that is so familiar among us..

What would be the first thing to cross your mind if you see the word “Perodua” in front of you? Made in Malaysia? Not really.. Cheap and funky? very doubtful.. what then..

the perfect word.. SMALL ..

Since it’s founding in 1993, Perodua has produced small cars for almost 15 years such as the Kelisa, Myvi, recently re-launched Viva (Elite version) and of course.. the popular Kancil.. 15 years of small car is just the tip of the iceberg considering that Kancil alone has the total production units of 722,223. Not forgetting that the Myvi is the best selling car for 3 consecutive years since 2006 in Malaysia.

But recently, Perodua just got bigger and bigger. After the Nautica SUV, here it is.. the first MPV from Perodua, the Alza..

So anyway, here we are finally, the Perodua Alza. The smaller MPV also comes with a smaller price tag, though Proton has worked to introduce the Exora Basic as well. Perodua says the Alza project first started off as the D46T about 3 years ago. The Japanese version was unveiled on Christmas day last year.

As for the name Alza, it actually means ‘to rise’ in Spanish. Probably symbolizes Perodua rising up the product segments once again – its cars are getting bigger and bigger.

First, let’s take a look inside this MPV. The first thing that caught my attention in the automatic version is the shift lever that positioned at the dashboard resulting in more spaces between the driver and the front passenger seat. The space filled up by the driver seat which extends leftwards. However, the extended part of the driver seat is relatively pointless if you ever want to use it as a seat because of the dashboard design. The foldable armrest is just nice and comfy. This automatic version also features a footbrake as the handbrake. Although the wheelbase of the Alza is greater than the Exora had, the Proton’s still felt bigger and more comfortable. This issue is supported by the fact that a 180+ cm person’s knee had to be pushed hard against the second row seat when he’s seating at the third row.

The Alza had improved suspension settings and it was likely that the biggest contributor to the Alza’s decent behaviour around corners is the addition of a rear stabilizer bar.The Alza’s power output and weight is actually quite similiar to the Avanza’s, which means performance should be comparable. The Alza and Avanza actually use the same 3SZ-VE engine though the Alza’s is transverse and the Avanza’s is longitudinal for rear wheel drive installation.

The luggage space depth is about 30cm but the third row kinda slants rearwards so you have more of a triangular wedge kind of boot space. WIth the third row folded, the luggage space grows up to 89.5cm in length. It’s a Myvi with a good sized boot.

Perodua Alza 1.5L Standard M/T
Solid – RM55,490
Metallic – RM55,990

S. Metallic – RM56,190 Perodua Alza 1.5L Standard A/T
Solid – RM58,490
Metallic – RM58,990
S. Metallic – RM59,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Premium M/T
Solid – RM60,490
Metallic – RM60,990
S. Metallic – RM61,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Premium A/T
Solid – RM63,490
Metallic – RM63,990
S. Metallic – RM64,190