2021 Perodua Ativa SUV: First Impression

Perodua Malaysia lineup has a new model that one can say was one of the most anticipated cars of 2021. Called the Perodua Ativa, the compact SUV was unveiled via a virtual launch, as the risk of COIVD-19 is very much there.

Codenamed as DL55, the Ativa is a distinct name whose origin is found in Portuguese wherein it means active. In short, a wise choice for an SUV. It is the first Perodua model in the Transformation 3.0 era, aka, Perodua Smart Build. The primary focus of this era is on globalisation and sustainability. Further, Perodua will work closely with Daihatsu (its shareholder & technical partner) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the world’s number one automaker, Toyota.

2021 Perodua Ativa: Platform & Dimensions

The new Ativa is the automaker’s first model to benefit from the DNGA platform. The said base made its debut in Japan, in 2019 and it is built for the present and future compact cars. The advantages, well the DNGA enhances the vehicle’s performance, rigidity, NVH, and safety aspects. Besides, this one is modular and CASE-ready (connected, autonomous, shared, and electric).

All Perodua factories are now turned to use the DNGA platform, so we can expect more high-quality cars based on it in the future.

The Ativa dimension specs tell the SUV is 4,065 mm long, 1,710 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall. Its wheelbase and ground clearance stands at 2,525 mm and 200 mm, respectively. As for the cabin dimensions, Ativa offers a spacious boot with 389-litre capacity with a full-size spare tyre with a matching wheel.

2021 Perodua Ativa: Variants & Price

Perodua is offering the Ativa SUV in three variant options - entry-level X, mid-spec H, and range-topping AV. Compared to the estimated price range i.e., RM 62,500 to RM 72,000, shared by the automaker earlier, the actual Ativa price tags to our surprise are lower. The table below shows the 2021 Perodua Ativa price -

2021 Perodua Ativa
2021 Perodua Ativa X	RM 61,500
2021 Perodua Ativa H	RM 66,100
2021 Perodua Ativa AV	RM 71,200 or RM 72,000 (for dual-tone hue)

Included in the above-mentioned price is the sales tax exemption.

2021 Perodua Ativa: Engine

A new platform calls for a new powertrain. The DNGA is designed to house the latest engine combos. Powering the Ativa is a 1.0-litre DOHC VVT three-cylinder turbo mill that makes a maximum power of 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm.

Coming to transmission, the Ativa uses a CVT gearbox, called D-CVT for Dual-Mode CVT. It is for the first time a Perodua model gets a CVT, further, this one, in particular, is the world’s first split gear CVT system.

What’s D-CVT? Well, this one brings together the belt drive with a gear drive, leading to better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and quietness. From a position of rest to low/medium speed, the D-CVT functions like any other CVT, however, it is at higher speeds that the D-CVT shifts into the split mode.

2021 Perodua Ativa: Design

With the Ativa, Perodua is offering LED headlights as standard fitment across the range. The base X trim gets Auto High Beam (AHB) that will automatically light up in very dark surroundings or when the speed exceeds 30 kmph. Also, on detecting oncoming traffic, the system will automatically dip the high beam. Useful, right? Well, it is for the first time Perodua has employed AHB.

The mid-spec H and range-topping AV versions, on the other hand, benefit from automatic LED headlamps with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB). The ADB functions like Audi’s Matrix LED, it is a smart auto high beam that cuts out the high beam glare from reaching the oncoming vehicle

How is it possible? Well, ADB disables individual LEDs present within the headlamps and thus precisely controls the light distribution. But that’s not all, ADB is accompanied by side view lamps and sequential turn signals.

The Ativa X rides on 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/65 Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 tyres, while the H and AV trim runs on two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels covered with 205/60 Bridgestone Turanza T005A touring tyres.

2021 Perodua Ativa: Interior

Perodua has packed the Ativa SUV with lots of features, for instance, it’s impossible to miss the 9.0-linch floating touchscreen infotainment display. While it misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Android users can connect their device to the screen through SmartLink phone mirroring. The touch display is also packed with auto sound levelling and a reverse camera. It is to be noted that the base trim instead gets a radio with USB and Bluetooth.

Ativa is the first model in the price range to come with a digital instrument panel, a 7.0-inch TFT screen sitting on the left side of the digital speedometer and it combines trip computer and rev counter. Perodua offers four design options, a velodrome-shaped tachometer is the default style.

Other features included in the Perodua Ativa specs sheet are -

• Digital AC panel with memory
• Door lock/unlock buttons
• Speed-sensing auto door lock
• Driving video recorder
• Llumar security window tint
• Two rear USB ports
• One front HDMI port
• Steering wheel audio controls

2021 Perodua Ativa: Safety & security

The Ativa benefits from the Advanced Safety Assist 3.0 suite of safety features, including Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), Pre-collision Braking (PCB or AEB), and Front Departure Alert (FDA). Compared to the previous-gen ASA, the ASA 3.0 is an improvement - it gets two-wheeled vehicle detection for PCB and PCW, also PCW’s operating range is now up by 20 kmph, i.e., 4-120 kmph.

The Ativa AV benefits from full Level 2 autonomous with inclusions like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor.

Conclusion

With the inclusion of the Ativa SUV, Perodua sure has come a long long way in terms of design, features, performance, and safety. Not to forget it is also a Perodua that can drive itself.

Also Read: Perodua Ativa gets a 5-star safety rating; first model assessed under ASEAN NCAP’s new protocol