Perodua Bezza: All a buyer needs to know

The Proton Bezza was launched in Malaysia as an all-new model back in 2016. It’s the local carmaker’s entry-level sedan offering and is by far the most-affordable car in its segment. In a short span of time after being launched, the Perodua Bezza started setting sales benchmarks - little surprise there, thanks to its competitive pricing but also because of its versatility. The Bezza starts off at RM 34,490 for the basic 1.0-litre variant with the manual gearbox, while the range-topping Advance variant is priced at RM 47,790 and comes with a 1.3-litre engine and an automatic gearbox. However, if you’ve already made up your mind and have decided to visit the showroom, here’s all that you need to know about the Bezza.

Exterior

Like many cars that were initially born a hatchback but were then converted into a sedan, the design of the Perodua Bezza isn’t going to blow you away. However, the Perodua Bezza is in no way an ugly or distasteful car. But, it surely prioritises practicality and functionality over svelte body lines. The front of the new Bezza looks fairly modern and the styling seems well executed. The bonnet sports distinct character lines on it, while the chrome-decked two-bar grille looks decent and adds some presence to the car as well. Furthermore, the large headlamps get a stylistic ‘eyebrow’ eyebrow effect and the sculpted bumper gets a dual-slot design for the air dam, along with a pair of halogen fog lamps.

The tall and awkward stance of the Bezza becomes apparent when viewed side on. The other really noticeable design elements here include the 14-inch alloy wheels, pronounced front fenders, chrome door handles and large side windows. At the back, the Bezza gets a chrome garnish along the boot lid, shark fin antenna, combination tail lamps with distinctive LED runners, and a simple rear bumper but with an integrated diffuser and static light strips. In terms of its dimensions, the Perodua Bezza is 4,150mm in length, 1,620mm in width, and 1,510mm in height. It boasts of a large 508-litre boot and has a 2,455mm wheelbase.

Interior

Owing to its tall (almost) boxy design, the Perodua Bezza benefits from a spacious interior. There’s no lack of headroom in any of the seats, while knee room and legroom are decent, too. The large windows help by letting in loads of light from the outside, though the seats are strictly average in terms of their overall comfort. Perodua has added some glossy black and silver plastic trim in the cabin, though the design of the dashboard, centre console and instrument cluster aren’t too exciting. This being a budget sedan, the quality of materials, build and fit-and-finish are fairly underwhelming. However, this interior is practical in its layout and there are no major ergonomic glitches, either.

Conveniences and safety features

All variants of the Perodua Bezza get alloy wheels, halogen headlamps, side skirts, chrome door handles, power windows, electric power steering, audio system with USB support, rear parking sensors and central door locking. Perodua also offers two airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear ISOFIX anchor points as standard even on the base trim. In comparison, the top-of-the-range Advance trim comes with ‘Eco Idle’ engine stop-start system, five-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps, power-retractable door mirrors, smart entry with push-button ignition, leather seats, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, driver seat height adjustment, four-speaker sound system, touchscreen multimedia head unit with ‘Smart Link’ and navigation, and rear parking camera with all-around sensors. You now also get extra safety features such as Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).

Engine and transmission

Perodua offers the Bezza with either a 1.0-litre three-cylinder or 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine. The former makes 67hp and 91Nm of torque, whilst the four-popper puts out 94hp and 121Nm of torque. Except for the fully-loaded Advance variant, all other variants of the Bezza can be optioned with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Due to its light mass and relatively modest engines, the Bezza achieves some spectacular fuel economy. For example, the four-cylinder automatic models with the ‘Eco Idle’ option can score up to 22 kmpl, while the models sans the stop-start system are good for 21 kmpl. Finally, the three-cylinder automatic models can return about 21.3 kmpl, while the manual ones can average up to 22.8 kmpl.

Pricing

The Perodua Bezza range starts at RM 34,490 for the entry-level 1.0 GXtra trim with the manual gearbox, and costs RM 36,290 if you pick the automatic. The mid-spec 1.3 Premium X trims cost RM 40,090 and RM 41,890 for the manual and automatic variants, respectively. Meanwhile, the range-topping 1.3 Advance variant wears a price tag of RM 47,790. In comparison, the new Proton Persona costs between RM 42,600 and RM 54,600.