Perodua Alza

Overview

In the global markets, the Perodua Alza might not be a big name, but here in Malaysia, it has turned out to be one of the trusted and biggest selling names in the segment of MPVs since its inception. The compact MPV, in its current second generation guise, has tried to keep aback its minor issues and is positioned right at the top of Perodua’s lineup as its flagship product in the country. With its compact dimensions coupled with seating layout for seven passengers, the Alza has been a boon to all big families with small pockets, with this budget MPV being the highest selling MPV of Malaysia being a testimony to this fact.

Interior & Features

On the inside, it’s disheartening to say that the Perodua Alza is as Spartan and boring looking as it is on the outside. The overall design theme is purely tilted towards the aspect functionality, with a lot of basic-ness to it. The basic three-spoke steering wheel does come with steering mounted controls for audio and Bluetooth. The centrally mounted instrument consoles have never been a good looking thought, and in the Alza too, it looks odd. The horizontal and slim layout for the console makes the process of reading the speeds and other data less legible while on the go. The audio system is fully finished in the silver garnish, which surely adds in some visual appeal but the overdose of silver is purely subjective and might look odd to some.

Apart from the audio system, the controls for AC and gear lever are positioned beside each other, which does make them ergonomic but they do look oddly placed. The Alza is offered in both the options of a dual tone black and beige cabin and an all-black cabin with maroon inserts, and in our opinion, it is the latter which is the better looking out of the two.

In terms of features, the Alza, being an entry-level compact MPV, misses out on a lot of bells and whistles from the cars from a segment above and is equipped with only the basics like power windows, a music system with support for USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth and remote central locking. However, one could opt for an optional touchscreen infotainment system which comes integrated with reverse camera and navigation, as well as an optional roof-mounted monitor for rear passengers, which in this car, are the only premium features one could get.

However, the one area where the Alza scores heavily is in the storage spaces – this compact MPV gets many of them. You do get small storage spaces on the door pockets, front dashboard, bottle holders and an underseat tray which are accommodating enough to store many of your small knick-knacks.

Exterior

On the outside, Perodua has tried to make the Alza look desirable, but somehow, the effort feels half-hearted. This second generation model does look better than the first ever model which used to look boxy, however, the car looks like a mash-up of a cute looking hatchback and a boxy and functional MPV, which looks not so impressive.

Take for instance, the frontal stance. The Alza has got a cute looking face of a hatchback with a very minimalistic grille whose only grace-saving feature is the silver garnish below it. The spearhead-shaped headlamps positioned on its upper corners make this front fascia look like that of the previous generation Honda Jazz but in a simpler manner.

The side profile of the Perodua Alza, like many MPVs, lack any drama and looks very functional with a boxy profile, with a straight character line flowing from the back of the headlight to the C-pillar is the only design element here. The cutesy looking front end is then wrongly complemented with the boxy profile of the rear end, with the vertical clear lens tail lamp unit and a thick black design element at the rear hatch trying to add in some visual appeal to the otherwise boring looking car. However, Perodua has tried its best to add in some sportiness to the car with the front, side and rear skirting as well as the rear spoiler.

Ride & Handling

MPVs are purely about comfort for its passengers rather than scoring high on outright performance, and the Perodua Alza, even after being an entry-level MPV, scores high in this aspect. Sure, the third row is tight on space and best suited for kids only, but then, one does get a lot of folding configurations, which include all the seats, including that of the driver as well. This makes the Alza very much configurable for all kinds of driving and load carrying arrangements. The ride quality is on the suppler side, thanks to the presence of 15-inch wheels.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

For the Alza, Perodua has fitted in the largest engine in its lineup – the four cylinders 1.5-litre petrol. The engine is good enough to make out a maximum power output of 104 hp and a peak torque output of 136 Nm, figures which are good enough to propel this small MPV with ease even on full load, thanks to its low kerb weight of 1160 kg.

One does get two transmission options in the Alza – the standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, both of which are good enough to make it feel at home both in the city as well as highways.

Braking & Safety

Equipping an entry level car with high-class safety features is not too easy, considering the cost-conscious customers it targets. Still, the Perodua Alza feels appreciable for being equipped with at least the basics such as dual front airbags, ABS and EBD and parking sensors.

Verdict

The Perodua Alza is one compact MPV which does score high on practicality and functionality, with the decent performance from the 1.5-litre petrol engine and the variety of seating configurations it offers. Sure, the overall styling and interior layout make this car look too entry-level and boring, but then, an MPV is all about preferring function over form, which is where the Alza hits the sweet spot. And for the price at which it is being offered, it is simply a great deal. No wonders then why it sells like hotcakes!