Perodua Alza Mk1 Facelift (2014-Present) Expert Review

Overall Rating

Not the most sophisticated drive, but the Perodua Alza is a good family wagon. The third row is a boon, whether as emergency seats or for a young family future-proofing its family car. Performance is adequate and ride comfort is good.

Performance

Not promising on paper, but the 1.5L DVVT engine and 4AT combo performs adequately, as the Alza isn't a heavy car (our top spec tester weighs in at 1,160 kg, over 300 kg lighter than a Proton Exora Bold CFE Premium). Similarly, the basic four-speed auto is not found wanting in this application.

Ride & Handling

Ride is more important in a budget MPV, and the Alza delivers. Bad surfaces and bumps are dealt with nicely, and it isn't too soft on a highway cruise. Rolls quite a bit in corners, but controls are a bigger problem - brake pedal requires too much effort (both to stop the car and to keep it stopped) and steering assistance is inconsistent (heavy at parking speeds and at bigger angles).

Comfort

Drivetrain not very loud when cruising, but road roar is on the high side. Good all round visibility, even for third row passengers.

Safety

The Alza is ASEAN NCAP four-star rated. Dual-airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard across all three variants (Standard, SE, Advanced), but the Standard excludes ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. Pay the RM4k difference between the Standard and SE.

Space

Space is the Alza's selling point and reason to exist. For slightly more money than a Myvi, you get three rows of seats - the last one can be left for emergencies or for young families, future use. The second row slides and reclines to make legroom for the last row, which is ideal for kids or smaller adults. Loses to the Proton Exora in outright cabin space, though.

Value

Starting from RM52,400, the Alza is the most affordable three-row MPV in town and a good family wagon. Our pick is the mid SE spec, which gets all available safety kit and sporty looks to boot.