Buy Traz X or Ativa AV? How to choose at the same price?

【PCauto】If you're currently shopping for an SUV in the RM 70k-80k range, you might find yourself torn between two Perodua offerings. On one hand, there's the Ativa AV, the top-spec variant of Perodua's A-segment compact SUV, which almost maxes out the available configurations; On the other hand, the Traz X, a B-segment crossover based on the Toyota Yaris Cross platform but offered here only in an entry-level trim.

Their price tags are remarkably close:

Perodua Ativa AV: RM 73,400

Perodua Traz X: RM 76,100

This puts the difference at just RM 2,700.

The Traz X Offers More Interior Space

Their segment classifications translate directly to size differences:

Ativa AV (A-segment): 4,065 mm (length) / 2,525 mm (wheelbase)

Traz X (B-segment): 4,310 mm (length) / 2,620 mm (wheelbase)

The Traz X holds a clear size advantage.

This size difference is visually noticeable. The Ativa AV's compact body makes it easy to park in narrow spots at shopping malls or maneuver through narrow alleys, hardly requiring any deliberate adjustments. It boasts a tight turning radius of just 4.9 metres, making it exceptionally easy to manoeuvre in the city.

However, the rear space is just adequate, and seating two adults might feel a bit cramped. The boot offers a standard capacity of 303L-369L, which can accommodate two 20-inch suitcases without issue. However, if you want to load a baby stroller or large items, you will need to fold the rear seats.

The space advantage of Traz X is very obvious, especially the 471L boot space, which leads its class. Without folding the rear seats, it can easily accommodate a stroller and shopping bags. Rear legroom is also more spacious, and seating three adults won't feel cramped.

In terms of sheer presence and practicality, the Traz X’s B-segment fundamentals give it a distinct edge.

Ativa AV Offers More Comprehensive Features

As the top-tier model, Ativa AV takes the "small but complete" approach, elevating its tech and comfort features to a leading level in its class.

What’s most surprising is its safety assistance features. It comes equipped with the full Perodua Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 3.0 suite. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), and Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights. These features can greatly reduce driving effort on highways or busy urban roads. Especially with ACC, you don't have to keep pressing the accelerator on long highway trips, which significantly eases fatigue.

The Ativa AV's cabin features leather seats, offering a more premium look and feel compared to fabric. Additionally, it features a 7-inch fully digital instrument panel, paddle shifters, and electrically foldable side mirrors. While these detailed features may not be essential, they unquestionably enhance the sense of ceremony and convenience while driving.

As an entry-level model, the Traz X's specifications are more basic. Safety assists are limited to basic features like pre-collision braking and lane departure warning, and it lacks the practical ACC adaptive cruise control (only available in the top H version). The interior uses fabric seats, the instrument panel remains the traditional dials with a 4.2-inch display, and the number of audio speakers is also fewer compared to Ativa AV. In terms of technology and comfort, it indeed feels inferior.

Three-cylinder? Or four-cylinder?

Ativa AV is equipped with a 1.0L three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 98 PS and a maximum torque of 140 Nm, paired with a D-CVT transmission.

Traz X, on the other hand, is equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine (2NR-VE), providing a maximum power of 106 PS and a maximum torque of 138 Nm, also paired with a D-CVT transmission. These two engines have completely different characteristics, creating vastly different driving experiences.

The Ativa AV's 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers its torque early, resulting in peppy and agile city driving. A light throttle input provides a noticeable surge, making it easy to zip through traffic.

However, the inherent characteristics of three-cylinder engines cannot be avoided. During idling, slight vibrations can be felt. Although Perodua has optimized the tuning to minimize this, compared to a four-cylinder engine, the difference is still noticeable.

In contrast, the Traz X's 1.5L four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine excels in refinement, with minimal vibration and a linear power delivery. Although its initial acceleration isn't as aggressive as the Ativa AV's, it delivers power linearly, resulting in a very smooth acceleration curve. It also performs more steadily during highway driving, providing sufficient confidence while overtaking.

In terms of handling, the short wheelbase of the Ativa AV offers better maneuverability, with lightweight steering and agile lane changes and turns.

Although the Traz X is larger in size, thanks to its more advanced DNGA platform, it provides better shock absorption performance. It handles speed bumps or uneven roads more smoothly, offering superior ride comfort.

In essence, the Ativa AV offers a nimble driving character, while the Traz X prioritises ride comfort.

Which one should you choose?

The Ativa AV likely appeals to tech-savvy buyers, singles, or couples whose rear seats aren't often occupied. They value the driving experience and are unwilling to compromise on comfort- and convenience-enhancing features like ACC or leather seats, even within a budget. Its compact size also makes it very convenient for urban commuting, parking, and running errands.

The Traz X, conversely, caters to practical needs – often for families. These buyers often have children, requiring them to transport strollers and other gear, or they regularly travel with family. As such, they have strict requirements for rear passenger space and boot capacity.

They may also value the proven durability and smoothness of the four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, seeing the entry-level specifications as sufficient for daily needs, with no desire to pay extra for unused features.