Perodua Ativa interior design revealed: One of Malaysia's most popular urban SUVs

[PCauto] As a B-segment SUV launched by Malaysia’s homegrown brand Perodua, the Perodua Ativa exterior features a modern design, while the Perodua Ativa interior emphasizes simplicity and practicality, blending comfort with functionality. Whether for daily commutes or family outings, the Ativa stands out as a competitive choice and has become one of the most popular urban SUVs in the country.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the strengths and weaknesses of this model across several key areas, including interior design philosophy, material quality and craftsmanship, seat comfort, technological features, space layout, and safety performance.

Part 1: Ativa Interior Design Philosophy

1. Core Design Philosophy

The Perodua Ativa interior adopts a minimalist, practical design aimed at delivering a comfortable and well-equipped driving experience. The cabin features a clean layout with smooth lines, complemented by soft-touch materials and fine stitching that enhance its overall sense of quality.

The combination of a 9-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch TFT multi-information display not only adds to the vehicle’s high-tech feel but also ensures that information is presented clearly and intuitively. Meanwhile, the multi-functional steering wheel and user-friendly button layout allow drivers to control key functions with ease—making it easier to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

2. Thoughtfully Designed for Different Users

The Perodua Ativa interior is thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs of a wide range of users. For families, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats offer flexible storage options, easy to load bulky items. For drivers who prioritize comfort, the manually adjustable seats and standard removable headrests provide the flexibility to accommodate personalized seating preferences.

In addition, thoughtful touches like power outlets and LED interior lighting further enhance everyday convenience. Whether it’s for daily commutes or long road trips, the Perodua Ativa delivers a user-friendly experience tailored to a wide range of needs.

3. Variants and Feature Distinctions

Configurations of the Perodua Ativa Interior vary across different trim levels. The base variant comes with four speakers, while higher-spec variants are upgraded to a six-speaker system, delivering improved audio quality.

Some higher-spec variants are also equipped with rear air vents, adding to rear passenger comfort. In terms of seating, the base variant features standard removable headrests, whereas premium ones offer more refined seat materials and enhanced adjustability.

Part 2: Ativa Material Quality and Craftsmanship Compared to Peers

1. Core Material Analysis

Although the Perodua Ativa’s interior mainly uses hard plastics, the attention to detail gives it a surprisingly refined feel. The dashboard and center console feature a simple yet elegant design, with the 9-inch convenient and responsive touchscreen catching the visual center.

The seats are upholstered in fabric, which, while not as premium as leather, offers good comfort and durability. Additionally, soft-touch materials are used in key areas like the door armrests and center console lid, enhancing the overall tactile quality and comfort.

2. Comparison with Competitors in the Same Segment

Among peers, the Perodua Ativa interior design and material quality are relatively standard. In comparison, the Proton X50 leans more toward soft-touch surfaces and leather upholstery, offering a more upscale cabin experience—though it also comes with a significantly higher price tag.

In terms of space utilization and functionality, the Ativa holds its own. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats offer flexible cargo solutions, making it easier to accommodate larger items. Additionally, its 7-inch TFT multi-informational display delivers more detailed information and customization options, giving it a more high-tech edge over the Proton X50’s instrument cluster.

Overall, although the Ativa interior’s materials and craftsmanship do not match the luxury level of some rivals, it excels in pragmatism and functionality, making it particularly appealing to buyers who prioritize value and usability.

Part 3: Ativa Seat Comfort and Layout

1. Seat Design Details

The Perodua Ativa’s interior stands out in terms of seat comfort and layout, thoughtfully designed to meet the everyday needs of both drivers and passengers. The seats are upholstered in high-quality fabric that feels soft to the touch and offers excellent breathability—an important feature especially in Malaysia’s hot climate. The cushioning is beautifully engineered to provide firm support, helping reduce fatigue during long journeys.

In terms of layout, the Perodua Ativa’s seat design is highly user-friendly. The front seats are manually adjustable, allowing drivers to easily adapt the seat position to their height and driving habits, ensuring an optimal driving posture. Additionally, the front seats come with standard removable headrests for added comfort.

It’s worth noting that the full-spec Perodua Ativa interior pays special attention to detail. For example, the seat stitching is exceptionally refined—not only enhancing the overall visual appeal but also improving durability. The seat edges are also thickened, further boosting comfort during rides.

2. Flexible Seat Layout

The Ativa’s seat layout places a strong emphasis on flexibility and practicality. Although it’s a five-seater, its versatility rivals that of some 7-seater models. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow the interior space to be easily adapted to different needs. Whether you’re carrying bulky items or providing extra legroom for passengers, the Ativa adjusts with ease.

Furthermore, the Perodua Ativa interior layout puts a premium on passenger comfort. The rear seat backrests are adjustable, allowing passengers to find their most comfortable seating angle. Seat width and depth have been carefully designed to ensure ample room—even for taller passengers. The saddle-shaped headrests provide additional support for the neck, helping prevent fatigue during long-distance journeys.

Overall, the Perodua Ativa’s seat design performs exceptionally well in both comfort and layout. Whether for daily commutes or long road trips, it offers an excellent ride experience for both drivers and passengers. Its flexible interior and thoughtful design details make the Ativa a highly suitable choice for Malaysian families.

Part 4: Instrument Cluster and Tech Integration

1. Cabin Tech Layout

The Perodua Ativa’s in-cabin technology is surprisingly well-equipped, especially considering its pricing. In front and center is a 7-inch TFT multi-informational display, which delivers a wealth of vehicle data and supports multiple display modes, allowing drivers to customize the interface according to their preferences.

Mounted on the center console is a 9-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone connectivity. The interface is clean, intuitive and responsive. In addition, the Ativa comes equipped with a multi-functional steering wheel that integrates volume control, phone calls, and the like.

2. User Experience and Drawbacks

In real-world use, the Perodua Ativa’s tech features perform quite well. The touchscreen responds quickly, with a clear and well-organized menu structure that makes it easy to navigate—even for first-time users. However, some buttons on the multi-functional steering wheel are slightly less responsive and sometimes registering unintended presses might occur during use. Additionally, the Ativa does not come with a wireless charging feature—a minor drawback in today’s smartphone-centric world.

Part 5: Space and Storage Performance

1. Cabin Space

As a B-segment SUV, the Perodua Ativa offers impressive passenger space. Despite its compact dimensions (4065 mm x 1710 mm x 1635 mm, with a 2525 mm wheelbase), the interior is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort for both front and rear passengers. The front seats offer solid support and a good range of adjustments, making even long drives comfortable. The rear seats are equally spacious—capable of accommodating three adults side by side without feeling cramped.

2. Storage Design

The Ativa also excels in storage practicality. The cabin features multiple storage compartments, including front door pockets, center console storage, and an armrest box—perfect for storing small everyday items like phones, wallets, and water bottles. The boot offers 303 liters of cargo space, enough for grocery runs or weekend trips. For larger loads, the rear seats can be folded down to create a flat loading area, making it easy to accommodate bulkier items.

In addition, the boot is equipped with practical hooks and a cargo net to keep items secure during driving, preventing them from sliding or toppling over. Overall, the Perodua Ativa’s storage design is both practical and thoughtful, clearly tailored to real-world user needs.

3. Perodua Ativa Interior Highlights

The Perodua Ativa’s interior features high-quality materials that are soft to the touch and lend a premium feel to the cabin. The combination of a 7-inch TFT multi-informational display and a 9-inch touchscreen not only enhances the car’s modern and tech-forward ambiance but also offers a user-friendly and responsive interface. Meanwhile, the multi-functional steering wheel, manual air conditioning, and multiple power outlets further enhance comfort for both drivers and passengers.

In addition, small but thoughtful touches—such as interior lighting and automatic wipers—manifest the care in the Perodua Ativa interior design. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, the Ativa provides a comfortable and convenient on-board experience.

Part 6: Comprehensive Safety Features of the Ativa

1. Standard Safety

The Perodua Ativa does not compromise when it comes to basic safety features. All variants come standard with six airbags, including driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags—an impressive setup rarely seen in this segment.

The vehicle is also equipped with ABS/EBD (Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), which help maintain vehicle control during emergency maneuvers and reduce the risk of skidding. Keyless entry further enhances convenience and security.

2. Intelligent Driver Assistance

In terms of intelligent safety, the Perodua Ativa also excels. All variants come standard with Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and a Pre-Collision Warning System. These features continuously monitor the surroundings and provide timely alerts—or even apply brakes automatically—if a potential collision is detected, significantly reducing accident risk.Some models are also equipped with a Blind Spot Monitoring System, enhancing awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes. In addition, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera help drivers better navigate tight spaces and avoid minor collisions while parking.

Part 7: User Feedback

1. Pros and Cons

Since its launch in 2023, the Perodua Ativa has received mixed reviews from users. Many praise its cabin space and storage solutions—particularly the Perodua Ativa interior design, a perfect example of making good use of interior space with ample storage compartments and a flexible seat layout. For example, the 303-liter boot capacity is considered generous in its class, and the 60:40 split-folding rear seats further enhance practicality. The full-spec Perodua Ativa interior, with its 7-inch TFT multi-information display and 9-inch touchscreen, has also received rave reviews, with users noting that these features significantly improve the driving experience.

On the downside, some users have criticized the Ativa’s suspension system, especially on rough roads. The rear dual-link independent suspension is seen by some as lacking in comfort. Additionally, a few users pointed out that legroom feels cramped for extended rides.

2. Driving Experience

In daily use, the Ativa’s engine performance has been widely appreciated. Its 1.0L turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque, which users say is more than adequate for both city driving and highway cruising. The CVT transmission is also praised for its smoothness, especially during daily commutes, and its fuel efficiency stands out as a major strength.

Overall, the Perodua Ativa has successfully attracted a wide range of consumers with its practical space and storage solutions, as well as its thoughtful interior design. While there are some drawbacks—such as suspension comfort and the limited rear seat space—the vehicle’s overall performance remains commendable. For Malaysian buyers who are budget-conscious but still value strong value for money, the Ativa is undoubtedly a solid choice.

Part 8: Interior Summary and Buying Advice

The Perodua Ativa interior is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of different users. Whether for families or drivers who prioritize comfort, the Ativa is a satisfying choice. The combination of a 9-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch TFT multi-information display not only enhances the cabin’s tech appeal but also ensures ease of use. In addition, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and generous storage compartments further boost its everyday practicality.

Buying Advice

If you’re in the market for a vehicle that delivers strong value and everyday practicality, the Perodua Ativa is well worth considering. The base model meets most essential needs, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. For those seeking more features and a premium touch, the higher-spec variants offer upgraded materials and added convenience. Whether for city commutes or family outings, the Ativa provides a reliable and well-balanced driving experience.

Overall, the Perodua Ativa has secured a strong position in the B-segment market with its well-designed interior, flexible seating layout, and ample storage space. If you’re looking for an SUV that combines practicality with great value for money, the Ativa is definitely worth considering.