2018 Perodua Alza 1.5 S AT Review

In recent years, the competition in the B-segment MPV market in Malaysia has become increasingly fierce, and many family users are looking for a model that can meet the needs of 7-person travel while balancing the economics of daily commuting. The 2018 Perodua Alza 1.5 S AT, as a popular choice in this market segment, has attracted much attention with its spacious interior, practical features, and affordable price. This time, we got our hands on a real car to see whether its static experience and dynamic performance truly meet the core needs of family users.

Let’s start with the exterior. The 2018 Alza 1.5 S AT adopts a practical and steady design approach without overly flashy elements. The front face features a medium-sized trapezoidal grille, accented with chrome trim, offering decent recognition. The side profile of the car has straight lines, and while the 15-inch wheels are not particularly large, they are proportional to the car and sufficient for daily use. At the rear, the taillights use a combination of Halogen and LED, providing clear visibility when lit at night, and the black plastic cladding under the rear bumper adds a touch of crossover style. However, the overall design leans towards conservatism, making it more suitable for users who prioritize practicality.

Step inside, and the interior style is simple, with the dashboard using a two-tone color scheme of dark on the top and light on the bottom, which aligns with the positioning of a family car. In terms of materials, most areas are hard plastic, but the gaps between the panels are relatively well-controlled. A multifunction steering wheel comes as standard, with integrated buttons for volume adjustment and call handling, making daily operations convenient. The instrument cluster is of the Electroluminescent Analogue type, displaying information like RPM and speed clearly at a glance. The central control area does not feature a large touchscreen but retains traditional physical buttons, which may lack a sense of modern technology but are more intuitive for blind operation. In terms of features, the front row is equipped with manually adjustable air conditioning, with adjustment knobs that have moderate resistance. The inclusion of a 220V/230V power outlet is highly practical for long-distance trips, ensuring electronic devices can be charged without worry. The Keyless Operation door lock system also enhances everyday convenience.

Space performance is one of Alza’s core advantages. Its dimensions are 4435mm in length, 1695mm in width, and 1620mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm, which is quite decent among MPVs of the same class. The front seats are manually adjustable with adequate support. For a passenger of 175cm in height, there is ample headroom and legroom. The second-row seats support a 50:50 split-fold configuration, providing generous legroom. The flat floor in the middle means accommodating three passengers isn’t too cramped. The third-row seats also support 50:50 split folding, making them suitable for children or smaller adults, though they might feel a bit cramped on long journeys. The standard trunk volume is 83L, sufficient for a few handbags, and folding the third-row seats can significantly expand the storage capacity, making it adequate for hauling large luggage. Additionally, there are many small storage spaces inside the car, such as door pockets and the center armrest box, making it convenient for storing items like phones and water bottles for everyday use.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 104PS, a maximum power speed of 6000rpm, and a maximum torque speed of 4400rpm, paired with an AT transmission. During daily driving, the car starts smoothly, and the low RPM power output is sufficient, making urban commuting and starting the vehicle effortless. When accelerating, the transmission offers clear shifting logic and smooth upshifting, though downshifting response is slightly slow, requiring the driver to step on the gas pedal earlier for overtaking. Driving modes are limited to a standard mode, with no sport or economy mode options, and the overall tuning is comfort-oriented. The suspension setup includes an independent MacPherson front suspension, while the rear suspension is likely a torsion beam non-independent setup (not explicitly stated in the specifications but common in this segment). It handles minor road bumps decently without transmitting significant vibrations into the cabin. When crossing speed bumps, the rear passengers might feel some residual vibrations, though they remain within an acceptable range. During cornering, the body roll control is moderate, without a sense of sway, and it is sufficient for everyday family use.

We also tested the fuel consumption. In urban driving conditions, it is approximately 8.5L/100km, while on highways it can drop to around 7L/100km. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.87L/100km, and the actual fuel consumption is not much different from the official data. This performance is considered relatively economical for a 7-seater MPV. As for braking, the front brakes are ventilated disc brakes, with a linear braking response, which provides great confidence during daily driving. Regarding noise control, during low-speed urban driving, engine noise and tire noise are not noticeable. When driving on highways above 100 km/h, there is a bit of wind noise, but it remains acceptable and does not affect conversations among passengers inside the car.

Overall, the 2018 Perodua Alza 1.5 S AT has very clear core advantages: spacious interior, practical features, economical fuel consumption, and an affordable price. The official guided price is RM 52,661, which offers good value for money compared to other models in the same class. Compared to similar MPVs, such as the Proton Exora, the Alza has advantages in fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. However, in terms of technological features, it might not be as advanced as some newer models. This car is ideal for families who prioritize space and practicality, especially those who frequently travel with family members and are concerned about daily usage costs. If you're looking for a practical and reliable family MPV, the Alza 1.5 S AT would be a great choice.