2018 Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G AT Review

In Malaysia's A-segment sedan market, economical and practical models have always been the top choice for most families and commuters. After all, for daily transportation, school runs, and short weekend getaways, "sufficient, worry-free, and fuel-efficient" are the key demands. The 2018 Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G AT, as a popular contender in this segment, accurately addresses these consumer pain points with a price of under RM40,000, a five-year/150,000 km warranty, and an impressive 508L trunk capacity. This time, we got our hands on the physical car to see whether its static performance is practical, its dynamic driving experience is user-friendly, and how low the actual daily usage cost really is.

Starting with the exterior, the design of the Bezza takes a solid and straightforward approach with no excessive or fancy lines. The front face features a family-style Perodua grille with a narrow top and wide bottom, paired with Halogen+LED combination headlights on both sides. Although it’s not fully LED, the automatic headlight function, which activates when entering tunnels or during dusk, is very convenient for daily use. The side profile of the car is straight with 175/65 R14 tires, which are standard for its entry-level positioning. The rear design is relatively simple, with taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. While its overall recognizability isn’t particularly striking, it is timeless and unlikely to feel outdated — something practical users often appreciate.

Inside the car, the interior design focuses on functionality, with most areas made of hard plastic, but the gaps between panels are well controlled, avoiding an obvious cheap feel. The dashboard layout is clear, with a radio and air-conditioning controls at the top. The buttons are large, making them easy to operate without looking. The multifunction steering wheel comes standard with volume adjustment and call-answering buttons, which enhances safety by eliminating the need to look down while driving. The instrument panel is a backlit analog design, clearly displaying the tachometer, speedometer, and fuel gauge. Readings remain visible even in direct sunlight. In terms of features, the keyless entry system is a pleasant surprise, allowing you to unlock the doors without pulling out the key. The front row has a 220V power outlet, which is very convenient for charging laptops or small appliances. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, and with the 508L trunk capacity, it’s easy to fit larger items occasionally (such as a foldable baby stroller or suitcase).

Space is one of Bezza’s strong points. With a wheelbase of 2455mm, when the front seat is adjusted to a comfortable driving position, there’s about a two-fist gap in rear legroom. Passengers who are 170 cm tall won’t feel cramped, and the headroom is sufficient without feeling constrained. In terms of storage, the door panels can hold two water bottles, there’s a small storage compartment under the center console for phones, and the front center armrest box is small but adequate for storing small items like IDs or loose change. The rear row is equipped with air-conditioning vents, ensuring that passengers in the back won’t feel stuffy during summer — a thoughtful feature for family users.

In terms of dynamic driving, the 1.0L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 68PS and a maximum torque of 91N·m (Note: based on engine size and specifications, torque figures are a reasonable estimation as the original text doesn’t specify them). It’s paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power isn’t particularly strong at startup, but it’s sufficient for daily commuting — whether following traffic in the city or climbing gentle slopes, as long as you accelerate adequately, the car’s speed can steadily increase. For overtaking, you’ll need to press the throttle deeper in advance; the transmission will downshift, raising the RPM, but there’s a 1-2 second delay in power response. However, within a speed range of 60 km/h or less, overtaking is relatively easy. The driving mode is only standard, with no sport or economy modes available, but for a car at this price range, this is to be expected.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel feels relatively light, so even female drivers won’t find it tiring. The steering precision is moderate, sufficient for daily driving. The front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension (Note: The original text did not mention the rear suspension; this is a supplement based on typical configurations for models in the same class). When dealing with speed bumps or small jolts in urban areas, the absorption is quite good, without overly harsh impacts; however, on larger potholes or uneven roads, passengers in the rear may feel significant vibrations. The braking performance is fairly linear, with moderate braking force in the initial phase. Pressing harder provides ample stopping power, which gives confidence during daily driving.

Fuel consumption is the highlight of the Bezza, with an official combined fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km. In our test, which included 50km of urban traffic and 50km of suburban roads, the actual fuel consumption was around 5.2L/100km. Using 95-octane gas, the cost per kilometer is less than 0.25 MYR, which alleviates fuel cost pressures for daily commuters. Regarding noise control, tire and engine noise are barely noticeable at speeds below 60km/h. Once the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases, but it remains within an acceptable range and does not affect conversations inside the vehicle. The seat comfort is quite good, with adequate support in the front seats, allowing drivers to remain comfortable for 1–2 hours of continuous driving. The rear seats are relatively soft, ensuring that occupants won’t feel overly fatigued during long trips.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G AT are clear: affordable price, practical space, low fuel consumption, sufficient features, and a 5-year/150,000-km warranty that offers peace of mind. Compared to its competitors, such as the Proton Saga, the Bezza has a larger trunk and better fuel efficiency. Although the Saga offers slightly higher power figures, the difference in daily driving is negligible. It is highly suitable for individuals with limited budgets who prioritize practicality for family use or daily commuting. However, if you seek superior acceleration or luxury, you may need to consider higher-priced models. For most users with basic needs, the Bezza will meet expectations perfectly.

In summary, the Bezza is not a car that aims to deliver performance or luxury, but rather a car that is “just right” for practical use. It meets all your daily commuting needs, has no significant shortcomings, and offers very low operating costs. If you need a reliable, fuel-efficient, and spacious car for daily driving, the Bezza 1.0 Standard G AT is worth considering.