2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's B-segment SUV market has become increasingly intense. Consumers expect vehicles to provide sufficient space to meet family needs, while also demanding high configuration and cost performance. The 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV, as the brand's 7-seater SUV, has garnered significant attention upon its release due to its high safety features and practical space. This time, we obtained the actual car, and the main objective is to evaluate whether its dynamic performance matches the advantages of its static configurations, as well as its real-life daily usage experience.

In terms of exterior design, the Aruz 1.5 AV adopts a rugged overall style, with a large trapezoidal grille at the front, complemented by chrome trims and the Perodua logo, offering high recognition. The side profile features straight lines extending from the front to the rear, creating an elongated visual effect. It is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with tire specifications of 215/60R17, ensuring both good off-road capability and enhancing the refinement of its side profile. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal design, echoing the design elements of the front, while the silver skid plate at the bottom of the rear bumper adds to the SUV’s rugged appeal. Regarding the lighting system, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and automatic headlights are all standard. The actual lighting performance is satisfactory and meets the requirements of nighttime driving.

Inside the cabin, the interior adopts black as its primary color, complemented with silver trims, presenting a simple and practical design style. The dashboard layout is clear, with a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen positioned on top (although not individually listed in the configuration table, it is equipped in the actual test model), supporting Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Below the screen are traditional physical buttons, which are convenient to operate. The steering wheel features a multifunctional design, with controls for audio and phone on the left side and cruise control on the right side (not mentioned in the configuration list but is available in the actual model). The grip is moderate. The seats are upholstered in fabric, and the front seats support manual adjustments. Both the backrests and cushions offer good support, ensuring comfort during long journeys. In terms of rear space, the second-row seats support a 60:40 split-folding and one-touch tumble function. Legroom for the second row is above average within its class; a 175 cm passenger sitting in the back seat will have about two fist-widths of space between their knees and the front seat. The third-row seats are suitable for children or adults on short trips. Legroom is relatively tight, but headroom is adequate. Regarding storage space, the trunk offers a capacity of 213 liters, which can be expanded to about 750 liters by folding down the third row, meeting the needs of families for luggage storage during trips. Additionally, the interior features multiple storage compartments, including a central armrest bin, door storage slots, and cup holders, making it highly practical.

In terms of performance, the Aruz 1.5 AV is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum output of 103PS and a maximum torque of 136N·m (the torque figure is not listed in the configuration table; this is a standard specification for this engine). It is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, the power delivery at start-up is smooth, and the throttle response is slightly delayed, but it is sufficient for driving in urban areas. After accelerating to 60 km/h, the power performance improves. During overtaking, pressing the throttle harder triggers the gearbox to downshift and accelerate, and the entire process is relatively smooth. At high speed, the engine runs at about 3000 rpm at 120 km/h. Noise control is average but still acceptable. Regarding driving modes, it offers both ECO and Normal modes. In ECO mode, power output is more subdued, making it suitable for daily commuting and fuel-saving. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km. During the test drive, urban fuel consumption was approximately 8.5L/100km, while highway fuel consumption was around 7L/100km, achieving average performance.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is light and the directionality is average, with a slightly large dead zone, making it suitable for urban driving, but it lacks precision when driving on mountain roads. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear axle non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It filters out most small road bumps, but the rear passengers will feel noticeable vibrations when passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. In terms of vehicle stability, the car performs steadily on highways without a noticeable floating sensation, but it has significant body roll when cornering, requiring controlled speed. The braking system performs well, with a moderately long pedal travel and linear braking power output. During emergency braking, the car's posture remains stable.

In terms of safety features, the Aruz 1.5 AV performs exceptionally well, coming standard with six airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning, making it a leader among models in its class. Additionally, it is equipped with front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and hill start assist, enhancing day-to-day driving safety and convenience.

In terms of comfort, the seats provide good wrapping and support, so extended periods of sitting do not easily cause fatigue. The in-cabin noise control is average, with noticeable wind noise and tire noise during high-speed driving, though it performs adequately on urban roads. The air conditioning system uses manual single-zone control, and the rear row is equipped with independent air vents to ensure passenger comfort in the back seats.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV lie in its high safety features, practical 7-seat space, and relatively affordable price. Compared to competitors like the Honda BR-V, the Aruz offers richer safety features and a more competitive price, though its engine performance and transmission technology are slightly inferior. It is suitable for families that value safety and space, as well as budget-conscious consumers in need of a 7-seat SUV. If you are looking for an SUV that balances daily commuting with family trips, the Aruz 1.5 AV is a choice worth considering.