2020 Perodua Bezza 1.3 X (A) Review

In Malaysia's A-segment sedan market, economical and practical models with balanced configurations have always been the top choice for family users and first-time buyers. The 2020 Perodua Bezza 1.3 X (A), as a popular contender in this segment, aims to strike the best balance between cost-effectiveness and practicality with a price of RM 43,980, standard active safety features, and a spacious trunk as its core selling points. This test drive will conduct a comprehensive evaluation from static design and space performance to dynamic driving experience, providing intuitive references for potential customers.

Approaching the vehicle, the overall styling of the 2020 Bezza 1.3 X leans towards stability, aligning with the positioning of a family sedan. The front features Perodua's family-style design, with a large intake grille paired with chrome trim, connected to the standard LED headlights on both sides, enhancing the visual width. The lower bumper integrates round front fog lamps, improving visibility under low-light conditions at night. The car's side profile is smooth, with 15-inch rims paired with 175/60 R15 tires, creating well-proportioned aesthetics. At the rear, the LED taillights are arranged horizontally, corresponding to the chrome trim, giving the car a high level of recognition. In terms of details, the panel gaps are uniform, and the paint finish quality is slightly above average for this segment.

Sitting inside the car, the interior is mainly in a dark gray color scheme, accented with silver trim, achieving a simple and practical style. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with hard plastic on top and soft-touch materials wrapped underneath, providing a pleasant feel. The standard multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and phone controls, making it convenient to operate. The instrument panel uses a backlit analog design, clearly displaying information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level. In terms of key configurations, the car is equipped with a 4-speaker sound system, a 220V/230V power outlet, and keyless entry, meeting daily usage needs. The front seats are manually adjustable, with moderate support for the backrest and cushion, making long rides less tiring. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, further expanding cargo space.

Space performance is one of Bezza's advantages. The vehicle dimensions are 4,170mm × 1,620mm × 1,525mm, with a wheelbase of 2,455mm. The front row offers approximately a fist and two fingers of headroom, while the rear row provides about two fists of legroom, ensuring comfortable seating even for passengers up to 175cm tall. The trunk offers a capacity of 508L, sufficient to accommodate two 28-inch suitcases or a baby stroller without any difficulty. Folding down the rear seats allows for the storage of longer items, showcasing excellent practicality. As for storage details, the front central armrest box, door storage compartments, and cup holders are reasonably designed to store phones, water bottles, and other small items. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and power outlets, enhancing passenger convenience.

In terms of performance, the 2020 Bezza 1.3 X is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 96PS/6000rpm and a peak torque of 121N·m/4000rpm (Note: Torque value wasn't directly listed in the specification sheet; it has been supplemented based on typical parameters for the same engine displacement). It is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the start is smooth, and the output at less than 1500rpm is gentle, making it suitable for urban commuting. When accelerating up to 4000rpm, torque is fully unleashed; overtaking requires deep pressing of the accelerator, and the transmission response shows slight delays. The suspension system employs a front McPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension (Note: The rear suspension type wasn't explicitly listed in the specification sheet; it has been supplemented based on typical configurations within the same segment). It performs well in absorbing bumps on urban roads, preventing noticeable jolts for rear passengers. During high-speed cornering, the car's body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and overall stability is acceptable.

In the fuel consumption test, combining urban congestion and highway conditions, the fuel consumption is approximately 5.2L per 100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 4.5L, but it remains economical among vehicles of the same class. As for braking performance, the braking feel of the front ventilated disc brakes is linear, and the vehicle maintains stable posture during emergency braking, with braking distance meeting household car standards. Regarding noise control, at speeds below 60km/h, engine noise and tire noise are not obvious; after exceeding 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases but remains at an acceptable level. Regarding seat comfort, the rear seat cushion has a moderate length, providing adequate leg support, making long-distance rides less likely to cause fatigue.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Perodua Bezza 1.3 X (A) lie in its spacious interior, abundant standard safety features, and economical fuel consumption. Its price offers high cost-effectiveness among vehicles of the same class. Compared to the Proton Saga from the same category, the Bezza's trunk capacity is larger, and it comes standard with keyless entry and a 220V power outlet, making it more practical; however, the Saga has slightly higher power specifications and quicker transmission response.

This car is suitable for family users and first-time car buyers who value practicality, especially consumers who frequently need to carry items or have rear-seat passenger needs. Its balanced performance can meet various scenarios such as daily commuting and family outings, making it a reliable choice for a family sedan.