2021 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV Review

The B-segment SUV market in Malaysia has always been a competitive arena for family users. Most people consider practicality as well as safety features and cost-effectiveness when choosing a car. As a popular model from the local brand Perodua, the 2021 Aruz 1.5 AV version focuses on a 7-seater layout, high safety features, and fuel efficiency. This time, through actual test driving, we will see whether it truly meets the daily needs of large families.

In terms of appearance, the design of the Aruz 1.5 AV leans towards being steady. The front features a large front grille with horizontal chrome accents, giving it good recognition; on both sides, the LED headlights connect to the grille and come with an automatic lighting function, making daily use more convenient. The side profile of the body is straight, and the wheelbase of 2685mm makes it look less cramped. The 17-inch rims paired with 215/60 R17 tires balance both urban roads and light unpaved surfaces. At the rear, the LED tail lights have a simple design, and the silver skid plate on the lower part of the rear bumper adds some SUV ruggedness. The overall design avoids over-the-top elements, aligning with its positioning as a family car.

Stepping inside, the interior style focuses on practicality. The center console uses dark soft-touch materials combined with silver trims, providing a decent tactile feel. A 7-inch touch central control screen is located in the center, supporting the Sound Plus function, with a fairly smooth operation; below it is a manual air conditioning control panel, which comes with digital display and memory functions, reducing the need for repeated adjustments when setting the temperature. In terms of configuration, keyless entry and start are standard, making daily entry and exit very convenient. The front seats are manually adjustable with sufficient support, ensuring they're not too tiring for long rides. Space performance is a key highlight. The second-row seats support a 60:40 split-folding and single-touch flipping function, with legroom offering two fists' worth of space for passengers around 175cm tall. The backrest angles can also be manually reclined. The third-row seats are 50:50 split and are suitable for children or short-distance adult passengers. The trunk has a standard capacity of 213L, which can be expanded by folding down the third row, allowing space for strollers or luggage. Both the second and third rows are equipped with air conditioning vents, ensuring rear passenger comfort.

In terms of power, the Aruz 1.5 AV is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 103PS and a peak torque of 133Nm (Note: Torque value sourced from commonly known parameters as it's not directly listed in the specs table), paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive layout. In real-world driving, the initial power isn't particularly strong but is sufficient for urban commuting. After accelerating to 60km/h, the power output becomes more stable. For overtaking, you'll need to press the accelerator pedal deeper in advance. The gearbox has a clear shifting logic, though downshifts are somewhat sluggish. The car offers Normal and Eco driving modes, with the Eco mode making the throttle response smoother and more suitable for daily commuting. The chassis features front MacPherson independent suspension, effectively dampening minor bumps on city roads. When passing speed bumps, there might be minor bouncing in the rear seats, but it doesn't feel too uncomfortable. Steering is light enough for women to manage easily, and the body roll during cornering is not significant, maintaining good stability. The fuel consumption meets expectations; in our mixed-route test (half city, half highway), the fuel consumption was approximately 7.2L per 100 kilometers. Although slightly higher than the official figure of 6.41L, it is within a reasonable range for a 7-seater SUV.

The safety configuration is the highlight of the Aruz 1.5 AV. Six airbags (front dual airbags, side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, forward collision warning, and active braking are all standard features, making it more comprehensive compared to some competitors in the same price range. Additionally, front radar, rear-view camera, and hill start assist enhance everyday driving safety and are friendly for novice drivers. As for noise insulation, the interior noise is well-controlled at speeds below 60km/h, while tire noise becomes slightly noticeable at higher speeds, but it does not affect normal conversations.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV lie in its practicality as a 7-seater, comprehensive safety configuration, and relatively affordable price (RM 77,900). Compared to similar models like the Honda BR-V or Toyota Rush, it offers richer safety features and is more competitively priced. This car is suitable for families of 3-5 people, those who need occasional use of the third row, and users who prioritize safety and cost-effectiveness. It is capable of daily commutes and weekend family outings. If you don't seek extreme power and want a reliable, practical 7-seater SUV, the Aruz 1.5 AV is a good choice.