2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 AV Review

In the B-Segment 7-seater MPV market in Malaysia, family users have always been the main group—they want enough seats to accommodate the whole family while also expecting practical configurations and affordability. As a popular model in this segment, the 2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 AV has garnered significant attention since its launch, thanks to its class-leading wheelbase, comprehensive safety features, and balanced fuel efficiency. This time, we got our hands on the top variant, the 1.5 AV version, with the primary aim of testing its actual performance in everyday family usage scenarios: Is the space really sufficient? Are the safety features practical? Can the power and fuel efficiency meet the needs of a family?

From the exterior, the 2022 Alza 1.5 AV adopts a stable yet refined design approach. The front fascia features a large trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb pattern, flanked by sharp LED headlight units, making it visually distinctive; the fog light zones below are accented with chrome strips, preventing the front from looking too dull. The side profile has smooth lines, with the 2750mm wheelbase being advantageous in its class. The door handles and side skirts are treated with black details, in combination with 16-inch alloy wheels, creating a harmonious appearance overall. At the rear, the LED taillights are of a through-type design, connected in the middle by a chrome strip, presenting a clear lighting effect when illuminated. The lower rear bumper features a black skid plate and hidden exhaust, aligning with the positioning of a family car.

Upon opening the door, the interior layout focuses on practicality. The dashboard has a layered design, with the upper part wrapped in soft-touch materials and the lower part made of hard plastic, but the craftsmanship is fairly well-done. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display serves as the visual centerpiece, featuring a clear interface, smooth operation, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is convenient for daily use. The instrument cluster has a 7-inch digital display, showing information like RPM, speed, fuel consumption, and the status of safety systems, with intuitive readability. In terms of features, the 1.5 AV version is well-equipped: keyless entry/start, electronic parking brake, front USB ports, rear air conditioning vents, and a 220V power outlet are all provided, with the rear air conditioning being particularly practical for families in tropical regions.

Space performance is one of Alza’s core selling points. The 2750mm wheelbase delivers a spacious cabin. The second-row seats can slide forward and backward, adjust for recline, and fold with a single touch. Even with a passenger of 175cm in height sitting in the second row, there remains about two fist widths of legroom. The third-row seats are suitable for children or smaller adults, fine for short trips, but might feel cramped for longer journeys. In terms of storage, the front row includes a phone slot, cup holders, and a center armrest compartment, while the second row features a center armrest with cup holders. The trunk has a standard capacity of 498L, which can be expanded by folding down the third-row seats, making it easy to store strollers or luggage.

In terms of power, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum output of 106PS and a peak torque of 138Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. During everyday driving, the initial acceleration is relatively brisk, and low-speed operation is smooth, making it suitable for urban commutes. However, when accelerating beyond 80km/h, the power delivery feels somewhat weak, requiring a heavier press on the accelerator for overtaking. The transmission performs adequately, offering smooth shifts, though there is a slight delay in RPM climb during rapid acceleration. The official combined fuel consumption is 5.29L/100km. In our actual testing, urban driving yielded a fuel consumption of approximately 6.5L/100km, while highway conditions reduced it to below 5L/100km. Overall, the fuel efficiency meets the expectations of a family car.

The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, capable of filtering out most small road bumps, and vibrations when crossing speed bumps are not too stiff. The rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension, which offers decent support when fully loaded, but body roll is more pronounced during sharp cornering. The steering is light, with average precision, suitable for daily driving but not for aggressive handling. The braking system performs steadily, with moderate braking distance, meeting the standards of a family car.

Safety features are a highlight of the 1.5 AV version, including 6 airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, active braking, 360-degree surround view camera, and the Advanced Safety Assist 3.0 system from Perodua, which can effectively prevent rear-end collisions or lane departure risks, especially in city driving. In terms of noise control, the cabin is relatively quiet at low speeds, while wind and tire noise slightly increase at high speeds but remain within an acceptable range.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 AV are its spacious 7-seater space, comprehensive safety features, fuel efficiency, and affordable price (RM 75,500). Compared to similar models like the Proton Exora or Toyota Veloz, the Alza offers advantages in wheelbase and safety features, along with a more competitive price. It is suitable for family users who value space, safety, and fuel efficiency, especially those who frequently need to transport family or friends. If your needs are daily commuting, weekend family outings, and your budget is between RM 70,000 to RM 80,000, the Alza 1.5 AV would be a good choice.