2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 H Review

The B-segment MPV market has been heating up in Malaysia in recent years, with increasing demand for 7-seater vehicles among family users. As a key player in this segment, the 2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 H has attracted considerable attention since its launch due to its more comprehensive safety features and the space advantage of its longer wheelbase. This time, we got our hands on the 1.5 H version for a test drive, with the main goal of assessing its actual performance in daily commuting and family travel scenarios to see if this national MPV truly balances practicality and cost-effectiveness.

From the exterior, the 2022 Alza 1.5 H exhibits a youthful overall design. The front end features a large trapezoidal grille with horizontal trim elements in a blacked-out finish, and the Perodua logo embedded in the center enhances recognition. The sharp LED automatic headlights are connected to the edges of the grille, visually widening the front end. The fog light area is accented with L-shaped chrome trims, adding a touch of refinement. The side profile has smooth lines, with the waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, passing through the door handles, while the 16-inch alloy wheels are designed to be simple and elegant. At the rear, the LED taillights are horizontally arranged, complementing the spoiler on the rear window. The lower bumper features silver skid-plate decorations, creating an overall design that is cohesive and aligns well with the position of a family car.

Stepping inside, the interior theme is dominated by dark gray tones, with the center console covered in soft materials, offering a relatively refined touch. The central area of the console is clearly laid out, with a 9-inch touchscreen in the middle that supports Sound Plus functionality and has commendable operational smoothness. Physical buttons are retained below for easy operation while driving. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster provides rich information, including speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other data, with a simple and easy-to-read interface. In terms of features, it comes with keyless entry/start, manually adjustable front air conditioning (with digital control and memory functions), independent rear air conditioning vents, and a 220V/230V power outlet, all adding to everyday convenience. The seats are upholstered in fabric, with the front seats manually adjustable and offering moderate support for both the backrest and cushions. The second-row seats support 60:40 split, one-touch folding, manual sliding, and recline functions, along with a central armrest, ensuring long-duration comfort. The third-row seats are 50:50 split and have limited space for adults but are suitable for short distances as emergency seating. In terms of space, the advantage of the 2750mm wheelbase is evident — the second row offers about two fists of legroom, and after folding the third row, the trunk volume reaches 498 liters, fully meeting a family's cargo demands.

For performance, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power output of 106PS at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 138Nm at 4200rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. The power output during startup is smooth, with a responsive throttle, providing sufficient power with light accelerator pressure during city commuting. While mid-to-high-range acceleration is not particularly strong, stepping harder on the throttle for overtaking prompts quick downshifting by the transmission, ensuring seamless power delivery and meeting the requirements of highway cruising. There are two driving modes: Normal and Eco. In Eco mode, the throttle response becomes slightly sluggish, suitable for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. Handling is satisfactory, with light steering effort and decent precision. The front MacPherson independent suspension absorbs most minor vibrations on bumpy roads effectively, and the vehicle body maintains stability without significant residual vibrations when crossing speed bumps. However, during high-speed cornering, body roll is more pronounced, which is expected for an MPV where handling is not a strong suit. Regarding fuel consumption, mixed city and highway driving tests yielded a combined consumption of around 5.8L per 100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 5.29L. However, considering real-world driving conditions, this is still a commendable result. Safety features are a highlight, with six airbags, lane departure warning, autonomous braking, and forward collision warning all included as standard, making it highly competitive among models in its class.

In terms of ride comfort, the in-car noise control is quite good, with wind noise and tire noise at acceptable levels during high-speed driving; the seats have moderate wrapping and support, making long-duration seating less fatiguing. Although the space in the third row is limited, the cushion height is sufficient to avoid the feeling of "sitting on a small bench." It's worth mentioning that the one-touch folding function of the second row is very practical, making it convenient for passengers to access the third row.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 H lie in its comprehensive safety features, spacious 7-seater configuration, and excellent fuel economy. Compared to the Proton Exora of the same class, the Alza offers more extensive safety configurations, a longer wheelbase, and lower fuel consumption. Although its power and handling are not particularly outstanding, these shortcomings do not affect its core competitiveness as a family MPV. This car is especially suitable for users who prioritize practicality, safety features, and fuel efficiency, particularly families that frequently travel with 6-7 passengers. If you are looking for a cost-effective, well-equipped family MPV, the 2022 Perodua Alza 1.5 H is definitely worth considering.