2023 Perodua Alza 1.5 H Review

In Malaysia's current highly competitive MPV market, consumers value the practicality of 7-seaters, while also hoping to balance features and cost-effectiveness. The 2023 Perodua Alza 1.5 H, as the brand's flagship model, has seen significant upgrades in terms of space expansion and intelligent safety features. In this test drive, we focused on its suitability for everyday household use to see if it could meet the core needs of families with more members.

In terms of appearance, the Alza 1.5 H continues Perodua's family design style, with an overall look that leans towards being stable but not monotonous in detail. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with chrome trims, complemented by sharp LED headlights on both sides connected to the grille, enhancing the visual width. The side profile showcases a waistline extending from the front fender to the taillight, with 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels sized at 195/60 R16, offering a balanced proportion. At the rear, the LED taillight set adopts a horizontal layout with clear internal light strips, and a black skid plate is added below the rear bumper, giving it a subtle crossover look. The overall design has good recognition and matches the steady positioning of family cars.

Sitting inside the car, the interior layout of the Alza 1.5 H is simple and practical. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper part covered in soft materials, which feel decent to the touch. A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display is centrally positioned, providing smooth operations and supporting basic multimedia functions. The instrument cluster features a fully digital design, displaying a wealth of information including speed, RPM, and fuel consumption, all of which are straightforward to read. In terms of features, the entire range comes standard with keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, and manual single-zone air conditioning with digital controls and memory functions for the front row. A dedicated rear air-conditioning vent is also provided, catering to the comfort of rear passengers. Regarding seats, the front row features manually adjustable seats with adequate support for everyday use; the second-row seats offer 60:40 split folding, one-touch tumble, manual sliding, and recline functions, along with a central armrest for the convenience of third-row passengers. The third row has a 50:50 split design and can be folded to expand the trunk space. The vehicle dimensions measure 4425mm×1730mm×1670mm, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. The actual sitting space performs well, with a 175cm passenger having a fist-space of headroom in the front and two fists of legroom in the second row, while the third row is more suitable for children or adults on short journeys. The trunk offers a regular capacity of 137L, which can fit a large suitcase when the third row is folded, meeting the practical needs of families.

In terms of power, the Alza 1.5 H is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum power of 78kW (106PS) and a peak torque of 138N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the initial response is swift, and the low RPM range provides sufficient power for city commutes. The CVT transmission performs smoothly during acceleration without notable jerks. When switched to sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, giving a more immediate power output for overtaking. However, its high-speed acceleration capability is average, aligning with its family-car orientation. Regarding fuel economy, the official combined fuel consumption is 4.6L/100km. In real-world city driving conditions, it averages around 5.5L/100km, while achieving approximately 4.8L/100km on highways, showcasing commendable fuel efficiency.

In terms of handling, the Alza 1.5 H adopts a front MacPherson and rear torsion beam suspension combination. The steering feel is light, making it suitable for urban driving, with a moderately accurate directional response. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out minor road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body movement is not very pronounced, maintaining decent stability. However, during fast cornering, body roll is slightly noticeable—after all, it is an MPV model, so handling is not its primary focus. Regarding noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet at speeds below 60km/h. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise and tire noise become increasingly apparent but remain within an acceptable range. Safety features are a highlight of the Alza 1.5 H. All models come standard with 6 airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and seatbelt reminders for the front, middle, and rear rows, ensuring solid safety performance.

On the whole, the core advantages of the 2023 Perodua Alza 1.5 H lie in its flexible seven-seat space, comprehensive safety features, and decent fuel efficiency. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Proton Exora, the Alza has an edge in terms of configuration and fuel consumption, while also being more affordable. This vehicle is suitable for families who prioritize practicality and safety, especially for those who frequently carry multiple passengers or have loading needs. If you are looking for a balanced and reliable family MPV, the Alza 1.5 H is a worthwhile option to consider.