2023 Perodua Aruz 1.5L AV Review

In the B-segment 7-seater SUV market in Malaysia, the needs of family users always revolve around three core aspects: "sufficient space, practical features, and affordable price." The Perodua Aruz has been a popular choice in this segment, and the 2023 1.5L AV model, with its standard Level 2 driving assistance, flexible 7-seater layout, and Perodua's consistent high value-for-money proposition, has been a key consideration for many families. This time, we got a test drive of the Aruz 1.5L AV, with the core aim of assessing whether its static practicality fits multi-child families and if its dynamic performance can meet the dual demands of daily commuting and weekend trips.

From a distance, the 2023 Aruz 1.5L AV's exterior continues Perodua's rugged style, with overall square lines that suit the practical positioning of a 7-seater SUV. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, connected by chrome strips to the sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it good recognition; the side profile's waistline extends from the fender to the rear, and the 16-inch alloy wheels prevent it from looking overly bulky visually. The rear LED tail lights adopt a through-type design (though the center is not illuminated), paired with a silver lower skid plate, making it more refined compared to the older version.

Opening the door, the interior features a black color scheme. The dashboard uses soft-touch materials combined with silver trims. While the materials cannot be called luxurious, the workmanship is quite tidy. The 9-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with smooth operation; below is the manual air conditioning digital control panel with memory function, making adjustments intuitive and convenient. In terms of equipment, the Aruz 1.5L AV performs solidly: keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, a 6-speaker audio system, and rear air-conditioning vents are all included. Its safety configurations are particularly noteworthy, featuring standard 6 airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, and a Level 2 driving assistance system (including ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active braking), which are top-tier in its price range.

Space is one of Aruz's core strengths. With body dimensions of 4425mm × 1730mm × 1660mm and a wheelbase of 2750mm, this wheelbase is on the longer side among B-segment SUVs. The front row offers decent space, with a 175cm passenger having a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The second-row seats support 60:40 split and one-touch folding, providing up to two fists of legroom, and won't feel too cramped even with child seats. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or short-distance adult passengers, with legroom that is decent for this class of 7-seater cars. Regarding storage, the trunk offers a regular capacity of 137L, extending to 514L when the third row is folded down, and can hold even larger items when the second row is folded, meeting the needs of family outings. Inside, there are front cup holders, a central armrest box, and rear door storage compartments, maximizing practicality.

In terms of power, the Aruz 1.5L AV is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 106PS and a peak torque of 138N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive layout. During actual driving, acceleration is fairly light, and the power response is active at low speeds, making it suitable for daily commuting. However, past 80 km/h, further acceleration requires a hard push on the accelerator. The CVT gearbox simulates gear shifts, but power delivery remains smooth and lacks explosiveness. There are Normal and Eco driving modes to choose from, with the Eco mode providing gentler throttle response, suitable for stop-and-go city driving.

In terms of handling, the Aruz adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension (rear-wheel drive layout). The steering wheel is relatively light in turning effort and has average precision; it is suitable for daily driving but lacks driving excitement. The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, filtering out most minor bumps when passing speed bumps or uneven roads. However, body roll is quite noticeable when cornering at high speeds, so speed control is needed. The braking performance is average, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the initial braking force is not very strong, but the force in the later stage is sufficient, giving reasonable confidence during daily driving.

During the test drive, we evaluated the fuel consumption: about 8.5L/100km in congested city traffic, and around 6.0L/100km during highway cruising. The combined fuel consumption is approximately 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.41L/100km. However, considering the weight of the 7-seater and the rear-wheel drive layout, this result is within a normal range. As for noise control, it’s relatively quiet under 60km/h, but wind and tire noise become noticeably louder above 80km/h. Nonetheless, this is acceptable within its price range. The seat comfort is commendable, with decent support in the front seats for long drives. The second-row seats, with adjustable backrest angles, offer a better seating experience compared to the third row.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2023 Perodua Aruz 1.5L AV are clear: spacious 7-seater capability, practical features (especially safety features), and Perodua’s affordable pricing (RM 75,500). Compared to peers like the Proton X70 1.5T Standard (which is more expensive and a 5-seater) or Honda BR-V 1.5V (which has slightly fewer features), the Aruz holds a stronger position in terms of value for money and 7-seater practicality.

The target audience for this vehicle is clear: families who value space and safety, particularly those who frequently need to transport 5-7 people and have a budget in the RM 70,000-80,000 range. It is not ideal for users seeking performance or driving fun, but as a daily commuter or a family vehicle for weekend trips, its well-rounded performance is sufficient to meet these needs.

In conclusion, the 2023 Perodua Aruz 1.5L AV is a practical 7-seater SUV designed "for families," addressing core needs with solid features and ample space. It is one of the more recommendable choices in its price range.