2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H Review

Nowadays, the competition in the Malaysian B-Segment SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. From daily commuting to family trips, consumers value practicality and space while also having clear requirements for safety features and fuel efficiency. The 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H, as a popular model in this segment, not only continues to maintain its high cost-performance advantage but also undergoes a comprehensive upgrade in safety features, even coming standard with six airbags and an active braking system—features rarely seen in cars in the same price range. With the question of whether it can meet the comprehensive needs of most family users, we conducted a one-week test drive, assessing everything from static details to dynamic performance.

Approaching the vehicle, the design of the 2023 Ativa continues its youthful styling from before. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with a honeycomb pattern in black, flanked by LED headlamp clusters connected to the grille via chrome trim, giving the vehicle a wider visual impression. Subtle creases on the hood enhance the sense of power. The side profile is simple, with a waistline that runs from the front fender through the door handles to the rear, complemented by 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, creating an overall harmonious proportion. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights feature a layered light design for high recognition when illuminated. The rear bumper is equipped with a silver skid plate and a concealed exhaust pipe, aligning with the SUV's positioning. The lighting system is noteworthy: LED automatic headlights support light-sensing activation, while the front fog lights use halogen illumination with sufficient brightness. The daytime running lights adopt an L-shape design, integrated with the headlamp cluster.

Opening the door, the interior predominantly features a black color scheme, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a refined texture. The central control area is clearly arranged, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen in the center with decent resolution. The system supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Below the screen, physical air conditioning buttons are retained with digital controls and memory functions, offering user-friendly operation. The instrument panel is a 7-inch color TFT display that provides information on RPM, speed, fuel consumption, range, and more in a simple and easy-to-read interface. The multifunction steering wheel is made of plastic and supports volume adjustment, call answering, and cruise control functions, with a moderate grip. The seats are fabric and offer manual adjustment for the front seats. The backrest and seat cushion provide decent support, ensuring no significant fatigue even after extended periods of sitting. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split; when folded, the trunk's capacity expands from 303L to 369L, capable of accommodating large-sized luggage. In terms of storage, the front door pockets can hold two water bottles, the central armrest box has a moderate depth, and the mild protrusion in the rear floor does not significantly affect the foot space for the middle passenger. Additionally, the car is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets and multiple USB charging ports to meet everyday power needs.

In terms of power, the 1.0L three-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 72kW (98PS) and a peak torque of 140N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response feels lively during startups, and a light press on the accelerator is enough to get the vehicle moving. In city driving, the engine maintains around 2000rpm to provide sufficient torque, and during overtaking, pressing the accelerator further prompts the gearbox to simulate gear shifts, ensuring smooth and continuous power delivery. At highway speeds, when the vehicle reaches 120km/h, the power reserve appears slightly lacking for further acceleration, but it is sufficient for daily commutes and family trips. The driving modes include Normal and Eco; in Eco mode, the throttle response becomes slower, making it suitable for highway cruising to reduce fuel consumption. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear double-link independent suspension setup, favoring comfort in its tuning. It absorbs most small vibrations when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, keeping the vehicle stable. During cornering, body roll is within a reasonable range, and the steering wheel provides precise turns with minimal play, giving drivers ample confidence. With a minimum ground clearance of 200mm, the vehicle demonstrates good performance on uneven roads or light off-road conditions.

Fuel efficiency performance is one of the key focuses of this test. After a week of mixed urban and highway driving (urban segments accounting for approximately 60%), the comprehensive fuel consumption is 5.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official 5.3L/100km. Considering the frequent stop-and-go traffic and use of air conditioning, this result places it in the upper-middle range among similar models. The braking system performs stably, with a 100km/h stopping distance of approximately 38 meters, meeting the standards for family cars. In terms of noise control, engine noise is negligible at idle, while at a speed of 80km/h, wind and tire noise gradually enter the cabin but do not affect normal conversations; at highway speeds, cabin noise remains within an acceptable range.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H lie in its safety features and practicality. Features such as six airbags, lane departure warning, autonomous braking, and front-rear sensors are all standard, making it highly competitive among vehicles in the same price range. The 2525mm wheelbase and flexible trunk space meet the storage needs of family users. Compared to the similarly-classed Proton X50, Ativa has a lower price and comparable safety features, though its power output slightly lags behind. Meanwhile, compared to the Honda HR-V, Ativa has a stronger value proposition. This car is suitable for family users who prioritize safety, practicality, and fuel efficiency, especially for everyday commutes and weekend getaways.

In conclusion, the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H is a well-balanced family SUV. While its performance is moderate, the safety features and practical interior space are more than enough to make up for it. If you're looking for a high-value family car for daily driving, it is worth considering.