2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H Special Metallic Review

The B-segment SUV market has always been a popular choice for family users and young consumers locally. Everyone wants a compact and agile body, while also expecting enough space and practical configurations. The 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H Special Metallic, as one of the main models in this segment, is the test drive model I got this time. I mainly want to see whether it can maintain its previous competitiveness in terms of configuration, performance, and daily practicality, and I will also focus on whether the newly added Special Metallic version has any special highlights.

From the exterior, the overall design of this car still leans towards a youthful and dynamic style. The front features a large-sized grille paired with blackened trim, which gives it a high level of recognition. The LED headlight group has a sharp design and comes standard with automatic headlights and daytime running lights, providing clear visual effects when illuminated. The side profile has smooth lines, and the 17-inch wheel size is just right, not appearing too bulky. The slightly protruding wheel arches also add a bit of a rugged SUV feel. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a semi-through design. Although they aren't fully connected, the symmetrical shape of the left and right light groups, combined with the silver rear bumper plate, creates a nice sense of layering overall. It's worth noting the car paint of the Special Metallic version, which displays a refined metallic sheen under the sunlight, offering a more premium look compared to the standard version.

Sitting inside, the interior layout is simple and practical. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials which, although not leather, feel delicate and do not give a cheap impression. The 9-inch touch screen in the center has a clear interface layout and smooth operation, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and phone mirroring functions. The instrument panel is a 7-inch TFT multifunction display, capable of showing speed, fuel consumption, navigation, and other information, which is convenient for data reading. In terms of configuration, this car is equipped with keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, electrically folding rearview mirrors, and a manual front air conditioning system with memory function, making daily use highly convenient. The seats are fabric, with manually adjustable front seats. While lacking electric adjustment, the range of adjustment is sufficient, and long drives are not too tiring. The rear seats can be split 60:40 and folded down, which can expand the trunk space and help with transporting large items.

The space performance aligns with the B-segment SUV positioning. The vehicle's dimensions are 4065mm in length, 1710mm in width, and 1635mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2525mm. For a 175cm tall passenger seated in the front row, there is still about a fist and two fingers of headroom, and leg space is ample. In the back row, seating is just right for three adults. There is about a fist of legroom and sufficient headroom, so it doesn’t feel cramped. The trunk has a standard capacity of 303L, which can fit two 20-inch suitcases without issues. When the rear seats are folded down, it can accommodate larger items like a baby stroller or a folding bicycle. The interior also offers plenty of storage spaces. The door panels have storage areas that can hold two bottles of water, while the center armrest and glove compartment provide sufficient space. The front row is also equipped with USB ports and a 220V power outlet, which makes charging electronic devices convenient.

In terms of power, the 1.0L turbo three-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power of 98PS and a peak torque of 140N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response during startup is relatively positive, and you can feel the power output with a light tap on the accelerator, without any sense of sluggishness. Even after accelerating to 60km/h, the power remains abundant. When overtaking, a deep press on the accelerator causes the transmission to simulate gear shifts, and with an increase in RPM, the power output remains smooth without any sense of lurching. There are two driving modes: normal and sport. In sport mode, the throttle responds more sensitively, making it suitable for overtakes on highways. Fuel consumption is impressive, with an official combined consumption of 5.3L/100km. In actual city driving tests, the fuel consumption stands at about 6.2L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to 5.0L/100km, making it economical for family users.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal deadzone. It's light at low speeds and becomes heavier at higher speeds, making it easy to handle. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, with a comfort-oriented tuning. It absorbs most vibrations when going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, avoiding any significant jolts. During cornering, the vehicle shows good control over body roll, ensuring there’s no sensation of swaying, and the stability is excellent. The brakes are linear in performance, offering proportional braking power that gives a sense of security.

Safety features are one of the highlights of this car, as it comes standard with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, active emergency braking, forward collision warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, making it very user-friendly for beginners. With a minimum ground clearance of 200mm, it offers decent off-road capability and can easily handle rough rural roads.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H Special Metallic lie in its high cost-performance ratio and comprehensive features. Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, it is priced lower but offers a more complete set of features. For example, the standard six airbags, active safety systems, and keyless entry are usually only found in higher trims of rival models. Its power and fuel consumption performance are also well-balanced, making it suitable for daily commuting and family use.

This vehicle is ideal for family users who emphasize practicality and value for money, especially those in need of a compact SUV to meet daily commuting and weekend getaway needs. It offers ample space, rich features, economical fuel consumption, and a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a hassle-free and practical compact SUV, this vehicle is worth considering.

In conclusion, the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo H Special Metallic is a well-rounded family SUV that performs well in terms of features, power, space, and fuel efficiency. Notably, its safety features and practicality can meet the needs of most families.