2023 Perodua Ativa Ativa 1.0L TURBO AV (2-Tone special Metallic Black Roof) Review

In the B-Segment SUV market in Malaysia, consumers often prioritize factors such as practicality, fuel efficiency, and safety features when choosing a car. The 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L TURBO AV (two-tone metallic black roof version) has been a popular choice in this segment due to its affordable pricing and comprehensive features. This time, we got our hands on the special two-tone version for a test drive. The main objective is to assess its overall performance as a daily family vehicle and to see whether the newly added two-tone design and standard intelligent safety features truly enhance its product appeal.

From the exterior perspective, the two-tone design of this Ativa is its biggest highlight—buyers can choose between metallic grey or white for the body, paired with a matte black roof, giving it a more youthful and dynamic look compared to the standard version. The front end continues the family-style large trapezoidal grille, which features a black honeycomb pattern inside. The sharp LED headlight assemblies on both sides have L-shaped daytime running lights integrated into the headlight housing, which provide a high level of recognition when lit. The vehicle’s side profile is sleek, with a shoulder line running from the front to the rear. The 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 205/60 R17 tires offer a proportional and rugged SUV stance. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, connected by a black trim in the middle, and the silver skid plate underneath adds a touch of off-road charm. Overall, the design retains practicality while enhancing its youthful appeal through detailed touches.

Stepping inside, the interior predominantly features a black color scheme. The dashboard is a mix of soft plastic and piano black panels. While the materials are not luxurious, the craftsmanship is thoughtfully executed and aligns with the standards of this price range. The most eye-catching feature in the central control area is the 9-inch touch screen display, which has a simple interface layout and supports Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and smartphone integration. The operation is quite smooth. The instrument cluster is a fully digital TFT display, providing real-time data such as speed, fuel consumption, and the status of the driving assistance systems, which are all easy to read and intuitive. In terms of features, keyless entry, one-push start, and multifunction steering wheel all come standard. The front air-conditioning is digitally controlled with a memory function, and the rear row is equipped with independent air vents to ensure the comfort of rear passengers.

In terms of space, the dimensions of the Ativa are 4065mm in length, 1710mm in width, and 1635mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2525mm, putting it in the upper-middle range among its class. After adjusting the front driver's seat to a suitable position, a 175cm tall passenger would still have about a fist's worth of headroom. In the rear, passengers can enjoy around two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom; even with three adults seated, it won’t feel overly cramped. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:60 ratio, and after folding, the trunk volume can expand from 303 liters to a larger space, easily accommodating a baby stroller or a suitcase. As for storage options, the design of the front and rear door pockets, central armrest compartment, and front cup holders are all reasonable, making it convenient to store everyday small items.

In terms of performance, this Ativa is equipped with a 1.0L three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 98PS/6000rpm and a peak torque of 140N·m/4000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. In actual driving, the initial acceleration responsiveness is lively, and you can feel a noticeable push-back effect with a light press on the accelerator, which makes it suitable for urban stop-and-go road conditions. When driving at medium and high speeds, the acceleration performance remains smooth, and when overtaking, pressing the accelerator harder prompts the CVT to downshift quickly and deliver consistent power output. The top speed can easily reach up to 160km/h. The car offers Normal and Sport driving modes; in Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is higher, catering to users seeking more driving enjoyment.

In terms of the chassis, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear double-link independent suspension performs well on bumpy urban roads, filtering out most of the smaller vibrations. When crossing speed bumps, the suspension rebounds quickly without unnecessary shaking. The steering feel is light and responsive, making it easy for female drivers to handle. The vehicle maintains good stability at high speeds, and the steering wheel does not exhibit noticeable play. Fuel consumption meets expectations, with a combined fuel consumption of about 6.2L/100km during urban driving and as low as 4.8L/100km on highways. Compared to the official combined figure of 5.3L/100km, the actual performance differs slightly but remains fuel-efficient for its class.

Safety features are the core advantage of the Ativa AV model, which comes standard with six airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and other functions. During actual tests, the lane departure warning system responds sensitively, issuing timely alerts when the vehicle deviates from the lane. The autonomous emergency braking system effectively detects obstacles ahead and automatically decelerates in simulated urban traffic scenarios, enhancing driving safety. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera, making parking and maneuvering more convenient.

In terms of ride comfort, the seats are wrapped in fabric materials, offering good support and breathability, ensuring drivers do not feel fatigued during long drives. Noise control performance is average; the cabin remains quiet during low-speed urban driving, but wind and tire noise become slightly noticeable at high speeds, though they do not affect normal conversations. The engine start-stop technology responds quickly, effectively reducing idling fuel consumption and improving fuel efficiency.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L TURBO AV dual-tone version lie in its comprehensive safety features, practical space utilization, and fuel economy. Compared to rivals such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, the Ativa is more affordable yet offers richer features, making it a highly cost-effective choice. It is suitable for families who value affordability and safety, particularly for those who need a vehicle for daily commutes and occasional short trips. If your budget is between RM70,000 and RM80,000 and you're looking for an SUV with comprehensive features and efficient fuel consumption, the Ativa AV dual-tone version would be a great choice.