2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (A) Review

The A-segment sedan market in Malaysia has always been the main battleground for entry-level family cars. What consumers care about most is "spending less money and getting more practical features." The 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (A), as a popular contender in this segment, takes cost-effectiveness to a new level with this facelift. It now comes standard with features like LED headlights and front collision warning, which were previously only available in mid-to-high trims, all while keeping the price solidly at RM 36,580. The focus of our test drive this time is to see whether these newly added features are practical and if its daily driving performance and space can meet the needs of small families.

Starting with the exterior, the overall style of the Bezza 1.0 G leans towards a stable, family-oriented design, but there are many improvements in the details. The front adopts Perodua’s family-style large grille, paired with chrome strips, making it look more spirited than the older model. The most eye-catching update is the standard LED headlights, with sharp styling and high recognizability when lit. The auto headlight function can automatically switch in tunnels or at dusk, eliminating the need for manual operation. The side profile features simple lines, and the 14-inch wheels match the body proportions perfectly without looking understated. At the rear, both LED taillights and fog lights are standard, and the small spoiler on the trunk adds a touch of sportiness. While the overall design isn’t extraordinary, it is pleasant and fits the car’s family positioning.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is very neat without any excessive flashy design. The dashboard uses a lot of hard plastic, but the seam work is relatively refined for this price range. A multifunction steering wheel is standard, with the left side controlling volume and calls, and the right side toggling the instrument panel information, making daily operation very convenient. The instrument panel features a backlit analog design, which is clear and easy to read even under sunlight. The seats are made of fabric materials, and the front row supports manual adjustment. While there is no electric function, the adjustment range is enough to accommodate drivers of most heights. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, a practical feature in the A-segment that comes in handy when occasionally needing to carry longer items.

Space is the Bezza’s strength. Its 2455mm wheelbase isn’t the longest in its class, but the actual seating space is ample. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, there are about two fists of legroom left in the rear, and the headroom doesn’t feel cramped either. While it might not be spacious for three adults, short trips are still manageable. The trunk has a capacity of 508L, which is larger than many of its competitors in the same class, and it’s enough to fit two 20-inch suitcases along with some small items, making it suitable for daily groceries or short weekend trips. As for storage spaces, there are cup holders in the front and rear door panels. While the center armrest box is not large, it can hold items like phones or loose change, making practicality quite high overall.

In terms of performance, the 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power output of 69PS and a peak torque of 91N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Such specs are just right for daily commuting scenarios. The throttle response at start-up isn’t very quick, but a gentle press on the accelerator allows for smooth starts, making it suitable for city traffic. After accelerating to 60km/h, power delivery becomes more linear. For overtaking, you’ll need to press the accelerator harder, and the transmission will downshift to increase RPM. While there’s no strong push-back feeling, it’s sufficient to complete overtaking maneuvers. There are only two driving modes: Eco and Normal. In Eco mode, the accelerator response is more moderate, which helps save fuel during commutes. Normal mode feels slightly more responsive, ideal for suburban road conditions.

In terms of handling, the suspension combination of front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam is tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the jolts without a noticeable hardness. At high speeds, the chassis remains stable without feeling floaty. The steering wheel has a moderate weight, with minimal play, making lane changes or turns agile during daily driving, which is suitable for beginners. Regarding braking performance, the front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes offer linear pedal feedback, and the car maintains stable posture during emergency braking without a noticeable nosedive.

Fuel efficiency is a major advantage of the Bezza, with an official combined fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km. During our test drive, which mainly included city traffic and a small amount of highway driving, the actual fuel consumption was about 5.2L/100km, meeting expectations. With a fuel tank capacity of 36L, a full tank can cover roughly 650km, reducing the need for frequent refueling in daily commutes. In terms of noise control, engine noise is minimal at low speeds in the city, but wind and tire noise become more apparent at highway speeds above 100km/h. However, this is standard within the A-segment and doesn’t interfere with in-cabin conversations.

For safety features, the Bezza 1.0 G comes standard with ABS, dual airbags, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also included. The forward collision warning emits alerts when following too closely in city traffic. Although it doesn’t have automatic braking, it reminds the driver and provides an added layer of safety. Keyless entry and start are also standard, making daily ingress and egress convenient without needing to search for the key.

Overall, the 2023 Bezza 1.0 G (A)’s core strength lies in being “practical and well-rounded.” Compared to the similarly priced Proton Saga 1.3 Standard, the Bezza offers better equipment (LED headlights, forward collision warning), larger space, and superior fuel efficiency. In comparison to the Toyota Vios E, it’s nearly RM 10,000 cheaper. While it may have slightly less power and brand prestige, it offers much better value for money. It’s especially suitable for budget-conscious small families or young professionals purchasing their first car – economical for daily use, spacious, practical, and without any major shortcomings.

In conclusion, the Bezza 1.0 G (A) is not a car that pursues performance or luxury, but it balances the three most important factors for a family car: “space, fuel economy, and features.” Combined with Perodua’s extensive after-sales network and high resale value in Malaysia, it’s undeniably a top choice in the A-segment category.