2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M) Review

The Malaysian A-segment sedan market has always been a fiercely contested space for entry-level family cars, where consumers' demand for "low cost, high practicality" has never waned. The 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M), as a key player in this segment, has attracted considerable attention with its updated features and consistent fuel efficiency. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its manual transmission version still maintains Perodua's high value-for-money advantage and whether its performance in daily commutes and short family trips can meet expectations.

From the exterior, the 2023 Bezza 1.0 G (M) adopts a steady overall style while incorporating some youthful details. The front features a moderately sized trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome accents, which provides decent recognizability; the sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides are standard and come with an automatic illumination function, enhancing convenience in tunnels or cloudy weather. The car's side profile is simple, with 14-inch wheels paired with 175/65 R14 tires, fitting its entry-level positioning. At the rear, the design gains a touch of refinement with rear fog lamps and minimal chrome accents. Overall, it is a design that leans more towards being timeless rather than flashy.

Inside the cabin, the interior involves a predominantly black color scheme, with extensive use of hard plastics, but the craftsmanship in assembly is relatively refined. The center console has a clear layout, and the multi-functional steering wheel supports basic volume adjustments and phone controls, making operations straightforward. The instrument cluster features a backlit analog design, displaying information like RPM and speed intuitively, enabling new drivers to adapt quickly. In terms of features, the keyless entry system stands out as a highlight, allowing door access without taking out the key. The front has a manually controlled air conditioning system with rotary dials that offer moderate resistance, adequate for daily use. The seats are fabric-upholstered, with manual adjustments available for both driver and passenger seats. The rear seats support a 60:40 split configuration, allowing versatile storage expansion.

Space efficiency is one of Bezza's core strengths. The car measures 4170mm×1620mm×1525mm, with a wheelbase of 2455mm, which is on par with mainstream A-segment cars. A 175cm tall passenger in the front row has a fist's worth of headroom and ample legroom. In the back row, a passenger of the same height will have a two-finger gap for legroom and a three-finger gap for headroom, making short rides relatively comfortable. The trunk offers a capacity of 508L, sufficient to fit two 20-inch suitcases or a stroller for daily needs; with the rear seats folded down, it can accommodate longer items. Storage-wise, the front central armrest, door panel compartments, and cup holders provide enough space for personal belongings, maximizing practicality.

In the powertrain department, the 1.0L naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power of 50kW (69PS) and a peak torque of 91N·m, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. During actual driving, the power output remains smooth during startups, making it suitable for congested urban roads. When the RPM reaches 4400, it hits peak torque, and overtaking requires a downshift in advance. Acceleration beyond 100km/h on highways becomes somewhat sluggish, but it’s perfectly fine for daily commuting. The manual transmission has clear gear slots and a moderate shifting range, allowing even beginners to quickly get the hang of it.

The handling and chassis performance align with its household positioning. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension effectively filters small bumps on the road. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations in the rear seats are slightly noticeable but do not affect comfort. The steering wheel is light to maneuver with decent precision; it is very agile for everyday U-turns or parking. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and there is no significant swaying. The braking system, with a front ventilated disc and rear drum combination, provides linear braking response, ensuring adequate safety for daily driving.

Fuel consumption is one of Bezza's highlights, with an official combined fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km. Our test, conducted under half urban congestion and half suburban conditions, resulted in an actual fuel consumption of approximately 4.8L/100km, which is close to the official data, showcasing outstanding fuel efficiency. In terms of noise control, engine noise is barely noticeable at idle. However, at highway speeds of 100km/h or more, wind and tire noise increase but remain within an acceptable range.

In terms of safety features, it comes standard with ABS anti-lock braking system, front collision warning, dual airbags, ISO FIX child seat anchors, and rear parking sensors, meeting basic safety needs. However, the seatbelt reminder is only available for the driver, and not for the rear seats, which is a minor drawback.

In summary, the 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M)'s core advantages lie in its high practicality, low fuel consumption, and flexible space layout. Compared to its segment competitor, the Proton Saga 1.3L MT, Bezza offers lower fuel consumption, more spacious interiors, and additional features like front collision warning and automatic headlights, making it a more value-for-money option. It is suitable for families emphasizing fuel efficiency and practicality, especially those with a limited budget needing a vehicle for daily commuting and short family trips.

Overall, the 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M) is a balanced entry-level family sedan. While its power performance is average, it excels in fuel efficiency, practical space, and sufficient features. If you need an affordable and highly reliable daily commuter, the Bezza is a good choice.