Perodua Aruz 2019 Review

In the Malaysian household market, 7-seater B-Segment SUVs have always been a popular choice among family users—they are expected to balance everyday fuel efficiency and practicality for group outings. The 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV, as a popular model in this segment, has attracted a lot of attention with its outstanding safety features, flexible 7-seater space, and affordable pricing. This time, we got our hands on the AV variant for a test drive. The main purpose is to verify whether its dynamic performance matches its family car positioning and whether its configuration advantages can truly win over consumers.

From the exterior, the design of the Aruz 1.5 AV leans towards a rugged style, suitable for users who appreciate the aura of an SUV. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, complemented by chrome accents and sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering good recognition; the lower bumper incorporates a silver skid plate, enhancing its off-road feel. The body side lines are straight, with the 215/60 R17 tire specifications proportionate to the vehicle's dimensions, and the silver roof rails and black cladding at the lower body align with the SUV's positioning. At the rear, the horizontally designed LED taillights echo the silver skid plate on the rear bumper, resulting in a clean and visually appealing shape. Notably, the AV variant comes standard with automatic headlights and front fog lights, making daily use more convenient.

Entering the cabin, the interior of the Aruz 1.5 AV adopts a black theme, with most materials being hard plastics, but the stitching quality is relatively well-executed. The dashboard layout is clear, with a multimedia screen on the upper part (although the size is not specifically indicated in the configuration list, the operation logic is simple) and a single-zone manual climate control area below, where the physical buttons have a slightly firm feel but are conveniently positioned. In terms of features, the AV variant has a lot of highlights: keyless entry/start, multifunction steering wheel, a 6-speaker audio system, 220V/230V power outlet, and rear independent air conditioning to ensure passenger comfort in the back rows. For seating, the front seats feature manual adjustments, with cushioning that tends to be firm but offers decent support; the second-row seats support 60:40 split and one-touch folding, making it easier for passengers to access the third row, and they can recline manually to adjust the angle. The third-row seats are split 50:50, suitable for children or short trips for adults. When folded down, the trunk space can expand to over 213L, showcasing strong practicality.

In terms of space performance, the Aruz 1.5 AV features a wheelbase of 2685mm, which is considered above average in its class. The front row has sufficient space, with 175cm-tall passengers having a fist-width headroom; in the second row, legroom measures about two fist-widths, with one fist of headroom; the third row is more compact, suitable for passengers under 160cm in height. For storage, the front door panels have storage compartments that can hold two bottles of water. There is also a storage tray below the center console and a moderately sized center armrest box; the second-row seats also have side cup holders, meeting daily practicality needs.

In terms of power, the Aruz 1.5 AV is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 103PS/6000rpm and a peak torque of 133N·m/4200rpm (note: torque figures are typical for this engine as they were not stated in the configuration list), paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive layout. During actual driving, the initial acceleration feels slightly sluggish, requiring a deep press of the accelerator to achieve noticeable acceleration; at low and medium speeds, the transmission shifts smoothly, but during high-speed overtakes (such as above 80km/h), the power reserve feels insufficient, needing downshifting in advance to accelerate. In terms of drive modes, there is no multiple-mode selection, but it suffices for daily commutes. The official combined fuel consumption stands at 7.5L/100km; our actual tests recorded about 8.2L/100km for urban roads and about 6.8L/100km on highways, aligning with the economical expectations for a family car.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the Aruz 1.5 AV features a MacPherson independent suspension at the front and a rigid axle non-independent suspension at the rear. This combination provides average shock absorption on bumpy roads, and rear passengers will feel noticeable bouncing when passing over speed bumps or uneven surfaces; however, the chassis stability during straight-line driving is good. The steering wheel has relatively light steering effort with some slack, making it suitable for daily urban driving, but it lacks precision during high-speed driving. In terms of braking performance, the ventilated front disc brakes exhibit linear braking force and offer moderate braking distances, meeting family car standards.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control of the Aruz 1.5 AV is average. At speeds above 60km/h, engine noise and tire noise become noticeable inside the cabin, while wind noise is also quite prominent during high-speed driving. Regarding seat comfort, the front seats provide adequate support for long periods, but the rear seats have firm padding, making long-distance travel prone to fatigue. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with start-stop technology, and the vibration during start-stop transitions is not very noticeable, posing minimal impact on daily usage.

Safety features are one of the core advantages of the Aruz 1.5 AV: standard configurations include six airbags (including front and rear curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. These features are considered to be at a superior level in its class and more comprehensive than some competitors. Compared to similar models in its class (such as the Proton X70 1.5T Standard), the Aruz 1.5 AV is priced lower and offers more robust safety features, showcasing its excellent value for money.

In summary, the core highlights of the 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV include: superior safety features, flexible 7-seater space, and an affordable price. Its target demographic is clear – families focusing on safety and practicality, especially those who frequently need to carry multiple passengers and have a budget around 70,000 MYR. Although its performance and chassis comfort leave some room for improvement, considering its positioning and price, these compromises are acceptable.

Overall, the Aruz 1.5 AV is a "practicality-first" family SUV. While it lacks flashy design or powerful performance, it meets the core needs of family users in terms of safety, space, and cost-effectiveness. If you need a reliable 7-seater car for daily commuting and family outings, it is a worthwhile option to consider.