Perodua Bezza Review

In Malaysia's A-segment sedan market, value for money and practicality have always been the core of consumer decision-making. The 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M) enters the market at a price of RM 34,580, maintaining an affordable price point while retaining Perodua's signature durability and basic safety features, even adding advanced features like keyless entry. The core of this test drive is to verify whether this entry-level manual model can meet daily commuting needs while also considering convenience and safety requirements.

Approaching the car, the 2023 Bezza 1.0 G (M)'s exterior continues the family design style, with neat and straightforward overall lines. At the front, the large lower grille paired with upward-sweeping LED headlights gives the front end a more spirited look, while the addition of LED lighting enhances nighttime driving visibility. On the sides, the 4170mm length and 2455mm wheelbase are standard for the A-segment, with a straight waistline extending from the front to the rear, complemented by 14-inch wheels, achieving an overall balanced proportion. At the rear, the horizontally arranged taillights align with the car's width, and the rear fog lights come as standard to ensure visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Opening the door, the interior is primarily practical, with a dark overall tone. The center console layout is simple and clear, with physical buttons neatly arranged, allowing even beginners to quickly get familiar. A multifunction steering wheel comes as standard, with audio control buttons integrated on the left side for convenient operation while driving. The instrument panel features a backlit analog design, with clear displays for the tachometer, speedometer, and fuel level. The seats are fabric, with manual adjustment support. Although it lacks the luxury of leather, the support is sufficient for daily use. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding, which expands the trunk space when folded. With a base capacity of 508L, it can accommodate 2-3 carry-on suitcases, meeting the needs for short trips. In terms of interior features, the keyless entry stands out, eliminating the hassle of pulling out a key; the manual air conditioning knobs have moderate damping, and the cooling speed can handle the local hot weather. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and power outlets, improving the comfort of rear passengers.

Starting the vehicle, the operating sound of the 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine is not prominent. This engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 69PS, a maximum power of 50kW, and a maximum torque of 91N·m, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Shifting into the first gear for a start, the power output is smooth. With an 865kg weight, the car does not feel sluggish when driving on low-speed city roads. During gear shifts, the gear positions are clear, and the clutch engagement point is moderate, allowing even manual transmission beginners to adapt quickly. During acceleration, the engine reaches its maximum torque at 4400rpm, providing the most robust power output at this point. Keeping the engine above 3000rpm is necessary to get sufficient power response for overtaking.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension is relatively common in the A-segment. During daily driving, the suspension can filter out most of the small bumps, such as speed bumps or potholes. However, during larger jolts, the rear passengers will feel noticeable vibrations. The steering system is tuned lightly, suitable for city driving. At high speeds, the steering becomes slightly heavier, improving stability. In slalom tests, the body lean is within an acceptable range without significant twitchiness.

The fuel consumption performance meets expectations, with an official combined fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption in urban congested areas was about 5.2L/100km, while on highways it was about 4.0L/100km. Overall, the fuel consumption is economical, and the 36L fuel tank provides a range of approximately 700km, reducing the frequency of refueling. In terms of braking, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes delivers linear braking response, which is sufficient for daily driving. However, slight thermal fade may occur after continuous braking.

Regarding noise insulation, the cabin noise is well-controlled at speeds below 60km/h, with the main noise source being the tires. At speeds above 80km/h, wind and engine noise become increasingly apparent, but still remain within an acceptable range. The seats offer good support, ensuring that long drives do not cause significant fatigue.

Overall, the 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M)'s core strengths lie in its high cost-effectiveness and practical features. Compared to models in the same class, its RM 34,580 price is lower than some competitors, and it comes standard with features such as LED headlights, keyless entry, and forward collision warning, balancing safety and convenience. However, compared to the higher-configured 1.3L model, its power output is weaker, and it lacks a touchscreen infotainment system and vehicle stability control.

This car is suitable for users with a limited budget who value everyday commuting and practicality, such as young people just entering the workforce or those looking for a second family car. It is capable of meeting the needs for urban commuting and short-distance travel, while its low fuel consumption and durability align with Perodua's brand positioning. If you're looking for an economical and reliable daily commuter car and don't mind a manual transmission, the 2023 Perodua Bezza 1.0 G (M) would be a good choice.