2021 Perodua Alza

Perodua Alza 2021 Review

This is a model that has been around for an aggressively long time, but it still represents Perodua’s position as a pure MPV – and it has managed to remain relatively popular even until today. Granted, it is arguably a generation behind its peers – and perhaps slightly cannibalized by the introduction of the Perodua Aruz – but the Perodua Alza is still a fantastic option.

The basis for this model is essentially a stretched variant of the second generation Perodua Myvi, sold in some countries as the Toyota Passo Sette. A sole powertrain option and seven seats, the Alza was designed with people carrying in mind and has gone through a number of facelifts over the years.

The first iteration of the Alza was launched back in 2009 with up to seven variants introduced over the course if its run, and its first facelift was brought forth at the start of 2014, streamlining the range down to just four variants. 2018 saw the introduction of a second facelift that further consolidated the model to just three variants – though all coming with basic safety items.

Perodua Alza 2021 Specifications

There is but one engine that powers the entire Perodua Alza range, and it’s the 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powered range-topping variants of the second generation Perodua Myvi. Outputs are a reasonable 104 PS and 136 Nm of torque, proving to be sufficient for a vehicle of this class and weight. You can have it paired with either a conventional four-speed automatic transmission, or a five-speed manual transmission.

As mentioned before, the Alza is based on what is effectively a stretched platform from the second generation Myvi. This means that a lot of geometry and design is similar – a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear – as well as overall steering feel and geometry. The turning radius is a relatively small 5.2 metres, with a kerb weight that’s under 1,200 kilograms for all variants.

In terms of wheelbase, the Alza’s stretches 2,750 mm, for an overall length of 4,220 mm and width of 1,695 mm. In comparison, the second generation Myvi had a wheelbase of 2,440 mm, with an overall length of 3,690 mm, and width of 1,665 mm. The extra overall length stems from the fact that the Alza has to be able to seat seven and still have a bit more room for luggage, so the rear overhang is more pronounced.

Rather interestingly, while the second generation Myvi saw the transition to electronic power steering, the Alza maintained a hydraulic rack – perhaps for longevity or feel. Some of the suspension components for the Alza are also similar to the Myvi albeit of a higher quality and strength, which is why it’s common to see Myvi owners swapping for Alza components when replacements are needed.

Perodua Alza 2021 Exterior

Its’s pretty clear that Perodua has put a lot of effort into keeping the Alza looking up to date, with the most recent facelift being an approximation of what the third-generation Myvi styling elements would look like if they were to be implemented with the Alza bodystyle. In terms of exterior features, however, you get fairly flat specifications across the range – all models come with front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Perodua Alza 2021 Interior

It’s important to remember that the Perodua Alza came from an older generation of Perodua vehicles, which means that it doesn’t quite live up to the interiors you see today. That being said, it was still produced at a time when Perodua was vastly improving their fit and finish and build quality, meaning you still get well designed, functional interior trim. The front seats are a bench-esque design – not quite able to fit three people across it, though connected across the centre with a fold-down armrest. In automatic variants there is a little more legroom in front of the bench as well.

Perodua Alza 2021 Safety Features

There’s no hiding the fact that the Perodua Alza just comes from an older generation of vehicle, where integrated onboard systems just weren’t as flexible and capable of accepting more modern technology. This means that there is no form of ASA (advanced safety assist) available with the Alza, even on the range-topping 1.5 AV variant.

Safety is common across the range – ABS with EBD and BA is the only electronic system that you get, with no electronic stability control or traction control to help. Thankfully there are dual SRS airbags up front across the range, as well as seatbelt pre-tensioners and the ISOFIX child-seat mounting system.

Perodua Alza 2021 Strengths & Weakness

Value for money and reliability are always going to be strong suits for any Perodua model, especially with a car like the Alza that is used for both hauling the family back to hometowns during long public holidays, or used as a workhorse for transporting passengers or cargo. The flexibility in seating and storage space, as well as a wide rear aperture allow for easy loading and unloading of larger cargo items.

Where the Perodua Alza is lacking is ultimately in its age. There is supposedly a staunch replacement in the works that may be built on the DNGA architecture which underpins the wildly popular Perodua Ativa compact crossover, and that also leads one to believe a turbocharged powertrain may be in the cards. Failing that, the most modern iteration of the 1.5-litre petrol engine will still be a fine choice – and hopefully we will see more modern safety systems and equipment being implemented.

Perodua Alza 2021 Price

Rather surprisingly, the Perodua Alza isn’t priced all too aggressively – in fact being positioned just above that of the Perodua Myvi in terms of raw pricing. The cheapest point of entry to an Alza is a 1.5 S Manual that sets you back RM 49,944. The 1.5 S Automatic goes for RM 52,661, while the 1.5 SE (only available as an automatic) is RM 55,186, and the range-topping 1.5 AV (only available as an automatic) is RM 60,525.

Perodua Alza 2021 Features

The Perodua Alza sees the most features packed into its 1.5 AV variant, which comes with a touch screen multimedia system with navigation and smart link for Android devices. There is also a roof-mounted monitor for rear passengers to watch videos or other media – and these are the largest stand out elements. Naturally this also means the 1.5 AV gets a reverse camera thanks to the screen.

Other variants of the Alza get a more basic head unit that is still capable of connecting to smart devices via Bluetooth, though it really shows the age of the vehicle. At least the ever-useful shopping hook is provided as standard, giving you a quick and easy place to hang your teh tarik.

Perodua Alza 2021 Fuel Consumption

There is no manufacturer quoted fuel consumption for the Perodua Alza, though owners have managed to see returns of just over 10 kilometres per litre of fuel – of course varying depending on just how much load you happen to carry around. You can also expect the manual variant to net slightly better fuel consumption given its better gear ratios and spread for better mechanical advantage.