Top five MPVs under RM 100,000

The popularity of multi-purpose vehicles aka MPVs has been growing lately in the Malaysian market thanks to their stylish appearances, practicality, and comfort. The segment consists of a range of seven-seater premium as well as budget-friendly value-for-money options. Well, we have already discussed the former, so now it’s time to shed light on the affordable MPVs in Malaysia you can buy right now without breaching the RM 100k mark -

Perodua Alza 

Perodua introduced the all-new second-generation Alza in July this year with record-breaking booking numbers. The new MPV is on offer in three variants - X, H, and AV, priced at RM 62,500, RM 68,000 and RM 75,500, respectively. Included in the price is a five-year or 150,000 km manufacturer’s warranty.

All the variants of the Alza are powered by the same 1.5-litre DVVTi naturally-aspirated four-cyl petrol engine, which makes 105 hp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a dual-mode continuous variable transmission.

Dubbed as a versatile and spacious SUV, the new Alza is kitted with a bucketload of advanced features. Depending on the variant, the kit includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, Android Auto connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, three driving modes, an electronic parking brake, keyless entry with push-start button, semi-leather upholstery and 498-litre luggage capacity (rear seat down).

Parts of the Alza safety pack are six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, pre-collision warning, pre-collision braking, pedal misoperation control, front departure alert, parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, auto high beam, and advanced driver assist technologies, such as Adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, Lane Keep Control, Blind spot monitor, Rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree panoramic surround view monitor.

Toyota Veloz

Next on our list is the Toyota Avanza replacement, the Veloz, which is also known as the upmarket twin of the Perodua Alza. It is offered in a single 1.5 (AT) trim in the local market, priced at RM 95,000.

Under the bonnet of the Veloz lies a 1,496-cc inline four-cylinder petrol engine which churns out 106 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm along with 138 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Shifting duties are handled by a newly-developed 7-speed CVT. 

As the Toyota MPV is almost RM 95k pricier than the Alza, it comes with premium fits and finishes inside and out over the latter. The car’s specs sheet comprises all-around LED lights, telescopic and tilt-adjustable steering wheel, 9.0-inch infotainment unit, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity, 7,0-inch instrument panel, wireless charging pad, automatic air-conditioning system, electric parking brake, premium semi-leather seats and LED ambient light. The boot space is measured as 498 litres (rear seat down).

As for safety, it is loaded with the class-leading Toyota Safety Sense ADAS pack, which consists of Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Prevention, and Adaptive High Beam. Also, parts of the kit are 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, traction control, pedal misoperation control, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.

Mitsubishi Xpander

Moving to the best-selling non-national MPV in Malaysia, the Mitsubishi Xpander. While the Japanese automaker has introduced the upgraded version of the Xpander in the neighbouring countries, the local market continues to offer the version introduced in Nov 2020. It comes in a single locally-assembled trim, priced at RM 99,980 (including a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage).

Powering the Mitsubishi MPV is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill, which delivers a maximum power of 105 PS and a peak torque of 141 Nm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. 

Equipment kit on the Xpander comprises bi-LED reflector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, a 9.0-inch touchscreen display, wired Android Auto and  Apple CarPlay, a telescopic adjustable steering wheel, 4.2-inch TFT Coloured LCD, manual air-conditioning, push-start button, leatherette seats, a 360-degree camera system and 781-litre luggage space (rear seats down).

Ensuring the occupants’ safety is MPV’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body and several features, including dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, parking sensors, active stability and traction control system, all-around monitor,  lane change turn signal system, and ISOFIX child anchor. 

Proton Exora

Proton introduced the new Exora in Malaysia in August this year. The latest MPV is offered in two variants - Executive and Premium, priced at RM 62,800 and RM 69,800, respectively. It includes a five-year/150,000 km warranty and three complimentary labour services.

Both Exora trims are powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-popper gasoline mill generating 140 PS of power at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm of peak torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. Sending power to the vehicle’s front wheels is a continuously variable transmission system.

Depending on the variant you choose, the Malaysian-born MPV comes with LED daytime running lights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, multi-info instrument cluster display, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, “Hi Proton” voice command system, N95 cabin filter, and full leatherette upholstery. 

As for safety, it is packed with two SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, electronic stability control, cruise control, emergency stop signal, and parking sensors.

Honda BR-V

Honda has introduced the upgraded version of the BR-V in Indonesia and the Philippines and is likely to bring the latest model soon to Malaysia as well. The ongoing MPV is offered in two variants - E and V, priced at RM 90,700 and RM 97,700, respectively. 

Both variants of the BR-V come equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine, which kicks out 120 PS of maximum power at 6,600 rpm along with 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. The mill is hooked with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to the front wheels. 

In terms of features, the car comes with 7.0-inch Display Audio system, standard metre panel,  automatic air-conditioning, premium leather upholstery, keyless entry with push start button, and a multifunctional steering wheel. The cargo volume measures 539 litres (rear seat down).

Part of the safety kit is two SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, hill-start assist, vehicle stability assist, crash sensors, ISOFIX, and a reverse camera.

So, those were the five best budget MPVs you can consider buying for less than RM 100k. Which of them impresses you the most? Let us know in the comments.

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