Perodua Alza facelit: What to expect?

If you have been following Perodua’s success story, then you must be aware about the homegrown carmaker's minimalist car portfolio. After all, even the most premium supercar maker of them all, Bugatti, has only 1-2 cars under its roof and still manages a profit. However, Bugatti is a fringe player and Perodua is more of a mainstream automaker.

It has only four cars in the range - the Alza, Myvi, Axia, and the Bezza. None of their cars cross the RM 60,000 price mark. However, annually, Perodua manages to move around two lakh cars. Out of these, the Perodua Alza sells the most. The budget MPV, however, has been around for the last nine years. Reports suggest that there is a new model which will replace it. Some say that the Alza name will be put to rest. Rumours also say that there is a facelifted version in the works. What’s the truth here? Let’s find out.

Surprise!

The Perodua Alza 2018 was showcased to the world on the manufacturer’s Facebook page. Merdeka or Independence day as we know it was the occasion when the new Perodua Alza was unveiled. This is the final update to the decade-old Alza before it bows out. The image on Facebook has just shown the front three fourth fascia of the car. It showcases a completely new grille and many more new features. These include projector headlights in a reprofiled cluster, new bumpers, and body skirts. The Perodua Alza facelift also has fresher looking alloy wheels in the diamond cut fashion. If you look closer at the grille, it is apparent that Perodua wanted to dial in some amount of ruggedness to the MPV and hence the use of black.

While there are no images of the rear profile, we expect an integrated spoiler as well as LED lights. The blinkers too appear to be clear lens units.

Just a plastic surgery?

No! The new Perodua Alza will also boast revisions to the interior. More equipment, as well as upholstery changes, are expected. Automatic climate control with a rear blower, height adjustable front seat belts, piano black for the dashboard and more can be expected here. Of course, the seating space for seven and cargo placement will have no changes. The fight is against the Proton Ertiga that has more buyers. However, the Ertiga too is expected to get a second-generation model sometime this year. We believe Perodua wants to fend off competition from the Proton till its all-new model arrives in late 2019.

Extra grunt?

Yes. Perodua will use the engine from the 2018 Myvi in this updated Alza. However, as you know, the engine boasts dual VVT-i over the Alza’s 1.3-litre unit. This new engine will also help the Alza gain better efficiency and lesser exhaust emissions. In the process, there is also the increase in power to 102 PS. Torque too stands boosted at 136 Nm. The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic options continue though.

 

Safer, eh!

Ohh yes! The new Perodua Alza will also get segment-first six airbags in the top spec trim. ABS with EBD and stability control will also be part of the standard package. A car with more airbags means better safety and hence appreciable crash test ratings.

What’s the deal with the current Alza

For starters, Perodua wants to clear off stocks of the current Alza. This is being done so that the newer model can come in and the company wouldn’t have to offer discounts to boost sales. Speaking of which, Perodua currently is doling out RM 1,200 cash redemption plus no GST if you end up purchasing the car today. We believe the RM 1,200 cash redemption may be carried forward for a few more weeks. However, the applicable GST from September 1, 2018, may negate the deal. Currently, the Perodua Alza price starts from RM 50,549.

Tell me more about the all-new model

The all-new Perodua Alza will be based on a Daihatsu platform. The vehicle has been codenamed D53L. It will debut alongside a new Perodua SUV that is being codenamed D38L. Both these vehicles will be developed by Daihatsu on the DNGA platform. The DNGA stands for Daihatsu New Global Architecture. If the name sounds familiar, then yes it is derived from the TNGA that Toyota uses for the Fortuner, Hilux and Innova Crysta. However, the Daihatsu version will use cost-effective materials thereby rendering the price of the all-new Perodua Alza to be very affordable. It is said that the car will be bigger than before and boast of comfortable seating space for seven. However, it will be out only by late 2019 or early 2020. Expect to see test mules on the road sometime in the first half of 2019.

While the all-new Alza or Perodua MPV may be some time away, the facelifted version looks the part for now. If you have RM 60,000 in the bank, you should keep it there for some more time. Buying the facelifted Alza which has got advanced features, not to mention additional safety equipment, as well as a more efficient motor, makes sense.