Perodua Aruz - Variants explained

While hatchbacks such as the Myvi continue to sell in record numbers in Malaysia, there’s one class of vehicle that remains the top dog when it comes to attracting buyers into showrooms -- Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs. And when it comes to this Malaysian auto giant, that model is none other than the Perodua Aruz. Perodua unveiled the all-new Aruz just earlier this year as their latest and only offering in the SUV category, and the whole ceremony was conducted with much fanfare as one can imagine. The Aruz is basically a local reincarnation of the already popular Toyota Rush, which costs way more than the local heavyweight. This essentially works in Perodua’s favour, too, as the Aruz comes out as a fantastic value-for-money proposition in a market where the demand for SUVs shows no signs of weaning off.

In Malaysia, the Perodua Aruz puts its best axle forward against the likes of the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush. To promote the Aruz as an almost unstoppable force and one to be reckoned with, Perodua has priced its two variants in such a way, that it not only undercuts its Japanese look-alike but also draws in buyers from other segments. This is because, for most new car buyers, SUVs tend to be almost always at the top of their options list -- and with prices ranging between RM 72,900 to RM 77,900, this is one hard-to-miss offering. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into the variants of the Perodua Aruz…

Aruz 1.5 X

The Perodua Aruz 1.5 X is the base variant of this SUV, and wears a sticker price of RM 72,900. To give you a better context, the base variant of the Rush costs RM 93,000 - that represents a price jump of around RM 20,000. Looking at things in a more pragmatic way, the much more affordable Perodua Aruz’s entry-level trim offers almost similar levels of refinement and comfort as the Rush, while the equipment list seems pretty generous, too. The latter sees the inclusion of stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, striking LED headlamps with neatly-incorporated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), LED tail lamps, a sporty-looking rear spoiler, power-operated and folding wing mirrors, and keyless entry with push-button engine start among a few others.

The Aruz can be had in one of five color options, which includes Amazon Green, Electric Blue, Granite Grey, Glittering Silver, and Ivory White (solid). On the inside, the Aruz 1.5 X features split-folding second and third-row seats, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, digital air-conditioning system with memory settings and rear ceiling-mounted vents, built-in toll reader, six-speaker audio system, dual USB and 12V power sockets, multifunction steering wheel, and a 7-inch resistive touchscreen-infotainment head unit with support for Bluetooth, MP3, and USB playback.

In terms of its safety tech, even this entry-level variant of the Aruz specs sheet comes with a satisfying 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, along with vital “keep safe” features such as six airbags (front, side & curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Traction Control (TRC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency stop signal (ESS), ISOFIX anchors with top tether, seat belt reminder, Solar and security window film, and parking sensors with a reversing camera.

Meanwhile, under the bonnet of the Perodua Aruz is one of the more reliable and trusted internal-combustion engines in the industry. The Toyota-sourced 2NR-VE, 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplant is good for all of 101hp and 133Nm of naturally-aspirated grunt. Just like its Japanese counterpart, Perodua has stuck to the 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which continues to drive the rear wheels. Apart from the usual direct fuel injection and dual overhead cams, Perodua has also bolted on its proprietary ‘eco idle’ engine stop-start technology for maximum fuel efficiency. This means that if drivers are careful enough, they could achieve up to 15.6 kmpl - in theory, of course. As for its performance, the Perodua Aruz takes approximately 13 seconds to hit 100 kmph, and will eventually clock 175 kmph.

Aruz 1.5 AV

Pegged at RM 77,900, the AV variant represents the top trim in the Aruz line-up. Of course, it remains mechanically identical to its lesser trim but does get several more features to boast. One of the essential add-ons to the Aruz AV variant is the ‘Advanced Safety Assist (ASA)’ package. If nothing else matters to you but safety, Perodua’s ASA tech is pretty convincing. With it, the Aruz sports Pre-Collision Warning (PCW) and Pre-Collision Braking (PCB) with pedestrian detection, Front Departure Alert (FDA), and there’s also Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC) -- the latter prevents accidental accelerations. Apart from the ASA package, the Aruz AV is also fitted with a front-facing digital video recorder (DVR).

Furthermore, this range-topping variant of the Perodua Aruz also comes with the added application of chrome, along with some glossy black finish on the outside. Then there are other goodies like front and rear skid plates, automatic headlamps, front fog lamps, and sporty roof rails. Meanwhile, the interior of the AV trim gets semi-bucket leather seats, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and gear knob, plus an upgraded touchscreen with a built-in navigation system, and a ‘Smart Link’ connectivity feature for Android mobile devices and HDMI support.