The first model of the Perodua Smart Build blueprint, the Ativa SUV, made its debut a couple of days back in the country and ended the guessing game of the car enthusiasts that was on for the last so many months. As expected, the Perodua’s new compact SUV gets a number of hi-tech features, which sets the new standards for the Malaysian automaker in terms of technology and safety. 

Perodua offers the Ativa in just three variants, fitted with the same engine and gearbox option. But other goodies mark a price difference between the models. Talking about the eyebrow-raising price tags first, the Perodua Ativa price for the base X trim starts at RM 61,500 and rises to RM 66,100 for the mid-spec H model and RM 71,200 for the range-topping AV. The prices are on-the-road without insurance and the sales and service tax.

"The Perodua Ativa's competitive pricing was made possible by its 95 percent localization rate – the highest initial local content rate for any Perodua model. Even the engine and transmission are locally manufactured," said Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua President, and Chief Executive Officer.

In today’s story, we bring a complete breakdown of the Ativa variants to find out which one will be perfect for you.

Perodua Ativa X

As the most affordable Ativa in the lineup, this is the entry-level model on the road which attracts buyers with just its styling, The front fascia boasts a large grille flanked by LED headlights integrated with automatic high beams (AHB). Other notable exterior appointments are LED tail lights, 16-inch silver-painted wheels wrapped with 205/65 R16 tyres, body-coloured door handles, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, and smart hands-free entry on front doors and tailgate.

Interior features: The all-black interior of the Ativa X incorporates the following features:

• Tilt-adjusting steering wheel with only Power-mode switch
• Analog instrument cluster with multi-info display
• Conventional audio player with Radio and Bluetooth connectivity
• Four speakers
• Two front USB ports
• Push start/stop button
• Manual air-conditioning with push-button switches
• Dual-level luggage deck board

Engine and transmission: As Perodua’s first turbocharged vehicle, the Ativa is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine churning out a maximum power of 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a D-CVT (dual-mode CVT) sending power to the SUV’s front wheels. 

The D-CVT is a combination of usual CVT with a set of planetary gears that can be disengaged through a clutch pack according to the driving conditions. At low engine speeds, it operates as a normal CVT but when the speed increases, the planetary gears set in through the clutch pack that reduces the engine load and delivers a more direct transfer of torque. 

Being a Perodua model, fuel consumption is an important note to mention here. The carmaker puts it as the most affordable vehicle in Malaysia that fulfills all mentioned criteria. It is the brand’s fifth Energy-Efficient Vehicle that gives away a fuel efficiency of 18.9 kmpl.

Safety: In terms of safety, the Ativa X impresses the buyers with its exhaustive features list, along with the Advanced Safety Assist pack. The SUV has also obtained a five-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP crash testing. Take a look at the included features:

• Advanced Safety Assist system - Pre-collision warning, pre-collision braking (automatic emergency braking), front departure alert, and pedal misoperation control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane departure prevention
• Rear corner sensors
• Six airbags (front, side, front, and rear curtain)
• ABS with EBD and brake assist
• Vehicle Stability control
• Emergency stop signal
• Hill hold assist
• ISOFIX system

Colour options: Cobalt Blue, Granite Grey, and Glittering Silver

Perodua Ativa H

Moving on, the H variant sits at number two in the Ativa's lineup and gets some add-on features along with the above-mentioned ones. And thus, it is a bit more expensive than the base X. The added exterior bits are dual chrome grille bars, automatic LED headlights with sequential indicators, and Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), LED front fog lights, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with 205/60-section tyres, and automatic power-folding door mirrors.

Interior: Perodua has decked up the Ativa H’s cabin with silver accents on AC vents, console trim, and door grab handles. The dashboard houses a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with Smart Link screen mirroring and a seven-inch digital instrument display. The steering wheel gets leather wrapping along with audio controls. 

Engine and transmission: The Perodua Ativa H is fitted with the same engine and transmission as the base X.

Safety: The mid-spec Ativa just has two extra safety add-ons above the standard features list, which are front parking sensors and a reverse camera.

Colours options: Pearl Delima Red and Pearl Diamond White (with an additional price of RM 500)

Perodua Ativa AV

At the top of the range sits the top-spec Ativa AV with all bells and whistles that was featured during the launch event. On the exterior, it just added chrome door handles and a black roof option to the Ativa specs sheet.

Interior: The Ativa AV cabin looks more stunning with the enhancements like red corner air vents highlight, chrome door pulls, gear lever and handbrake button, silver gear knob, and faux leather and suede upholstery with red highlights. In terms of tech, it gets six speakers and a driving video recorder.

Engine: The Perodua Ativa AV is powered by the same mechanical setup available in the lower trims.

Safety: As for safety, the Ativa AV offers a bevy of semi-autonomous driving assistance features to customers. These include adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

Colour options: Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red (with an additional price of RM 800)

So, these were all three variants of the newly launched Perodua Ativa SUV. We hope this guide helps you in selecting the right trim suiting your choices and budget. 

Also read: 2021 Perodua new cars: What to expect?