Perodua Ativa vs Alternatives in the price range

The significant launch of the Perodua Ativa SUV has carved out a lucrative niche segment in the country’s automotive landscape. Lying close to the A-segment, the compact SUV is a threat to the bigger SUVs as well as expensive hatchbacks due to its affordable price and appealing features list. 

Perodua offers this small SUV in three variants, priced between RM 61.500 - RM 72.000 (lower than expected). Now in that range, what other options are available in the Malay market, and how the Ativa has an upper hand in the comparison, let’s explore.

Perodua Aruz (RM 68,526 - RM 73,226)

Starting from the feud within the family, the Perodua Aruz is a competitor of the new Ativa as the two models are high-riding SUV-type vehicles available within the same price range. The automaker brought the updated seven-seater Aruz in 2018 with a number of updates inside and out. Standard equipment list includes LED lighting system all around, 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital AC controller, driving video recorder, auto light control, large touchscreen display with navigation and smartphone integration, and leather upholstery.

Powering the three-row SUV is a single 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine, producing 101 hp of maximum power. As for safety, the Aruz specs sheet is loaded with many advanced bits, including Perodua Advanced Safety Assist 2.0. 

In comparison with the Perodua Aruz, the Ativa is smaller and shorter undoubtedly. It has a smaller engine, but with turbocharging that churns out the same amount of oomph. On the technical front, the Ativa is a clear winner as it is packed with all modern features including ASA 3.0 and Level 2 autonomous driving. But if the number of seats is a concern, the Perodua Aruz could be the right pick.

Also read: Perodua Ativa vs Perodua Aruz - Spec to spec comparison

Haval H1 (RM 62,000 - RM 74,999)

The compact SUV from China, the H1, touched the Malaysian shores back in 2017 with a noteworthy bundle of features at an affordable price. These include LED DRLs, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. an Android-powered head-unit, leather-wrapped steering wheel, reverse camera, leather seats, Battery Alert Sensor, GPS navigation, a rear-view mirror. Under the bonnet, it is equipped with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot engine producing 105 bhp and 138 Nm. In terms of safety, it just offers two airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, and parking sensors.

The Perodua Ativa vs Haval H1 comparison shows that the Perodua SUV is more advanced than the Haval SUV on every front. For say, the Ativa has a smaller engine, but more output levels, its cabin is loaded with modern amenities and its safety bag is full of goodies.

Proton Exora (RM 59,800 - RM 66,800)

Next on the list is a local rival, that’s the more affordable seven-seater Proton Exora. The best-selling C-segment SUV received updates in 2019. The latest features list includes halogen headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touch screen unit, navigation, reverse camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, part-leather upholstery. Under the hood, it is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel mill generating 140 PS of maximum power and 205 Nm of peak torque. For safety, it gets two airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control.

Comparing it with the Perodua Ativa, the new SUV in town boasts advanced equipment inside and out, and many hi-tech safety bits, although it is smaller than the Exora with a seating capacity of five adults and has lower output levels.

Honda Jazz (RM 72,511 - RM 84,955)

Next, we have the Honda Jazz, which is one of the popular hatchbacks available in the local market. The attractive package of this Japanese model comprises LED lights all around, 15-inch steel wheels, a 7-inch display audio system, automatic air-conditioning system with an electrostatic touch control panel, smart keyless entry, push the start button, premium-quality upholstery, and 399 litres of boot space. 

It comes with two powertrain options, one is a 120 PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol, while another being a hybrid setup with the same engine and an integrated electric motor combinedly generating 137 PS. Honda Jazz offers a maximum mileage of 25 kmpl. The automaker also offers several safety systems with the hatchback, including 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and emergency stop signal.

On comparing the Honda Jazz with the new Ativa, we can say that the Japanese hatchback is more powerful and more economical than the latter. The hatchback boot capacity is also 30 litres more than the SUV, while the latter has an upper hand in terms of tech goodies and safety systems. But, here it is notable that the Jazz price for the top-spec variant is RM 84,955, much more than the Ativa AV. 

In a nutshell, we can say that the new Perodua Ativa is a completely modern and safe SUV that has an extra edge over these popular rivals.

Also read: Perodua Ativa: GearUp accessories explained