Perodua Ativa vs Perodua Aruz - Spec to spec comparison

The next big thing of Malaysia's automotive landscape, the Perodua Ativa, has finally come out of the covers with a glut of appealing features and an equally appealing price tag. The market speculates that this new compact SUV in town might become a serious threat to the hot-selling models like the Proton X50 and Honda City. Within Perodua’s lineup, it could also persuade some prospective Myvi and Aruz buyers to opt for a more advanced Perodua model, despite the fact that they lie in the different segments.

From the price point, it is logical to compare the new Ativa with the larger Aruz. Both cars are high-riding SUV-type vehicles available within RM 61,000 to RM 74,000 price range. The Ativa is available in three variants - X, H, and AV, the price for the base X starts at RM 61,500 and rises to RM 66,100 for mid-spec H and RM 71,200 for the top-spec AV. 

On the other hand, the seven-seater Aruz comes in two versions only - X and AV, priced at RM 68,526 and RM 73,226, respectively. Here, we can observe a price difference of just RM 2000 between the Ativa AV and Aruz AV, which makes them potential cross-shopping cars. So, let’s see how these two models stack up in our Perodua Ativa vs Perodua Aruz spec to spec comparison.

Dimensions

The Ativa is a small B-segment model, it is actually closer to the A-segment, while the Aruz is a properly-sized three-row SUV. Thus, the Ativa is 370 mm smaller in length, 105 mm shorter in height, and has a 160 mm shorter wheelbase when compared to the Aruz. However, the smaller Ativa has more width out of the two models. 

Coming to the boot space, the Perodua Ativa has a two-sectional boot. The upper level has a capacity of 303 litres, whereas the lower level holds a space of 66 litres, where a full-size spare tyre can fit in easily. The Aruz trunk capacity measures 213 litres at the time when the third row is up.

Specifications	Perodua Ativa AV	Perodua Aruz AV
Length	4065 mm	4435 mm
Width	1710 mm	1695 mm
Height	1635 mm	1740 mm
Wheelbase	2525 mm	2685 mm
Boot space	369 litres	213 litres (with third row up)

 Engine specifications

When it comes to the powertrain, the all-new Ativa has a smaller 1.0-litre engine as compared to the Aruz 1.5-litre. However, the smaller unit gets the turbocharging, which results in almost the same power and torque numbers as the bigger one. 

This is the first time when a Perodua model gets a Turbo engine along with a CVT gearbox. The latter is the world’s first split-gear CVT system that integrates a belt drive with a gear drive for better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and quietness. On the contrary, the Aruz’s naturally aspirated engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Perodua Ativa outshines with an impressive figure of 18.9 kmpl. Check out the mechanical specs in the below table.

Specifications	Perodua Ativa AV	Perodua Aruz AV
Engine	1.0-litre Turbo DOHC three -cylinder	1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Dual VVT-i
Maximum power	98 PS	102 PS
Peak torque	140 Nm	133 Nm
Transmission	D-CVT	4-Speed Automatic
Drive system	FWD	RWD
Fuel economy	18.9 kmpl	15.6 kmpl

Standard equipment

The Perodua Ativa AV standard kit comprises  LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, two-tone 17-inch alloys, push-start button, a 7.0-inch multi-info display, a 9.0-inch infotainment system with voice recognition and smart link compatibility, six speakers, driving video recorder, leather-wrapped steering wheel, semi-bucket seats, manual air-conditioning, and faux leather & suede upholstery.

In contrast, the Perodua Aruz AV gets LED headlamps, LED tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital AC controller, rear AC vents, smart entry with smart key, push start button, driving video recorder, auto light control, power outlets for all rows, built-in toll reader, large touchscreen display with navigation and smartphone integration via Smart Link, semi-bucket seats, and leather upholstery.

Safety

The top-spec Ativa AV offers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features to the customers, which seems amazing at an affordable price point of RM 71,200, Not only this, but it has a long list of advanced safety features. Here we have a comparison table:

Specifications	Perodua Ativa AV	Perodua Aruz AV
Airbags	Six	Six
ABS with EBD and BA	Yes	Yes
Vehicle stability control	Yes	Yes
Emergency stop signal	Yes	Yes
Hill assist	Yes	Yes
Reverse camera	Yes	Yes
Advanced Safety Assist (ASA)	ASA 3.0	ASA 2.0
Lane Departure Warning and Prevention	Yes	No
Adaptive cruise control	Yes	No
Lane keep control	Yes	No
Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert	Yes	No
Adaptive high beam	Yes	No

The upgraded ASA version can detect two-wheelers, on top of the pedestrians and cars in ASA 2.0, also it can detect cars at night. The pre-collision braking system works at higher speeds of up to 120 kmph in ASA 3.0 as compared to 80 kmph in the previous version. The above table shows that the Perodua Ativa is a clear winner in terms of safety. But when it comes to safety rating, both SUVs hold a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Verdict

The Perodua Aruz is a good package comprising a decent list of features, good and fuel-efficient engine, a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, and seating for seven people. But if the number of seats does not matter for you, the Perodua Ativa would be a better pick.

Also read: Perodua Ativa: GearUp accessories explained