Perodua Bezza

Taking a peek inside the 2022 Bezza would tell you that the car is as elegant on the inside as it is on the outside. The Bezza’s interior has come a long way from its 2016 predecessors as well. Buyers can be slightly disappointed as Perodua does not offer dual-tone colours inside the car, even on the top variant. 

Seats & Upholstery

All variants except the top-spec Bezza 1.3 AV get fabric-cladded seats to the seats. The 1.3AV gets leather seats exclusively. Apart from that, most other interior specifications are common across all variants. There is a subtle difference in the front seat design in the 1.3 AV variant as compared to the other 3 lower variants. 

All the variants get chrome-finished door handles and silver armrests for the doors, and there can be very marginal differences noticed in the door trim finishes. Ample legroom and headroom make it an exceptionally comfortable and convenient vehicle, especially for daily commuters. 

Seats are manually adjusted, and if you were expecting ventilated seats, you might be disappointed, as it is not offered on any of the variants. The plus point is that the seats are foldable and can be customized in as many as eight different ways to meet any requirement.

Comfort & Convenience

As far as comfort and convenience go, car manufacturers have made significant efforts to offer a great experience to the driver and the passengers in the car. The quilted leather semi-bucket seats on the top variant is a great touch, along with other features like keyless entry, push start and stop button, and the smart key of the Bezza make for great convenience.

The car misses out on steering adjustments, although the steering position is pretty convenient and comfortable. For an entry-level sedan at an affordable price, the car gets almost everything you may look for, with a few misses here and there, like automatic climate control or dual zone AC. 

Entertainment, Information & Communication

The 2022 Perodua Bezza’s biggest upgrade is more on the inside than the outside, and it has to be the new instrument cluster and the dashboard definitely. The dashboard looks and feels better with better quality plastic. The new central panel gets a silver trim, replacing the full gloss black trim from before. 

The backlit metres add a modern look with an upgraded touch-screen head unit and steering wheel switches. The updated multimedia system gets navigation and a new “Smartlink'' feature to help you connect your smartphone. The touchscreen infotainment unit is basic but does its job just as it should. All variants get a hand handphone slot and USB port. 

Storage

With the rear seats folded, the car offers a boot space of 508-litres, which is simply exceptional for a car of its size. The car also gets a multipurpose compartment, as well as a luggage net and an under luggage compartment for a variety of storage needs. The flexible seating arrangements and a range of other comfort features make it a very convenient vehicle for the driver and the passengers.

The updated Perodua Bezza is a completely transformed sedan as far as its looks go when compared to its predecessors. The new slim LED headlamps with the chrome grille on both bigger engine variants are very big changes. The car also gets a chrome back door garnish and wing-mirror mounted indicators on all variants. The Shark Fin Antenna adds a unique touch.  

The car features sportier lines throughout, with a slightly larger rear bumper. Buyers also have the optional GearUp package available to enhance the car's appearance further. The car measures 4170 mm x 1620 mm x 1525 mm (l x w x h) with a wheelbase of 2455 mm. Apart from the G variant, all others also get halogen headlamps and 15-inch alloy wheels. The G variant gets smaller 14-inch alloys. 

All variants get standard reverse parking sensors, with the 1.3-litre models also getting the front corner parking sensors and top-spec 1.3 AV getting an additional reverse camera. The car is available in six different colour options, four of which are Ebony Black, Lava Red, Solid Ivory White, and Glittering Silver. The two other colours are Ocean Blue and Sugar Brown, available only with the 1.3-litre variants. 

The larger NR engine also gets Eco Idle auto start-stop, which helps fuel efficiency go as high as a claimed 22 km/l. Realistically, you can expect 15 to 17 km per litre for the 1.0L variants (depending on your driving style), while the Bezza 1.3 will deliver around 14-15 km per litre. 

The handling of the  2022 Bezza has been appreciated by many. The car is a dependable one when it comes to handling, with the steering doing very well around the corners, even better than on the straightways. The steering loads nicely when you turn, and enough heft and feel are noticeable when making the tightest corners, enhancing your confidence. ESP is standard on both the 1.3 models.

The acceleration and overall performance are decent, if not very exciting. The bigger wheels and lower-profile tyres make the car feel more planted and enhance highway stability. Although the 15-inch wheels have slightly increased the car’s turning radius, they are easily manoeuvrable through tight spots.

The ride comfort is decent enough, with no noticeable underdamped ride characteristics common in cars in this price segment. The suspension is effective, and damping is pretty good for absorbing small bumps. The short wheelbase and narrow tracks can make it a little problematic for bigger bumps. 

The Bezza comes with two different powertrains. The first is the smaller three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine with VVT-i. The same engine is also used on the Perodua Axia. The engine makes 67 hp of power and 91 Nm of torque, with power being sent to the front wheels and the variants having an approximate weight of 900 kgs. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission system or an automatic transmission system. 

The 1.3-litre variants get the bigger 1.3-litre four-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine, making 94 hp of power and 121 Nm. This engine is only available with a 4AT (automatic transmission) system. The engine is smoother, sounds quieter, and there are almost no vibrations felt inside the car. 

The Bezza has definitely become a far more safe and more convenient vehicle to drive. The car gets standard ESP on all variants. The biggest upgrade in the 2020 year model is the inclusion of the new ASA 2.0 system, which brings high-end active safety systems to this sedan. However, the ASA system is only available on the 1.3 AV model.  

Amongst key safety features included in it are the pre-collision braking up to 80 km/h, pre-collision warning up to 100 km/h, pedestrian detection up to 50 km/h, and front departure alert, as well as pedal misoperation control. 

Apart from ASA 2.0, both the 1.3L variants get vehicle stability control as standard. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and two airbags in the front are other safety features standard on all models. The sedan is one of the best in terms of safety in the segment, with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating which is the best for any Perodua car till now. 

The car is also equipped with several other safety features, including the Hill-start Assist feature to ensure smoother uphill journeys, Traction Control (TRC), and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

Warranty 

Made for everyday use, this A-segment sedan is pretty decent in terms of the warranty. The standard warranty is five years or 150,000 km. 

Perodua vs Other competitors

Perodua Axia

The Axia from Perodua is not exactly a rival but an alternate and cost effective option from the same family. The Axia  is priced between RM 23,367 - RM 41,427 compared to the Bezza’s price range of RM 33,456 - RM 48,356. Although, in terms of performance, safety and fuel economy, and refinement, the Bezza beats the Axia pretty comfortably. 

Proton Saga

The Proton Saga is less expensive than the Perodua Bezza, with a starting price of RM 32,800. Although if it comes to performance and styling, the Bezza is a clear winner, even with its base variant 1.0G. The Saga has been said to be more refined in terms of ride and handling, but the Bezza beats it when it comes to higher-speed stability and fuel economy and engine refinement. 

Proton Persona

The Perodua Bezza and the Proton Persona have been long term competitors in the segment. The Perodua Bezza is priced between RM 33,456 - RM 48,356, while the Proton Persona is more expensive, starting at RM 45,800 - RM 55,800. The Persona houses a larger 1.6L engine as compared to Bezza’s two engine options: 1.0L and 1.3L. The fuel efficiency is better in the Bezza, but the Persona is superior in terms of the availability of some superior safety features and a premium package of technologies. 

Final Words 

Ending this review, it can be definitely said that the Perodua Bezza truly brings a balanced and very convenient package for everyday commuters. The very affordable sedan is as good as it gets in the price segment. If you are thinking of buying the car for daily commute purposes, then the most important question would be: 

Is the Perodua Bezza a Good Car?

It definitely is. The car you buy definitely depends upon your priorities and preferences, but if your budget is tight and you do not want to compromise on comfort, convenience as well as styling, the Perodua Bezza is definitely a great choice. 

Is the Perodua Bezza reliable?

As far as reliability goes, the Bezza has been popular in Malaysia for its high practicality, reliability and affordability. From sporty looks to neat and practical interiors, great fuel economy and ample safety, you get an all-inclusive package that is designed to fit the needs of everyday commuters who need a classy and comfortable sedan at an affordable price.