Owner Review: It's like the Cheapest Toyota SUV you can buy, My story of 2022 Perodua Ativa

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Basic information of my car:

2022 Perodua Ativa H 1.oL Turbo (RM 68,188 on the road price, without SST). My specific model was RM 69,689 with additional accessories.

Reasons why I bought this car

My current car, over a decade old, though well maintained, just cannot be as heavily used as before. Plus, we needed something a bit more comfortable, more refined, hence an all-new car after 13 years. In the automotive world, that's like 2 generations long!

Car Selection Process

I had a budget of: RM 60,000, but flexible

Models that I’ve considered included : Seriously considered the 2022 Persona. Looks aside, that's one fine car for 56k. Solid structure and handling, plus it's such a mature product now since it's been heavily facelifted twice - kudos to Proton engineers/designers. Plus, I also liked the fact that it's more mechanically simple, which translates to cheaper maintenance.

A trip to the Proton showroom seriously gave me second thoughts. I was shocked to learn about a 5-6 month waiting period, and the higher interest rates than Perodua was also not very appealing. Plus, I'm aware of Proton's hit or miss quality issues, and more recently, quite taken back by their spare parts situation. Sensible reasons aside, when I walked up to the Ativa in the showroom, it just looked and felt more pleasing.

User experience

• I have already done 2123km
• My average fuel consumption is 10.3km/l.

>>Looks/ Styling: No complaints at all – in fact very, very contemporary with a compact Euro flavour to it.. Great stuff. Just wish Perodua had some more interesting colours to offer! Copper or even that beautiful blue on the latest Peugeot 408? I know we can wrap, but still! Plus, this doesn't apply to the Ativa specifically, but why are carmakers so embarrassed to show exhaust pipes these days? Even the Kelisa had a nice visible chrome tipped exhaust. And look how good the X50 looks with quad pipes at the rear. All I'm asking for is one pipe.

>>Interior ergonomics & build quality: Once you get in, the first thing you'll wonder when did Daihatsu start building BMW dashboards? Angled towards the driver as well! And even the air cond vents remind you of the units in the X7, 3 series etc.. But the plastics, especially those on lower parts and window switch areas- they scratch unbelievably easily. So where did your money go, you think? Your may console yourself by remembering you've invested in a world class DNGA platform, harmonious powertrain & all that on-board tech.

But plastic quality aside, interior touchpoints are still good, the tactile switchgear in particular are very pleasing, well dampened movements and even premium feeling I would say. Ergonomics are spot on, only thing is shorter drivers may not be able to enjoy that arm rest when seated close to the steering wheel.(2022, no telescopic steering. This must change.)The front seats are well shaped, unlike any Perodua before this, and offer good lumbar support. The rear seats are like every Perodua before this, and are basically flat benches designed to fold well. They're okay, but for longer journeys and older passengers who need better support, this may not be ideal. But I guess you can strap some lumbar support cushions if that's really an issue.

Infotainment, as basic as it gets, but you get the usual Bluetooth and SmartLink (which I have no patience to put up with). I don't mind simplicity, but just wish it had built in navigation– even the old Alza has it, so not sure why omitted here. A bit of a bummer given that large 9" touch screen. Perodua is considering Android Auto, and at time of writing, if they manage to stuff it into the new all-new Alza, I don't see why the Ativa won't be next. Anyhow, for me personally, coming from a Proton, those Perodua OEM speakers must go. I'll just get some decent plug & play versions to keep the warranty. Listening to some good sounding music while driving, I think that's a basic need, not a want.

>>Performance & Handling: Remember to check the tyres aren't over inflated after leaving the showroom, otherwise you're going have a hard ride. I dropped mine just slightly under the recommended 240kPa – and instantly the ride felt plusher. Much has been said of the DNGA platform, and much of it is true. Body control is okay (for a mini SUV), it feels rigid and refinement is at an all-time high for a Perodua. But keep your expectations in check: this is still a higher riding car, and this is no Porsche Macan. Body roll around tight bends is evident.

As sporty as this car looks, it does not offer a sporty drive - period. A refined, calm drive, yes, but not a sporty one in my books. So looks can be deceiving indeed. Now the CVT (in general) strongly divides opinions, I can understand why. If you have an adrenaline rush, a CVT will not channel that energy into the car. You won't win any traffic light races. You won't feel the gear shifts. You won't even get a little turbo kick as you would in a Polo 1.2 TSI. So are we trashing the CVT? Far from it. What I'm saying is that the CVT (at least the D-CVT in the Ativa) is designed for an entirely different usage scenario: day to day urban driving. Stop and go traffic. And in that respect, this is an engineering marvel. It's smooth as butter, like a criminal undercover picking up speed gradually but silently, and suddenly you've hit 90km/h. The turbo works subtly in the background, effectively assisting with the very linear, polite power delivery.

Very Japanese mannered. Now pressing the PWR button on the steering certainly adds momentum, you will feel the surge, but still in a linear manner. So to summarise, you don't drive the Ativa like a X6M, you drive it like a Lexus. And when you do, the Ativa behaves like one. Combined with the very impressive NVH (except for some tyre roar at higher speeds) – the Ativa is seriously telling you when it grows up, it wants to be a Lexus NX. Technology is great when you don't even realise it's there – so is the D-CVT. The only thing is that at neighbourhood speeds, I still sense a hint of hesitancy/ uncertainty in the transmission – maybe the car is still very new and trying to adapt to my driving style? But no deal breaker at all.

>>Practicality: The sparkling black side mirrors look fantastic, but they're bulky and somewhat awkwardly shaped, so make sure you're aware of the blind spots not just rearward, but even when you're looking ahead. The thick A pillars combined with the large mirrors are effective enough to block off an entire motorcycle from view. You'll get used to it though. Speaking of practicality, Perodua still ships new cars with wet batteries which require a bit more tender loving care. Since I'm perhaps not so tender, I've swapped mine for a dry cell instead. Fyi, the start-stop compatible M42 battery retails around RM 350. Finally, don't forget that the Ativa actually has a larger boot than the X50 (including a full size spare tyre complete with an extra 17 inch rim inside). And with the back seats down, I managed to perfectly fit a 55"flat screen tv in there.

>>Value for money? Think about your needs before getting this, or any car. If the Ativa is on your list, then yes it still offers value with the low end turbo torque, and the impressive DNGA refinement at this price point. It's like the cheapest Toyota SUV you can buy.

Pros of my car:

• Transmission, power delivery
• smooth as butter (or WD-40) - It is not underpowered
• rolls effortlessly even with 5 people on board.
• Lexus-grade LED headlamps, cool sequential indicators (front)
• Perodua's extensive Gear Up catalogue (ask your showroom for this)
• there are useful stuff in there (not just body kits). Would recommend taking the 'Utility Package' for Ativa (consists of door visors, an easy maintenance boot tray and coil mats).
• Fingerprint-proof touch screen finish. No need to get aftermarket oleophobic film.
• Touch screen offers limited functionality, but very user friendly though.
• Ativa H spec steering controls (right side) are very intuitive when changing radio stations/ tracks.
• Adding a GR logo on your steering wheel adds 1hp

Cons of my car:

• Air cond vent blows right onto your left hand on the steering.
• Thick A pillar + side mirror blind spot
• High beltline may limit ground visibility for some, when parking next to pavements etc.
• Speakers.. come on Perodua, the speakers still sound the same as the ones in a Kelisa. If the affordable Saga can do it..
• Interior plastics need to be more scratch resistant.
• Wish the back seats were more contoured for a 70k car.
• People ask why never buy X50?
• Interior plastics vibrate over uneven surfaces

Ratings: 

Total Score: 4

Performance: 3

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 3

Ride Comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 4

Price & Cost: 4

Summary :

Now with the new Perodua Alza just announced with very similar pricing to the Ativa, we can clearly see that the Ativa is obviously more of a lifestyle product - which is impressive coming from Perodua, a brand known for sensible, straightforward cars. But I'll wrap up with this, the Ativa is a car you will appreciate, regardless of the badge in front. From the moment you grab that well designed steering wheel and press the accelerator, the undeniable Toyota DNA shines through, better than ever here, compared to other recent Peroduas. And for those who've owned the legendary Kelisa, the Ativa might just be a grown up version of that.

Last:

No events in particular, but I have a few quick tips for potential owners - to make it easier living with this car:

1. Leave the front object sensor on, it is not overly sensitive.

2. On instrument panel under settings>Front Camera>set Front vehicle departure alert to 'Standard'. I think it's set to 'Slow' by default.

3. Also under Front Camera settings> set Steering Assist to 'Off'. Otherwise the steering is constantly wrestling with you on almost every journey.

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