since 1976
since 1976
PERODUA was perhaps a bit ahead of its time when it introduced the Kembara SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) back in the earlier days, almost 20 years ago. In fact, back then the Perodua range was pretty complete with a car (Kancil), a van (Rusa) and an SUV.
And recently, Perodua has come full circle again by making its range complete with the launch of the Aruz, a pun on the Malay word ‘arus’ that means ‘flow’. The new SUV from Perodua is certainly flowing with the times as the demand for such vehicles is on the rise and it could now meet this trend head-on.
Although the Aruz is built on a common platform with similar models in the Daihatsu and Toyota family, Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the Aruz was an ambitious project that involved many Malaysian automotive parts vendors. This led to some 95 per cent of the Aruz being made and sourced locally.
As Perodua also sources more than 90 per cent of the parts for the other models – Axia, Myvi and Bezza - in its range, it was not surprising that it would do the same for the Aruz as well. A major benefit was in keeping costs down and that is reflected in the Aruz price – between RM72,900 and RM77,900 on the road without insurance – which is certainly attractive for an entry-level SUV with strong features and good quality.
Dato’ Zainal sees the Aruz as a new direction for Perodua and that is ‘upwards’. “Our entry into the SUV segment elevates us into new territory where we would be taking our customer satisfaction efforts to the next level to satisfy the needs and wants of a more discerning customer base,” he enthuses.
In reality, Perodua is not short on experience in pandering to SUV customers as the Kembara had a good following and its reliability is clearly reflected with many of them still running on the roads today. Its second foray with SUVs was the Nautica that saw a smaller following, mainly to a less attractive price structure. The demand for SUVs was also lukewarm at that time.
The strategy with the Aruz is a lot more complete and in sync with the new models it has introduced over the past two years. This include the Aruz being the fourth EEV (Energy-Efficient Vehicle) as it boasts of a class-leading fuel economy of 15.6km/l. The 1.5-litre engine is improved and updated from the unit powering the Alza currently to be more efficient while retaining good power output.
The Aruz engine has a marginally higher displacement of 1496cc from the previous 1495cc engine and has the more efficient Dual-VVT-i (variable valve timing – intelligent), while retaining the DOHC (double overhead camshaft) multi-valve head. The good fuel mileage is achieved with the ‘Eco Idle’ system. A push button start is standard fare.
Power output might seem marginally lower compared to the engine powering the Alza – 75kW (102PS) at 6000rpm and 133Nm at 4200rpm against 76kW (104PS) at 6000rpm and 136Nm at 4400rpm – but the more efficient engine makes up for the slight deficit. There is also the weight difference as the Aruz is a bigger vehicle being an SUV and tips the scales at 1300-1310kg depending on models (the Alza’s kerb weight varies from 1125kg to 1180).
Unlike the Alza, which has a five-speed manual transmission model option to complement the four-speed automatic, the Aruz is only available as a four-speed automatic model. We believe the ratios for the Aruz’s electronically managed transmission is well selected to override the weight deficit and provide a decent pace while returning good fuel mileage.
We compare the Aruz to the Alza, even though both vehicles appeal to a slightly different customer profile, as both are seven-seater vehicles. This is where the lines are blurred and the family types would find either much to their liking given the better interior space, leaving the final choice to the subjective preference for body profiles.
However, the Aruz has a lot more to offer in features. How about ASA 2.0 (Advanced Safety Assist) for starters. It helps to detect objects in front, mainly pedestrians, and apply the brakes progressively should an imminent collision be determined. Add to that Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and the Aruz certainly comes out heads above by comparison.
We are just scratching the surface here as the Aruz comes from a more recently developed platform and has a greater range of modern equipment as a result. Thus, we weren’t surprised to be told that since bookings for the Aruz was opened early in January, more than 2200 orders were received. And with many vehicles ready to be delivered, you could get an Aruz delivered almost immediately upon placing an order for one.
If you have been hankering for an affordable SUV, the time has arrived to flow with the Perodua Aruz on its good value journey. Five colour options await in the form of Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Electric Blue, Granite Grey and the new Amazon Green. There is a bonus from Perodua as well; if you purchase the Perodua Total Protect Plus motor insurance, you would get to enjoy free Perodua Auto Assist, free unlimited unnamed drivers, flood allowance up to RM1000 and Personal Accident coverage up to RM10,000.
