For the first time in Perodua’s 22 years of existence, a sedan model will finally roll out of its new RM1.3 billion production plant in Seremban (Perodua Global Manufacturing). Introducing the Perodua Bezza, another Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) whose platform is shared with the company’s current best seller, the Axia.
A total of five variants and two engine choices are offered, with prices beginning from as low as RM37,300 to RM50,800 for the decked out variant. Since the order books opened five days ago, Perodua received 4,028 orders for the Bezza, and interestingly over 50 percent goes to the range topping Advance 1.3L.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G (Manual) | Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G (Auto) | Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (Manual) | Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (Auto) | Perodua Bezza 1.3 Advance (Auto) |
| Engine | 998cc; DOHC, 3-cylinder | 998cc; DOHC, 3-cylinder | 1,329cc; DOHC, 4-cylinder | 1,329cc; DOHC, 4-cylinder | 1,329cc; DOHC, 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 4-speed auto | 5-speed manual | 4-speed auto | 4-speed auto |
| Max Power | 67 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 94 hp @ 6,000 rpm | |||
| Max Torque | 91 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | 121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |||
| Price | RM37,300 | RM39,300 | RM42,800 | RM44,800 | RM50,800 |
Without further ado, allow us to break the variants down for easy digestion while you be the judge for which suits your needs best.
Perodua Bezza Standard G (1.0-litre Auto and Manual)
As per the table above, only the entry level model, the Standard G, will get the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. It’s essentially an improved version of the same all-aluminium motor powering the Axia, except that it’s slightly more powerful and fuel efficient. Two choice of transmissions are offered – a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.
They both sit on 14-inch wheels (as do the rest, just different designs), manual side mirrors, polyurethane steering wheel, fabric upholstery, power windows, dual frontal airbags and an audio system that supports USB connectivity. There’s also reverse sensors, remote boot release, ABS with EBD but loses out on the electronic side mirrors with integrated signal indicators.
Perodua Bezza Premium X (1.3-litre Auto and Manual)
From this variant onwards, the Bezza gets fitted with a larger 1,329cc four-cylinder engine (this engine is bigger and much improved over the Myvi’s 1,298cc engine), producing 94 hp and 121 Nm of torque. That’s an increase of 5 horsepower and 4 Nm over the old engine, thanks to redesigned cylinder head, reconfigured intake and exhaust ports and a slighter higher compression ratio of 11.5:1 (up from the previous 10.0:1), just to name a few. The Premium X variant is also available with the same four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions.
Here, the head unit is replaced and thus supports Bluetooth connectivity. Also thrown into the mix are keyless entry with push-start button, chromed door handles, front fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, rear 5V/2A USB charging port, window tinting and jam protection power window (driver side only). The cabin looks better here thanks to more gloss black and silver touches, including cloth-wrapped door trims.
Perodua Bezza Advance (1.3-litre Auto only)
At press time, over 50 percent of the total bookings goes to this range topping variant, which gets the 1.3-litre engine. It is the only variant in the range to not come with a manual transmission. However, exclusive to this variant is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, quilted leather seats, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, electronic side mirrors with signal indicators, side skirts and reverse camera.
Another standout feature is the Eco Idle System which shuts off the engine to conserve fuel, a first for its class. The multimedia head unit benefits from GPS navigation and Smart Link (this lets you pair your smartphone for more connective features), while the exterior packaging gets a pair of additional side skirts for a sportier stance.
WHAT ELSE?
Just two airbags are offered as standard across the range, but those prioritising practicality will be glad to know that boot space is 508-litres large. That’s mighty cavernous for an A-Segment car, so kudos to Perodua. The tyres (175/65 profile) are also uniquely developed and supplied by Bridgestone and Silverstone; the former is the Ecopia variant reserved for the 1.3-litre, whereas the 1.0-litre Standard G gets Silverstone Kruizer rubbers.
Perodua brimmed with confidence when announcing the Bezza Advance’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, while the remaining four variants get a 4-star rating. Buyers can select any of the six colours offered – Ocean Blue, Sugar Brown, Lava Red, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver and Solid Ivory White. All purchases of the Bezza come with a 5-Year or 150,000km manufacturer’s warranty package, and can be spruced up with Perodua’s GearUp original accessories.
IMAGE GALLERY
Perodua Bezza Standard 1.0G
Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X
Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance
