These two SUV cars look similar, but how similar are they?
So we all know about the new Perodua Alza by now, it’s stylish, comfortable, fuel efficient and affordable, it is definitely a good option for almost anyone, regardless of how big their family is, but wait, isn’t the Perodua Aruz also all of those things and cheaper still than the Alza, so which SUV should you buy?
Well, let’s first take a look at why these cars are both selling like hot cakes. Firstly, the Perodua Aruz, it is a compact seven-seater crossover SUV powered by a 1.5 litre petrol inline four paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and being a slightly older model only has Perodua’s Active Safety Assist 2.0 (A.S.A 2.0).
On the other hand, the new Perodua Alza is not even an SUV on paper, it is a compact seven-seater MPV but it looks and drives enough like an SUV to be considered a real alternative to the Aruz. Running the same 1.5 litre engine as the Aruz, the Alza utilizes a CVT gearbox and comes with A.S.A 3.0 for more safety.
Moreover, the Perodua Aruz SUV costs RM77,900 for the top spec AV model while the top spec AV Alza will set you back RM75,500 so the price difference is negligible at best but the Aruz comes with a ladder chassis and suspension so it should handle poor road conditions better, plus with it being an SUV, it sits higher off the ground.
However, the Perodua Alza more than makes up for this by including Android Auto and Apple Carplay as well as having more usable third row seats.
Good news is that both the new Alza and the Aruz come with rear climate control vents and blower which means all passengers get more than enough cool air circulation.
However, and this is the main point, is the waiting time. The Perodua Aruz SUV which has had more time in showrooms has an expected delivery time of only 30 days while the newer Perodua Alza MPV has an expected waiting time of around 6 to 8 months. However this is not a problem unique to Perodua.
With Malaysia running headfirst into a recession, many families can only afford to own one car, thus economical seven seater SUVs like these two cars become more popular as they are the ideal car for most people who can only own a single car. So the main factor that one should consider between these two cars is the waiting time.
If one does not need the car urgently and can wait for the more than half a year, then by all means, wait for the Perodua Alza, at its price point, there really isn’t anything else on the market quite like it, however if one finds themselves pinched for time, then the Perodua Aruz is still a great option as it is almost the same car.
