Perodua Ativa

The 2021 Perodua Ativa brings the fight to the Proton X50, and presents a whole lot of firsts for Perodua. With three generously-specced variants (X, H, and AV), the Ativa marks the first time a turbocharged engine/CVT combo is fitted into a Perodua. 

It looks rather different from its Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize donor cars. The Ativa gets a front grille that extends into both LED headlights, as well as L-shaped front fog light surrounds. LED headlights are standard fitment across the line-up.

The cockpit is largely similar to its donor cars, sharing the same dashboard and steering wheel designs. However, its air-conditioning controls are different - while the Rocky/Raize uses two knobs, the Ativa gets a button-controlled system.

Safety features:

Standard across the range are 6 airbags, Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The H and AV variants benefit from adaptive headlights (Adaptive Driving Beam), while the range-topping AV gets adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keep control (LKC) and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA).

Comfort features:

The X and H gets fabric seats, while leather interior upholstery is reserved only for the range-topping AV variant. Also, the X’s steering wheel is a bit empty - the H and AV fare better with a multi-function steering wheel.

Infotainment:

The X gets a regular, Bluetooth-enabled standard audio system with 4 speakers. Spring for the H and AV, and you’ll get a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with phone mirroring function. The AV adds on two tweeters, bringing the total speaker count to 6.

All variants of the Ativa are powered by a 1.0-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to a D-CVT - good enough for 98 PS and 140 Nm. The Ativa is front-wheel drive only.

The Ativa is one of the most sophisticated Peroduas today, with cabin refinement a level or two higher than other models in the brand's line-up, wind and tyre noise are well-insulated, and the engine is rather quiet.