Ratings: 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV - High score in practicality, 160.5 pts overall

In this week's Ratings test, we're analysing the 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV by evaluating all aspects from driving performance to purchase and cost.

Driving Performance – 26/50 pts, overtaking can be a chore

With just 102 PS and 133 Nm on tap, the Perodua Aruz is not the byword for performance. Overtaking on highways will require a bit of planning as it takes a while to build speed.

0-100 km/h takes 15.7 seconds, which is the second slowest car we've tested after the Perodua Axia. In comparison, the Honda BR-V takes 11.6 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h.

Braking distance however, was rather impressive. The Aruz takes just 37.2 metres to come to a standstill from 100 km/h.

The light steering also eases the maneuvering process in the Aruz, and couple that with the tight turning radius, makes parking much easier. 

A 4-speed automatic transmission is the sole option we get, and it does a decent job of shifting gears. Shifts are smooth, though kick-down could be more responsive.

Ride Comfort – 33/50 pts, noisy at highway speeds

The suspension is best described as ‘under damped’ and ride comfort is on the firmer side of things. However, it does ride better under heavier load as the Perodua Aruz's suspension is designed with a full load (7 passengers) in mind.

The front seats provide decent side support but the seat itself is on the smaller side, just like the Perodua Myvi. 

At city speeds, noise level in the Aruz is relatively low. At highway speeds, it does get rather noisy as the engine revs above 3,000 rpm.

Quality and Features – 26/50 pts, infotainment system needs to be updated

Panel gaps were remarkably consistent throughout, except for the 1.0 mm deviation at the rear quarter panels. Paint thickness consistency averaged in the 110s of µm.

Like any other Perodua model, the interior is mostly hard plastics – from the dashboard to the door trim.

With that said, the Aruz does get some leather wrapping on the door trim, which helps to improve the cabin atmosphere.

The infotainment system does not have the most pleasing user interface and isn't particularly responsive, plus the media infomation isn't displayed when connected to Bluetooth. What's more, there are no physical volume buttons or control knob.

The Perodua Aruz gets Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0), which includes AEB with pedestrian detection (adults only), Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control.

Space and Practicality – 35/50 pts, 3rd-row seat not for adults

Space in the second row is decent for a car of this segment. There's about 2 tennis balls of kneeroom and 1 tennis ball of headroom for a 175 cm adult.

The third row seats, however, is rather tight. There is virtually no additional kneeroom or headroom for adults.

There are 2 cupholders in the door bins, but neither is large enough to fit 1.5-litre bottles. No centre armrest storage space here. Instead, there are 3 cupholders. Boot space is rated at 213 litres with the 3rd-row seats up.

Fuel consumption – 14.5/20 pts, acceptable for a 7-seater

After completing a 103 km journey broken down to 60% highway and 40% city driving, the amount of fuel required to brim the tank is 7.73 litres.

Which gives a calculated figure of 7.9-litre/100 km, an acceptable figure considering the size and weight of the Aruz.

Purchase and Cost – 23/30 pts, good value proposition

The Perodua Aruz is priced at RM 77,900 (with SST). Price without SST is RM 73,226, valid until 31 December 2020.

Considering its price point and features such as 6 airbags and AEB, the Perodua Aruz offer good value proposition to families looking for a compact 7-seater SUV.

Conclusion – 160.5/250 pts overall

The 2019 Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV is a well-rounded family SUV. It's practical, decently comfortable, relatively fuel-efficient, and it offers good value. Downside is the engine performance and infotainment system.

If you don't travel long distances frequently and you're looking for a compact 7-seater SUV for your family, then you should shortlist the Perodua Aruz.