UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has recently launched the new 2022 Toyota Veloz, and it's time to compare it with its donor car, the equally-new D27A Perodua Alza. If you are in the market for a B-segment MPV, you might be wondering which car to choose. While both cars share similarities, there are some key differences between them that might sway your decision.

One of the most significant differences is the price. The D27A Perodua Alza has a price range that tops out at RM 75,500, while the Toyota Veloz is priced at RM 95,000. This means that the Alza is cheaper than the Veloz by RM 19,500. However, if you are willing to spend more, the Veloz offers some additional features that might make it worth the extra investment.

Seeing that the Veloz and Alza share the same naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, their power outputs are the same, coming in at 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque.

Exterior – Larger wheels, chunkier fenders, swaps fog lamps for LED DRLs

UMW Toyota Motor and Perodua have collaborated to produce two MPVs with distinct designs. The 2022 Toyota Veloz and the D27A Perodua Alza are manufactured at Perodua's plant in Rawang, but they have completely different exterior designs.

The Veloz boasts a bold and aggressive front fascia with a massive pentagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The headlights are connected by a chrome strip, and the Veloz lacks front fog lights. In contrast, the Alza has a more sculptured look with a chrome strip between its headlights, and its headlights have an angular design.

When looking at the sides, the Veloz has more prominent fender flares, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, functional roof rails that can carry up to 75 kg load, and a 30 mm taller ground clearance than the Alza, which ranges from 15 to 16 inches in rim sizes.

The Veloz has a more rugged rear-end design with a faux skid plate on the bottom half of the bumper and a full-width LED tail light design, unlike the two-piece design of the Alza. The Veloz's model emblem is worn across the trim piece above the number plate, while the Alza has its emblem on the lower right corner of the tailgate.

Interior – Both lack storage space on the centre stack, but the Veloz looks more upmarket

When comparing the interiors of the Toyota Veloz and the Perodua Alza, it's clear that both MPVs have their unique design touches. The Veloz boasts a dual-tone dashboard with soft-padded dashboard trim, complete with stitching and a nameplate emblem, while the Alza also offers a dual-tone dashboard but finished in brown.

Both the Veloz and Alza (in its range-topping AV variant) come with a 9-inch infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. However, the Veloz takes it up a notch by offering wireless support for both features, along with a Qi wireless charging pad behind the electric parking brake (EPB) button.

The fully-digital 7-inch instrument cluster is available in both MPVs, but the Veloz includes an external temperature reading, visible on the left side of the cluster. The air-conditioning controls in the Veloz feature automatic climate control, while the Alza has the typical Perodua unit with 2 memory functions. However, the Veloz does lose out on a multi-mode blower, which the Alza offers.

Both MPVs have different seat designs, with the Alza having brown seats, and the Veloz has full-black seats. The door panels also have different designs, with the Veloz featuring a sleek handle for passengers to grab onto, while the Alza lacks that feature. Additionally, the Veloz also features a cool blue ambient lighting system, while the Alza lacks ambient lighting but offers an optional GearUp foot lighting system.

One minor difference between the two models is that the Veloz lacks a panoramic view monitor (PVM) button on the steering wheel, which the Alza has. Veloz owners need to access the PVM feature via the infotainment system. Another important feature that the RM 95k Toyota Veloz offers is a steering column with tilt and telescopic adjustment, which Perodua does not offer until today.

Conclusion – Is the Veloz worth the RM 20k price premium over the Alza?

The Perodua Alza D27A is a practical, safe, and affordable option that has already been booked by more than 51,000 Malaysians. With its affordable price point, the top-spec Alza offers everything that buyers could want. However, the Toyota Veloz has its own unique features that make it worth considering. Although it costs an additional RM 20k, it offers a more feature-packed 7-seater MPV and an excellent entry point into the Toyota ownership experience.

If you're looking for a practical and affordable vehicle, the D27A Perodua Alza may be the perfect choice for you. It's a safe and reliable option that has been very popular among Malaysians, thanks to its attractive price point.