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Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected

Shaun · Apr 11, 2021 03:00 PM

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 01

The 2021 Perodua Ativa is one of the most anticipated cars this year and to make things more interesting, we bought one for a long-term review. But that doesn’t mean the Ativa gets any preferential treatment. We treat every car that goes through the Ratings test equally and judge based on its segment.

With that out of the way, let’s dive into the Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV.

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Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 01

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Driving Performance – 28/50 pts, decent low-end torque

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 02

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Facts and Figures
Engine 1.0-litre turbo 3-cylinder
Transmission CVT automatic
Power 98 PS @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 140 Nm @ 2,400-4,000 rpm
Weight 1,035 kg
0-100 km/h 13.2 seconds
100-0 km/h 43.9 metres

The 1.0-litre turbo engine works best at low to medium rpm, where it makes peak torque. It picks up speed respectably and easily keeps up with the traffic. Power delivery is linear, complimented by the smooth CVT. 

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 03

Multiple runs conducted. Best run showed on graph.

However, it does struggle a little to accelerate at higher speeds as evident from the curve in the graph shown above. The Perodua Ativa managed a 0-100 km/h time of 13.2 seconds.

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 04

Steering weight is well-judged, but the steering ratio is slow and exhibits vagueness at highway speeds. Brakes require some pedal travel before they start biting, which doesn’t inspire confidence but it’s easy to modulate.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Driving Performances Breakdown
Engine Acceleration 2.5 / 5
In-gear Acceleration 3 / 5
Throttle Response 3 / 5
Transmission Shift Logic 2 / 3
Smoothness 4 / 5
Sport/Manual Mode 2 / 3
Steering Accuracy 1 / 3
Response 1.5 / 3
Weight & Feel 2 / 3
Braking Distance 1.5 / 3
Feel 1 / 3
Handling Chassis Balance 1.5 / 3
Grip 1.5 / 3
Load Reaction 1.5 / 3
Total   28 / 50 pts

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Ride Comfort – 34/50 pts, best ride quality from Perodua yet

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 05

The seats are adequately supportive, but individuals of larger build may find the seats to be rather small.

The suspension is on the softer side and it soaks up road irregularities with greater poise and composure than any other Perodua currently on sale.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Cabin noise
0 km/h (AC off) 43 dB
0 km/h (AC on) 47 dB
60 km/h (AC on) 60 dB
90 km/h (AC on) 68 dB
110 km/h (AC on) 70 dB

The Perodua Ativa's engine vibration is noticeable at idle but once on the move, it’s relatively refined. Cabin noise level is more than acceptable for its price point. With a sound-level meter at hand, we managed to record the following readings:

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Ride Comfort Breakdown
Sound Proofing 5 / 10
Suspension 6 / 10
Passenger Comfort 6 / 10
Seat Support 2.5 / 5
Ergonomics 3 / 5
Engine Refinement 4 / 10
Total points 26.5 / 50 pts

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Quality and Features - 23.5/50 pts, most features for the money

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 06

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Panel Gaps (mm)
Location Driver Side Passenger Side Difference
Bonnet 3.5 3 0.5
Front Fender 4.5 4.5 0
Front to Rear Door 4.5 4 0.5
Rear Door to quarter panel 4 5 1.0
Tailgate 5.5 5 0.5
2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Paint thickness (µm)
Location Driver Side Passenger Side
Front Bonnet 95.2
Front Fender 104 108
Front Door 103 104
Rear Door 106 110
Rear Quarter Panel 116 109
Tailgate 106
Roof 93
Average paint thickness: 105 µm ±6

For a car of its price, the Perodua Ativa's build is rather decent. Things are faily consistent in terms of panel gaps and paint thickness.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Exterior Material Use
Bonnet Soundproofing Material Thin
Struts Manual
Front Fenders Soundproofing Material No
Doors Front Windows Single Glazed
Rear Windows Single Glazed
Construction One Piece
Tailgate/Boot Opening Manual

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 07

Unlike the Proton X50, the Perodua Ativa's cabin is not decorated with soft plastics. Even so, the Ativa manages to feel like a step up from other Perodua cars that we have been accustomed to.

The suede material on the seats gives the cabin a more upmarket impression. But it’s evident that the Perodua Ativa is built with budget in mind.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Cabin Material Use
Seat Seat Cover Leather
Armrest Armrest Cover N/A
Dashboard Upper Section Hard Plastic
  Lower Section Hard Plastic
Front Doors Upper Section Hard Plastic
  Middle Section Soft Plastic
  Lower Section Hard Plastic

As with most Perodua models on sale, the infotainment unit could use some improvements. Having modern phone connectivity (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay) would make things a lot more convenient. The user interface looks dated and sound quality could be better too.

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 08

Perhaps the highlight of the Perodua Ativa is the ASA 3.0 suite of ADAS with Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), Front Departure Alert (FDA), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

On top of those, the range-topping AV variant adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). These are on top of the Adaptive Driving Beam (adaptive headlights).

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 09

This makes the Perodua Ativa the cheapest car with ACC. As far as safety features go, the Perodua Ativa has them in spades.

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 10

No handbag hook in the Ativa

Strangely, the Ativa does not come with Perodua’s proprietary anti-snatch hook or built-in toll reader.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Quality & Feature Breakdown
Exterior Paint Finish 4 / 4
Panel Gaps 3 / 4
Assembly Quality 1 / 2
Interior Build Quality 3.5 / 5
Materials Used 3.5 / 5
Features Safety 8 / 10
ADAS 5 / 5
Luxury 1.5 / 5
Convenience 3 / 5
Infotainment 2 / 5
Total   34.5 / 50 pts

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Space and Practicality - 32/50 pts, not as spacious as Myvi

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 11

The Perodua Ativa isn’t as spacious as a Myvi. Having said that, the Ativa isn’t cramped inside and has 2 tennis balls of kneeroom with about 1 tennis ball of headroom for a 175 cm tall individual.

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 12

The Perodua Ativa's boot space is rated at 369 litres with the boot floor at its lowest position. Higher than the Proton X50 at 330 litres or even the Subaru XV’s 345-litre boot space.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Interior Space Breakdown
Front Row 7 / 10
Middle/Back Row 6 / 10
Third Row 0 / 5
Boot Space 4 / 5
Practicality 4 / 5
Storage Space 4 / 5
Visibility 4 / 5
Storage Flexibility 3 / 5
Total 32 / 50 pts

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Fuel Consumption – 13/20 pts, thirstier than expected

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 13

We’ve been recording the mileage and every refuel for our Perodua Ativa thus far. We have the data for the first 4 refuels and here is the fuel consumption graph:

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 14

X: Mileage (km), Y: FC (L/100 km)

The average calculated fuel consumption of the Perodua Ativa works out to about 7.5-litre/100 km. The lowest calculated figure thus far was 6.4-litre/100 km on one tank of fuel, while the highest was 8.7-litre/100 km.

While the claimed figure from Peodua is 5.3-litre/100 km, we reckon it is only achievable in ideal conditions with minimal city driving.

Interestingly, the Nissan Almera - with a similar powertrain configuration - recorded 5.8-litre/100 km during our tests.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Fuel Consumption Test Breakdown
Fuel Consumption 9 / 15
Eco Mode 2 / 2
Indicator Accuracy 2 / 3
Total points 13 / 20 pts

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Purchase and Cost – 26.5/30, superb value

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 15

At RM 72,000, the Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV has the most features for the money. It is the most affordable car with Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Headlights. No other car in the Ativa's price range comes close to the features it offers.

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 16

The warranty given for the Perodua Ativa is of 5 years/150,000 km, whichever comes first.

2021 Perodua Ativa service costs
Month Mileage (km) Cost (RM)
1 1,000 -
6 10,000 160.50
12 20,000 259.30
18 30,000 202.79
24 40,000 423.12
30 50,000 202.79
36 60,000 259.30
42 70,000 202.79
48 80,000 423.12
54 90,000 202.79
60 100,000 841.40
Total 3,177.90

For maintenance cost, free labour is only given for the first service at 10,000 km.

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV - Purchase & Cost
Purchase Car Price 15 / 15
Warranty 3.5 / 5
Cost Maintenance 5 / 5
Fuel Cost 3 / 5
Total   26.5 / 30 pts

2019 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV: Conclusion - 168/250 pts overall

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 17

The Perodua Ativa’s strengths are its features and comfort. It has the best ride quality of any Perodua models current on sale and packs a punch in value.

However, the fuel consumption is slightly higher than expected. This ties into the theory of downsized turbocharged engines not being as efficient in real-world usage as claimed.

Having said that, the fuel consumption is around the figure of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine achieves. With a turbocharged engine, it benefits from greater low-end torque, improving drivability. And at this price point, the Perodua Ativa gives the biggest bang for the buck.

Full Ratings list: https://www.wapcar.my/car-ranking

More stories on our long-term review here.

Ratings: 2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV – Unbeatable price, but higher fuel consumption than expected 18

Also Read: 

Costs RM 64, our Ativa goes for its 1k km inspection - Long-term Review #5

First week with the Perodua Ativa - Something is rattling

How long did we wait for our Perodua Ativa? And how much did we pay for it?

How to run in your brand-new car? Here is what we’re doing with our new Ativa

We’ve bought a Perodua Ativa for a long-term review and tear down!

Launched in Malaysia, the 2021 Perodua Ativa: Priced from RM 62k, 1.0L Turbo, 98 PS/140 Nm

Quick review: 2021 Perodua D55L – The best Perodua to date?

​​​​​​No Toyota Direct Shift CVT for the Perodua D55L, why?

The 2021 Perodua Ativa's standard safety kit is better than the Proton X50

Perodua Ativa (D55L) – Is it an A-segment or a B-segment car? Same as Proton X50?

These Gear Up accessories on the 2021 Perodua Ativa activate its fierce side

2021 Perodua Ativa (D55L) vs Proton X50 – Do you need a bigger car?

2021 Perodua Ativa vs Nissan Almera – which 1.0L turbo is better?

2021 Perodua Ativa gets a different tailgate from Japan's Rocky/Raize, why?

The 2021 Perodua Ativa is more Malaysian than the Proton X50?

Shaun

Senior Writer

The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.

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