• Only RM 7.5k separate the Alza 1.5 H and Alza 1.5 AV
• Alza 1.5 AV offers a lot of additional equipment 
• Which one to pick?

With prices starting from RM 62,500, the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza is perhaps one of the best value-for-money 7-seater MPV money can buy in Malaysia today.

Price start from RM 62,500 for the entry-level Alza 1.5 X variant, but for the purpose of this comparison, we’ll be pitting the mid-spec Alza 1.5 H against the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV variant, as the price gap between the two variants is just an additional RM 7.5k.

So, if you’re in the market shopping for a 7-seater MPV, which variant should you get?

Also Read: Review: Even if you aren't looking for an MPV, the 2022 Perodua Alza (D27A) might just take your money anyway

Powertrain – Now enhanced with D-CVT

While engine capacity of the all-new Alza is unchanged from before, coming in at 1.5-litres, it is a completely new engine.

In the old Alza, it was a 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 104 PS and 136 Nm, while the new Alza gets a newer 2NR-VE block that does 106 PS and 138 Nm.

Also Read: Perodua: Digitized vendor processes is how the Alza's prices remained low despite rising raw material cost

Also new is the Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) that replaces the archaic 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Combined, Perodua claims that the D27A Alza returns 4.54-litre/100 km (22 km/litre) under the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC), or 5.29-litre/100 km (18.9 km/litre) under the NEDC cycle – a massive 40 percent improvement over the older Alza.

All variants of the all-new Alza share this powertrain combination.

Exterior – The Alza is quite a looker

Visually, all variants of the all-new Alza receive bright LED headlights, as well as side mirrors with LED turn signals and LED brake lights.

The difference is that the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV gets a front grille finished in chrome and glossy black, whereas every other variant below it gets a metallic silver front grille. The top-spec variant also adds on side skirts to give it a sportier look.

Apart from that, the Alza 1.5 H and 1.5 AV variants get 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, while the base variant gets silver-finished 15-inch units.

Interior – Top-spec is justified here

While the exterior of both the Alza 1.5 H and 1.5 AV are roughly similar, their cabins are world’s apart, at least in the colour scheme.

The top-spec Alza 1.5 AV gets a classy wine red contrasting trim that stretches from the door trims to the dashboard. Parts of the seat also feature the same win red treatment.

In addition to the colour scheme, the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV also offers support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – the first Malaysian car to do so. Other AV-only bits inside are the electric parking brake (EPB), piano black trim on the centre console, and semi-leather upholstery.

Also Read: Apple CarPlay MFi cert pending for 2022 Perodua Alza, update to come before year end

Does that necessarily mean that the Alza 1.5 H is worse off? Not necessarily so. The mid-spec variant still offers a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Instead of the piano black trim, the mid-spec 1.5 H gets some tacky carbon fibre-like pattern on the centre console. But we reckon the most useful feature is the storage compact located in front of the gear lever – something annoyingly missing on the AV variant.

Safety – Perodua leads the segment

In typical Perodua fashion, safety is not compromised and the 2022 Perodua Alza is no exception. All variants of the 2022 Perodua Alza get 6 airbags, pre-collision warning (FCW), pre-collision braking (AEB), Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), Front Departure Alert (FDA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP).

Also Read: 39k bookings for all-new 2022 Perodua Alza, 65% for the AV variant, 8- to 10-month wait

The Alza 1.5 AV throws in Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a built-in dashcam into the mix. Both the Alza 1.5 H and Alza 1.5 AV offer Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), while the base spec model offers Auto High Beam (AHB).

Also Read: All 2022 Perodua Alza to come with RFID tags pre-installed, no built-in Smart Tag though

Price – Less than RM 100 difference in monthly repayments

The mid-spec Alza 1.5 H is priced from RM 68,000, while the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV goes for RM 75,500. Prices quoted here are on-the-road without insurance, with sales tax included.

Factoring in a 9-year loan and a 10-percent down payment, the monthly repayment for the mid-spec Alza 1.5 H is roughly RM 700 a month, while the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV’s monthly repayment is about RM 780 a month.

Cut short the loan period to the recommended 5 years and you’re paying roughly RM 1,170 a month for the mid-spec Alza 1.5 H, while the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV is about RM 110 more, at RM 1,280 per month.

If you can muster out the extra RM 80 – RM 110 in monthly repayments, the Alza 1.5 AV is a no-brainer.

Also Read: D27A 2022 Perodua Alza launched in Malaysia, RM 62.5k to RM 75.5k, 1.5L with D-CVT

Conclusion – Top-spec Alza 1.5 AV makes the most sense

For its RM 75,500, the top-spec Alza 1.5 AV offers undisputed value-for-money, with its impressive safety kit, generous standard equipment, and outstanding (claimed) fuel economy.

No other brand-new car on the market today offers the level of equipment the Alza 1.5 AV does – 360-degree camera, adaptive LED headlights, full ADAS kit, electric parking brake with Auto Hold, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, at the sub-RM 80k price point.

That being said, if mustering the extra RM 80 to RM 90 is a bit too much for your budget, then the Alza 1.5 H is still an impressive MPV for the money.