Same same, but very different - CBU 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid vs CKD Perodua Ativa

The 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid is now official, and the 300 units imported (CBU) by Perodua will be finding their new homes real soon.

Earlier, we’ve established that the Ativa Hybrid is essentially a JDM Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid, just with its Daihatsu badges swapped out for Perodua ones.

Perodua even highlighted some of the differences in their presentation slides, but we’ll dive even deeper in, highlighting the difference that were not mentioned.

Also Read: Over 600 Malaysians applied for Perodua Ativa Hybrid; current allocations all finished

Exterior – Are you team Ativa or team Rocky?

Right off the bat is the Japanese-market Rocky front and rear fascia. The design is largely identical to the not-sold-in-Malaysia Rocky, save for the Perodua as well as Ativa emblems on the exterior. Because the Rocky is a Japanese market model, the number plate holders are square-type, as opposed to the Ativa’s long-type.

Look closer and you’ll notice that the Ativa Hybrid gets 17-inch wheels with 5 lug nuts; our Ativa gets 17-inch units with 4 lug nuts instead. Perodua said that 5 lugs nuts can handle more pressure and are better suited for higher performance and heavier cars.

It also gets narrower 195-series tyres all-round, versus our Ativa which gets wider 205-series tyres. The Ativa Hybrid also rides 15 mm lower than our Ativa.

Also Read: 300 units of Perodua Ativa Hybrid handed to customers; 5-year lease, only RM 500/month

Though the tailgate of both Ativa variants look the same, the hybrid actually gets a tailgate made out of PPGF (glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene),  something commonly fitted to Japanese market cars. Our Ativa gets a conventional steel tailgate instead, as Malaysia lacks the facilities capable of molding such a large piece of plastic.

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

Elsewhere, the Ativa Hybrid also gets an additional kerb-view mirror on the passenger side mirror, as well as a driver-side rear fog light nestled within the black plastic trim. The Ativa Hybrid also gets a push-to-open-type fuel lid, whereas our Ativa gets a conventional fuel lid with unlock lever.

Also Read: Don't hold your breath for a CKD Perodua Ativa Hybrid

Interior – The Ativa Hybrid feels more upmarket

At a glance, the interior of the Ativa Hybrid is largely identical to the regular Ativa, but there are a number of changes that we’ll go into.

Starting with the dashboard, the Ativa Hybrid gets the same 9-inch infotainment system as the mid-spec Perodua Alza 1.5 H, as evident from its HDMI and USB ports on the unit itself.

Below that is the air-conditioning system. While it lacks the memory function of the Ativa, it counters back with an automatic function and a heater. Towards the right side of the air-conditioning panel is a blue engine push start button.

Also Read: Spied: Is this the 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid, to be introduced in Malaysia sooner than expected?

Further down, the Ativa Hybrid has a 2.1A USB charging port, a 12V power socket, and buttons for the front seat heaters. Yes, the Ativa Hybrid has bottom warmers for those who really needs it.

The steering wheel design of the Ativa Hybrid is largely similar to the regular Ativa, though it lacks controls for the infotainment system, so no volume control or skipping songs via the steering wheel. The Power button has also been swapped out for a Drive mode selector.

Like the regular Ativa, the Ativa Hybrid also gets a digital instrument cluster, but adds hybrid-specific bits like the green EV and S-PDL icons, as well as a revised meter design that denotes charge and power status. There's also an external temperature gauge in the digital cluster. 

Also Read: Perodua CEO drops hint of Perodua Ativa Hybrid, affordable battery EVs under study with TNB

Other hybrid-specific bits here include the new gear shifter that reads P, R, N, D, B and Electric Parking Brake (EPB). There’s no door unlock button on the Ativa Hybrid, which can be found on the regular Ativa, just beside the mechanical hand brake.

The red trim found on the top-spec Ativa 1.0 AV is no where to be found here; instead, the cabin is mostly a mix of black and silver. Lifting the cabin ambiance is white backlight for the steering wheel controls and gear selector, which are red/orange on the regular Ativa.

Seat material comprises of a combination of fabric and leather on both Ativa versions, but with a different mix. The regular Ativa’s seats are primarily leather, with fabric bits found on the sides, while the Ativa Hybrid’s seats are the opposite (primarily fabric, leather on the sides).

Another hybrid-specific bit is the ventilation intake for the HEV battery pack under the rear passenger seat. The Ativa Hybrid also forgoes the full-size spare wheel and gets a tyre repair kit instead, stored neatly in the empty spot on the right side of the boot.

Also new to the boot space is the Ativa Hybrid’s 12V battery, which is hidden under a cover in the boot.

Also Read: Perodua Ativa Hybrid: Only 300 customers who booked the regular Ativa before 31-July are eligible to lease

Powertrain – Goodbye turbo, hello electric motor

Perhaps the biggest change, apart from the bits we mentioned earlier, is in the powertrain department.

Out goes the regular Ativa’s turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-pot engine, as it is replaced by a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine instead.

Now, with the Ativa Hybrid being a series hybrid, the engine does not drive the wheels; propulsion comes from the electric motor. The engine serves as a generator to charge the 4.3 Ah battery pack that’s located under the rear seats.

Also Read: 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid in Malaysia: Leasing only, 40% better fuel consumption than regular car!

As a result, claimed fuel economy under the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC) is a low 3.2-litre/100 km (31.3 km/litre).

Before you rush out to your nearest Perodua dealer to book one, sorry to burst your bubble as the Ativa Hybrid is only available here via leasing, and all 300 units are spoken for.

Also Read: Here's the explanation of why you can't buy the Perodua Ativa Hybrid