The outgoing Perodua Alza’s dated four-speed automatic transmission will soon make way for a more modern CVT transmission upon the introduction of the next-generation model. Judging from Perodua's record of filtering down new features from their technology showcase models, there's a good possibility that the next-gen Alza will get the CVT transmission from the Ativa. 

This will also applies to the next-generation Toyota Avanza which is rumoured to form the basis for the next-gen Perodua Alza. 

This is because the next-generation Perodua Alza will be a twin model to the all-new Toyota Avanza, mimicking a similar arrangement with the Perodua Aruz and Toyota Rush.

Both the next-gen Perodua Alza and all-new Toyota Avanza will be developed on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) – the very same platform that underpins the Perodua Ativa.

Also Read: Next-gen 2022 Perodua Alza to get 6 airbags and AEB

Apart from the DNGA platform, another welcomed change would be the Ativa’s Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT), which will replace the Alza’s ageing 4-speed torque converter unit.

What sets the D-CVT apart from traditional belt- or chain-driven CVTs is its combination of steel chain and planetary gear set, the latter used to complement the steel belts to give this CVT transmission a less rubbery and more direct feel.

At lower speeds, the D-CVT functions like any other CVT, as it utilizes the belt at start-stop and lower speed conditions.

Also Read: No Toyota Direct Shift CVT for the Perodua D55L, why?

However, from medium to higher speeds, the clutch engages and power is routed to the planetary gear set, creating a simulated torque converter automatic sensation.

The benefits of the D-CVT are two-fold: first the D-CVT transmission has less rubber band effect than other CVT transmissions, while improving fuel consumption along the way. In the case of the Ativa, Perodua has claimed that its new SUV offers a fuel consumption of 5.29-litre/100 km.

Also Read: Perodua Ativa's (D55L) CVT to be better than Proton's. What's the D in D-CVT?

When will the next-gen Perodua Alza launch?

A 2021 debut is unlikely, as Perodua is capable of launching one facelift model and one brand-new (Full model change, FMC) model in a year’s time.

The Perodua Ativa was launched earlier this year, leaving room for one facelifted model to be launched later this year.