After 13 long years, Perodua has finally put the first-generation Alza to rest. The replacement model that was launched in July 2022, is codenamed D92A and it replaces the Toyota Passo Sette-based first-generation model. The D92A model now shares its DNA with the Toyota Veloz / Toyota Avanza / Daihatsu Xenia.

At launch, the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza has reignited the MPV segment – one that has remained largely stagnant for the past couple of years.

Perodua offers 3 variants of the all-new Alza, listed below:

Pros – Generous standard safety kit

In terms of safety, the predecessor has nothing much to shout about, but everything's changed with the all-new Alza.

As standard, all variants of the 2022 Perodua Alza offer 6 airbags, stability control, as well as the ASA 3.0 ADAS suite, encompassing features such as Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), Front Departure Alert (FDA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

The top-spec variant throws in Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to the mix. There’s also the fancy Audi Matrix LED headlight-like Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) fitted to the 1.5 H and 1.5 AV variants.

Also Read: D27A 2022 Perodua Alza - 65 percent of 30k bookings are for the highest AV variant

Another Perodua-first feature is the 360-degree view monitor, which features 4 cameras mounted around the D27A Alza, feeding video to the floating-style headunit, enabling several viewing modes such as bird’s eye view (surround), front view, rear view, and side view.

Pros – Affordable prices

Given how much safety kit the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza packs, it's rather surprising to see that the starting price of the replacement model is actually cheaper than the predecessor model.

Whereas prices of the old Alza topped out at RM 62,690, the brand-new model has a starting price of RM 62,500, RM 190 less than before. That itself is worth a mention, as Perodua has actually reduced the price from before, yet offer considerably more features.

The top-spec variant, on the other hand, goes for RM 75,500; Perodua’s second most expensive model to-date. Granted, you’re getting a lot of features for your money, and you’re hard-pressed to find for another 7-seater MPV to offer that level of features at that price point.

Also Read: Review: The all-new 2022 Perodua Alza is the best car for under RM 100k, period

Pros – First Malaysian car to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Although the all-new D92A Perodua Alza had a bit of a rocky start with its Apple CarPlay support, the issue is now a thing of the past as Perodua has finally obtained the Made for iPhone (MFi) certification. 

Also Read: Does the 2022 Perodua Alza come with Apple CarPlay? Yes and no

As such, the all-new Perodua Alza is the first Malaysian car to offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via its 9-inch infotainment display. 

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

And unlike cars costing three times the price of the Alza, we're pleased to report that the infotainment system remained smooth even after seveal hours of usage.

Cons – Lacks Perodua’s signature built-in Smart Tag reader

Perodua’s built-in Smart Tag reader that debuted in the 2017 Perodua Myvi was nothing short of ingenious. Why bother with a standalone device in which the batteries need to be replaced when the built-in Smart Tag reader is a more elegant solution?

However, upon the introduction of the Perodua Ativa and all-new Alza, Perodua ceased to offer the built-in Smart Tag reader; the latter does however, offer a pre-installed RFID tag that owners have to activate via their own Touch n’ Go e-Wallet.

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

Cons – Awkward position to store phones

As impressive as the all-new Alza’s cabin may be, the lack of a storage compartment in front of the gear shifter is definitely a sore point for some folks.

Now, the lower X and H variants of the Alza do offer a storage compartment there; it’s just that the top-spec AV variant lacks a storage space.

At least one can still put their phones on either sides of the centre console, though reaching it can prove to be awkward at times.

Verdict

Like the Perodua Ativa, the all-new Perodua Alza will likely be another homerun model for Perodua. Its impressive equipment count and affordable prices are perhaps two of the biggest reasons why more than 51,000 Malaysians have booked one.

Even if you’re not in the market for a 7-seater MPV, it’s still worth checking out the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza, on the basis that it is one of best value for money cars on sale today.

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