Alza updated

MALAYSIA’S “most-popular and mostaffordable” seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has been updated. Priced from RM51,490 to RM62,690 (on-the-road without insurance), the latest Perodua Alza comes in Standard (MT), Standard (AT), SE (AT) and Advance (AT) variants. All are powered by a 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE DVVT engine that is connected to a five-speed manual transmission on the Standard MT and a four-speed automatic transmission on all other variants.

Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Zahari Husin said: “Our latest Perodua Alza continues to offer the comfort, practicality, versatility and ample room for seven that Malaysians have loved and adored for nearly a decade. With an abundance of storage compartments and flexible seating configurations, the latest Alza is perfect for family outings and everyday use in line with its ‘Versatile as You’ tagline,” he said, adding that over 344,200 units have been sold since the Alza’s birth in 2009.

New to all Alza variants are redesigned instrument panel graphics, a new-look centre cluster and a two-motion remote control key (press once to unlock driver’s door, doublepress to unlock all doors).

Air-conditioning flow to the third row is now better thanks to new fixed fins between the front centre air vents, an improved evaporator and enhanced heat-exchange piping.

All variants get front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, solar and security window film, reverse sensors and 15-inch alloys that are finished in silver on the Standard variant and titanium on SE and Advance variants.

Standard and SE variants get a new audio system with USB and Bluetooth functionality, while SE and Advance variants benefit from a bolder and more prominent appearance, courtesy of a new front bumper with a larger lower intake, a new twin-bar front grille and new side skirts, while a new rear bumper and tailgate garnish round up the changes at the back.

Featured on the SE and Advance variants are new-design leather seats and front corner sensors, while the Advance exclusively gets a roof-mounted monitor and an Android-based touch-screen multimedia system with Smart Link, Bluetooth, navigation and reverse camera functions.

“Recognising customers’ fondness for personalising their vehicles, Perodua is introducing a range of unique GearUp accessories for the Alza, for the first time. These include