Perodua Alza

Perodua Alza
Overview
Manufacturer	Perodua
Production	2009–present
Assembly	Malaysia
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV
Layout	FF layout
Related	Perodua Rusa Toyota Passo Sette Daihatsu Boon Luminas
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L 3SZ-VE l4
Transmission	Five-speed manual Four-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,750 mm (108.3 in)
Length	4,205 mm (165.6 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,620 mm (63.8 in)

The Perodua Alza is a compact MPV produced by Perodua aimed at young families. It is a second attempt in re-badging MPV after Perodua Rusa. It is a badge engineering of the Daihatsu Boon Luminas and Toyota Passo Sette, but uses a de-tuned 1.5-litre Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Terios engine. The name is derived from the Spanish verb alzar, which means "to raise". The name came from an internal competition held amongst Perodua's staff during the car's development phase.^[1]

Most Malaysians view the Alza as a "Myvi on steroids".^[2] Since its selling price is almost identical to the Proton Exora's, contrasts between the two cars have been drawn in the Alza's disfavor. It has been noted that the Alza lacks the advanced features of the Exora, such as the Body Control Module (BCM) which allows automatic activation of certain car functions.^[3]

Alza was the best-selling MPV in Malaysia for 2010 by total sales of nearly 42,000 units, beating the Proton Exora by a margin of 15,000 units. The average number of Alza sales per month is around 2,800 units as Malaysian mostly believe on Toyota's reputation on this Perodua's badge compact MPV compared to homegrown Proton's own Exora.^[4][5]

Timeline

In November 2009, Perodua launched the Alza in two variants, 1.5 Standard and Premium, both available with manual and automatic transmission.^[6] Also, Perodua begins taking orders for the Advanced version. Deliveries of this more luxurious model begin in March 2010. One year later, Perodua launched a limited edition version called the M2, with Advanced version equipment and "M2" badging and a special colour called "Mignight Blue".^[7]

In February 2012, Perodua launched a base model called SR, priced lower than the Standard. UV protection is only available on the front and main windscreen and there is no rear wiper and no rear spoiler. In terms of safety, there are no fog lamps, airbags, ABS, EBD, or BA.

Models

The Perodua Alza is available in five different models, all available in manual or auto transmission. They are:

• Advance Version (ZHV) is the most advanced and sporty (available with auto transmission only).
• Premium (EZi and SXi) is the second most advanced.
• Standard (EZ and SX) is the mid-range model.
• SR (BX &BZ) is the most basic model.
• S-Series (S) is the newly launched model, replacing the Standard (EZ and SX) model.

Specifications

Quality issues

After its initial release, the Alza received many negative comments from its own newly found owners about its built-up quality and workmanship. The complaints posted included: brake pads releasing too much brake dust when used; faulty disc brakes; poor sound insulation at speeds over 70 km/h; petrol fumes detected after filling at the station; inadequate roof insulation, especially on rainy days; broken door levers; unusual sounds coming from the air-conditioning system; unusual heat build-up at the rear right seat, steering rack vibration and noises on uneven roads and water coming in through the front headlamps. Extreme and uneven paint works causes the exterior to scratched and chipped easily. Uneven rustproofing has also been reported.^[8][9]

There are also complaints of certain models that came with faulty gearboxes, especially prevalent on automatic transmissions. Symptoms include sudden strong vibration upon engaging reverse gear, and the slight delay in changing gears. Other symptoms includes a hard-to-reproduce soft tapping noise on the engine compartment, and a slight engine over-revving upon gear change from third to fourth gear. A handful of cases involving accidents that result in Alzas engulfing in flames has earned this car a nickname "Kereta Mudah Terbakar" (Malay translation for Flammable Car).^[8]

Up until early 2012, Perodua had not issued any recalls of the Alza.

In May 2012, Perodua issued a recall order for both the Alza and its first-generation pre-face-lifted hatchback MyVi for an extension of an air-conditioning pipe that previously could cause rust on the steering rack.

References

External links

• Perodua Alza official website