The Perodua Ativa has quickly become one of the most popular compact SUVs in Malaysia, thanks to its modern design, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel efficiency. Developed using Daihatsu’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform, the Ativa is designed to meet the needs of urban drivers who want SUV styling without compromising on practicality or affordability. In this detailed review, we explore the design, performance, features, safety, mileage, and overall ownership experience of the Perodua Ativa.
Exterior Design:
The Perodua Ativa features a bold and youthful design that sets it apart from traditional hatchbacks. Its muscular stance, high ground clearance, and sharp body lines give it a true SUV-like presence on the road. The front fascia is highlighted by a wide grille, sleek LED headlamps, and sporty bumper styling that enhances its modern appeal.
From the side, the Ativa’s compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving while still offering a commanding driving position. The rear design complements the overall look with stylish LED tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate. Dual-tone paint options and roof rails further add to its sporty personality, making the Ativa visually appealing to young professionals and small families alike.
Interior
Step inside the Perodua Ativa, and you’ll find a cabin that focuses on practicality and comfort. The interior layout is clean and functional, with well-placed controls and durable materials. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, which is especially useful in congested city traffic.
The Ativa offers ample headroom and legroom for passengers, making it comfortable for daily commutes and weekend trips. The rear seats can accommodate adults comfortably, and the flexible seat-folding arrangement allows you to expand the boot space when needed. Overall, the cabin is designed to be user-friendly, making it a great choice for everyday use.
Feature-Rich Cabin with Modern Technology
One of the strongest selling points of the Perodua Ativa is its impressive list of features. The compact SUV comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports smartphone connectivity, ensuring seamless access to navigation, music, and calls. The digital instrument cluster adds a modern touch and displays important driving information clearly.
Additional convenience features include keyless entry, push-start button, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls. These features enhance the driving experience and provide excellent value for money in the compact SUV segment.
Engine Performance
Under the hood, the Perodua Ativa is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a CVT transmission. This engine delivers a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.
The turbocharged engine provides good low-end torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and confident overtaking. Despite its compact size, the Ativa feels responsive and stable on the road. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and uneven road surfaces with ease, which is ideal for urban environments.
Excellent Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a key factor for many buyers, and the Perodua Ativa excels in this area. Thanks to its lightweight platform and efficient turbo engine, the Ativa delivers impressive mileage figures. It is designed to be economical for daily commuting, helping owners save on fuel costs over time.
This excellent fuel efficiency makes the Ativa a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers who want the benefits of an SUV without high running expenses.
Advanced Safety Features with ASA 3.0
Safety is one of the standout aspects of the Perodua Ativa. It comes equipped with Perodua Smart Drive Assist (ASA) 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance features that are rare in its segment. These include pre-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
In addition to ASA, the Ativa also offers multiple airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and a strong body structure. These features work together to provide confidence and peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Low Ownership and Maintenance Costs
Another major advantage of the Perodua Ativa is its low ownership cost. Perodua is known for its affordable maintenance and widespread service network across Malaysia. Spare parts are easily available, and servicing costs remain reasonable, making the Ativa an excellent long-term investment.
The vehicle’s reliability and fuel efficiency further reduce overall running costs, making it an attractive option for first-time car buyers and families.
Perodua Ativa vs Rivals
When compared to competitors like the Proton X50, the Perodua Ativa stands out for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. While some rivals may offer more power or premium interiors, the Ativa excels in practicality, ease of ownership, and overall value for money.
For buyers looking for a compact SUV that balances performance, safety, and affordability, the Perodua Ativa remains a strong contender.
Conclusion:
The Perodua Ativa is a well-rounded compact SUV that delivers on multiple fronts. It offers stylish design, modern features, impressive fuel efficiency, and advanced safety technology at a competitive price point. Its low maintenance costs and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for urban drivers, small families, and first-time SUV buyers.