Perodua Ativa: The Cheapest Urban SUV but Is It for You?

The long-awaited Perodua Ativa was launched in March 2021 and became the most affordable new SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) from Perodua, though it’s based on the Daihatsu Rocky in Japan. The Perodua Ativa comes in three variants, the base variant Perodua Ativa 1.0 X, the Perodua Ativa 1.0 H and the top of the line Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV.

Take a look at the prices when new:

There are also two optional colors namely, special metallic and dual-tone (black roof) that adds RM500 and RM800 respectively to the listed price.

Now take a look at the prices from our Carsome inventory:

You can snatch the highest spec Ativa for almost RM2,000 less!

Fret not, Carsome promises to deliver quality refurbished cars. Through our Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process, our Carsome Certified cars have gone through strict quality control from start to finish. In fact, it’s backed by our skilled and qualified technicians who know the cars inside and out, refurbishing them to be as road-ready as it will ever be.

The Perodua Ativa is powered by a 1-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine (98 HP, 140 Nm) paired to a dual-mode CVT gearbox. Power is sent to the front wheels. Perodua claims that the Ativa is able to return 18.9 km/liter.

Reasons to Buy a Perodua Ativa 

• Ativa’s advanced driving aids (known as Advanced Safety Assist 3.0), which includes PCW, PCB, FDA, and PMC (refer below) as standard.
• Ativa’s acceleration response is quite peppy to get you up to speed.
• Ativa’s build quality is quite solid, no loose parts when driving over uneven road surfaces.
• Ativa’s ride quality is comfortable, going over uneven road surfaces is well-sorted and composed.
• Ativa is the best handling car from Perodua.
• Ativa has supportive and comfortable seats.
• Cheapest new car in Malaysia to receive adaptive headlights.
• Most affordable new SUV in Malaysia.

Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A) 3.0

• Pre-Collision Warning (PCW) warns the driver via a buzzer and warning lights displayed on the meter upon detecting a risk of frontal collision.
• Pre-Collision Braking (PCB) controls the brakes to assist in collision avoidance and mitigate collision damage.
• Front Departure Alert (FDA) alerts the driver when the vehicle in front has moved.
• Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC) automatically brakes the car when the car detects the accelerator pedal is depressed too suddenly and forcefully. Nevertheless, it has its limitations.

Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA): Driving Assist and Parking Assist

• Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist 3.0
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts the driver when it detects unintentional departure from the traveling lane.
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) assists the driver to avoid unintended lane departure.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the car to travel at a constant pre-selected speed and automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Keep Control (LKC) is a function that supports necessary steering operations to keep your car within a road lane.
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) addresses this by detecting vehicles that are out of the viewing angle, using indicators on the side-view mirror.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is a support system that detects incoming or approaching vehicles from behind.

Disadvantages of Buying a Perodua Ativa

• Ativa’s petrol consumption is below average (real world testing is at 7.9L/100KM, that is about 13 KM/L). To put things into perspective, the Perodua Ativa can only travel up to 320 to 350KM per full tank before having to refill again.
• Ativa’s engine is not very refined; vibrations can be felt in the cabin when the car is idling in traffic or when parked.
• Ativa’s brakes are typical Perodua, it’s hard to gauge whether the brakes are slowing the car down; when coming to a halt, the brake pedal must be depressed further in.
• Ativa’s steering wheel has very little feedback.
• Ativa lacks telescopic steering wheel adjustment (allows the driver to pull the steering wheel closer or push further).
• Ativa’s infotainment system is not user-friendly. The Smart Link app also works with Android phones only. It also doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which is the benchmark when it comes to pairing your smartphone to the infotainment system seamlessly).
• Lack of practical space in the rear seats and the boot.
• The Ativa is not a family SUV as it lacks the space.

Which Variant to Choose?

As mentioned earlier, the Perodua Ativa comes with majority of the advanced driving aids (A.S.A 3.0) as standard on all variants but avoid the base variant Ativa 1.0 X as the infotainment system (or lack thereof) is merely a floating radio with a few buttons instead of a floating touchscreen display. In 2022, it looks outdated.

On the other hand, the Perodua Ativa 1.0 H is the bang for your buck variant because it receives automatic headlights (with adaptive function), LED fog lights, sequential turn signals, 17-inch dual-tone rims, retractable side mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear USB charging ports, front parking sensors and a reverse camera. These features are on top of the full spare tire, keyless entry with push start button, four speakers, six airbags, and Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A 3.0).

However, if you crave for leather seats and the full suite of Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) then take a look at the Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV as it adds dual-tone body color options, safety tinted glass, leather seats, PSDA, and six speakers.

The full suite of PSDA adds Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on top of the A.S.A 3.0.

How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Perodua Ativa?

Here are the service costs for a Perodua Ativa (regardless of variant):

Here are the maintenance costs for a Perodua Ativa 1.0 H variant:

 Here are the maintenance costs for a Perodua Ativa 1.0 AV variant:

 Our Nation’s Best-Selling SUV

The Perodua Ativa offers the best value for money to our fellow Malaysians who have not gotten the taste of an SUV. It is for those who want to get into the SUV segment without a hefty price like its competitors. With Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A 3.0) and six airbags as standard across all variants, it’s no wonder the Perodua Ativa is Malaysia’s best-selling SUV.

Buy Carsome Certified for Peace of Mind

Here at Carsome, we believe in creating an end-to-end buying journey to eliminate the concerns of traditional used car buying experience. Carsome Certified is the new standard of buying pre-owned cars backed up by our 175-point inspection together with our Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process. By creating a trusted used car ecosystem, Carsome Certified guarantees trust, transparency, and choice. 

Check out our Carsome Certified Perodua Ativa inventory here.