2019 EvoLTN Fact File Perodua Aruz

What’s this?

It’s a Toyota Rush underneath but for RM20k less.

To Buy or Not To Buy

Not a car that stirs the soul, but if you’re shopping on a tight budget with the need to carry seven people around, it’s not a poor choice. Also, Perodua’s strong aftersales track record means that ownership will be both affordable and pleasant.

What's Not

- Engine: The 1.5-litre petrol engine makes sense from a cost perspective, but is mis-matched to the Aruz’s weight. Needs more torque.

- Refinement: If you need to gun that 1.5-litre engine to make rapid progress, be prepared for an aural assault.

- Handling: Yes, it’s rear wheel drive, but it’s also taller than it is wide. Not one to be driven exuberantly, but to be fair, that’s not its promised deliverable.

What's Good

- It’s a Toyota Rush underneath: Perodua is contracted by Toyota to build the Rush as well. Both cars roll off the same production line in Rawang. This means one thing - the Rush and Aruz are built to the same quality.

- Good basic equipment: We always expect compromises at the RM70-80k price bracket, but Perodua had the decency to fit 6 airbags, keyless entry, and LED headlights as standard for both variants.

- Rugged underpinnings: The Aruz is mechanically simple, but the running gear is robust. We don’t recommend off-roading, but if JKR had an off day at your neighbourhood, it’s not something that would trouble the Aruz.

- Aftersales: Perodua has spent much effort to improve its aftersales over the years, and you can see that from the throngs of loyal customers it has. Many Perodua consumers do look to upgrade, but they rarely have bad things to say about the ownership experience.

- A.S.A. 2.0: An improved version of the auto braking system that debuted in the Myvi now incorporates pedestrian detection.