THE new 2022 Alza is standing out as Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd's (Perodua) hottest model fresh out of the factory so far this year.
It has already amassed 39,000 bookings year to date, which is a remarkable achievement in the automotive industry.
It's even more impressive when you realise that the model was launched only late last month and we're barely midway through August.
But could it be that many simply bought the buzz and bit the bullet when placing their bookings, mainly because they wanted to take advantage of the sales tax exemption before the June 30 deadline?
Having driven the new seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), it's safe to say those people have indeed made a very wise decision.
TOTAL TRANSFORMATION
Based on the new soon-to-launch Toyota Veloz or Daihatsu Xenia in different markets, the 2022 Alza is the first proper update to the model since its market entry in 2009.
Most notable is the new sporty-boxey design that also preempts its larger stature and, thus, a larger interior cabin over its predecessor - especially in the third row, now with a rear air-conditioning unit.
Luggage capacity is at 137 litres and becomes 498 litres with the third-row seats folded.
It can also be best described as a lower and slightly longer Perodua Aruz (or Toyota Rush) in some areas.
It has a ground clearance of 160mm, which in the company's assessment is the best height for a pleasant Malaysian drive for an MPV.
The B-segment favourite runs on a 1.5L dual VVT-i EEV engine paired to a D-CVT transmission that delivers a decent 105hp and 138Nm of torque at 4,200rpm.
Fuel efficiency is said to have been improved and considered to be among the best in its class with up to potentially 22km per litre.
Other new features include a 360-degree panoramic view, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, rear disc brake and three drive modes of "Normal", "Eco" and "Power".
With family travelling a priority, the 2022 Alza is packed with a host of safety features.
They include six airbags, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control with brake assist and rear sensors to assist with parking.
The standard Perodua Smart Drive Assist suite for all variants includes the advanced safety assist features such as pre-collision warning, pre-collision assist brake (for vehicles and pedestrians), mis-pedal operational control and front departure alert.
All variants will also have the lane departure warning and lane departure prevention systems, leaving home headlamp assist, and hill-start assist functions.
The 2022 Alza is priced at RM62,500 for the X variant, RM68,000 for the H and RM75,500 for the hi-spec AV.
They come in the five colour options of Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Garnet Red, Elegant Black and Vintage Brown.
PRACTICAL PACKAGE
Members of the media took the MPV through Perodua's own test track as well as a drive from Rawang to Kota Baru recently and my impression is that the new Alza is made for everyone.
If family and economy is your priority, then the seven-seater is a no-brainer. With the third-row seat down, we were able to sit at least six grown men with little fuss.
Fuel consumption in practice was close to the official figures, with us refuelling only twice during the eight-hour plus journey to Kota Baru.
It should be noted that we were not gentle on the pedal but we estimated it shouldn't make too much of a difference given the distance and cargo weight.
The big shocker was the performance, which didn't register with us immediately during our first short test, and only during the extended drive to Kelantan did we come to hold it in higher regard.
The acceleration power was decent while the handling, thanks to its low ground clearance and steering tune-up, was the showstopper, with the MPV performing responsively even at higher speeds.
Under controlled conditions, the new Alza successfully climbed Genting Highlands (with passenger and equipment luggage) and could reach 180kph (controls start to lighten by 170kph) before the engine started to feel strained.
The suspension had also been tuned to deliver a smooth ride on most road conditions, save for massive speed bumps or potholes.
VERDICT
When I said the MPV was for everyone, I wasn't kidding. As a B-segment MPV, there's nothing in the market right now that can take it head on.
You're getting a lot for the price you're paying. After adding the Alza's handling, lower ground clearance and price point, it makes any other model purchase impractical.
Overall, it wouldn't be too far off for me to say this is, at present, the best Perodua model in today's market.
For fans and buyers, the new Alza's hype is real and it is a real gem. Just keep in mind its B-segment status and the MPV will either meet or exceed your expectations.