Even though Perodua Aruz has been in the market for only two years, its outstanding features have proven to be worth compared to its SUV competitors- Toyota Rush and Honda BR-V.

Whether Perodua Aruz is a good choice or not has been the debate since its launch back early 2019. And by looking at this 7-seater compact SUV, I judge it as a case closed. Despite Perodua Aruz being offered in two variants, this still haunting question- Is Perodua Aruz a good choice? continues to stir many buyers.

But wait! Compared to other hybrid SUVs, can Perodua Aruz stand the test of time? And again, do the pros outweigh the cons?

Perodua Aruz Features

Highlights

From the highlights above, we see an economical large SUV with extra security features that are fairly priced compared to its competitors Toyota Rush and Proton X70 2020.

Exterior

The aerodynamic Aruz exterior reminds us of the Toyota Rush even though there are slight differences. Its amazing front fascia comprising of a multi-slate Chrome grill with a glossy black finish and front bumper majorly characterized by a silver lining diffuser is just mesmerizing.

At the front are fog lamps designed to give a stylish poppy looks and LED headlights with light guides and a follow-me-home function. The rear profile is just as stunning as its front. The silver garnished number plate mounted between edgy tail lamps turns all eyes on you. Turning to the tall shady outside, the sides have stylistic folds to add reflective light that and a shadowy play on the bight sheetmetal.

Riding on sporty 17-inch alloys that gives a tall high ride gives an impression of a vehicle developed for rough rides and faster escapes on any terrain.

Interior

Every interior feature is has a purpose. As you comfortably enjoy every minute of your ride in Perodua Aruz, the first distinctive feature likely to strike you is the seating arrangement offering ample legroom and headroom. Other features include rear aircon vents and the 17- inch touchscreen infotainment. And as a daily driver, the adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel equipped with receive call and audio controls suited at the thumb figure tips will offer easy access.

When making a family car trip, the flexible seats makes the second and third-row more easily accessible. To access the third row, recline or slide the second row. Wrapped in soft luxury leather and fabric upholstery, the seats offer maximum comfort.

For easy maintenance, the door trims and most of the interior parts are made of hard plastics. Equally, the dashboard features a glossy piano-black trim and silver trim pieces. The dashboards hard plastic is aimed to last and withstand the test of time. To the sides are 2 tweeters and 4 mid-range speakers to keep you entertained throughout the journey.

 Security and Safety

Unless you have direct permission to enter this SUV, trying a forceful entry may not yield any fruit- thanks to the smart entry with smart keys feature. Not to say you should be a careless driver, the six airbags on all sides will keep you protected in case of a hard impact.

The tight turning radius coupled with good traction control and light steering makes obstacle navigation a simple exercise and equally riding on rough roads with sharp bends. If you’ve ever tried a car with Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A.), Perodua Aruz system is at another level.

Perodua automakers in their quest for enhanced safety have incorporated Vehicle Stability Control, emergency stop signal, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and seat belt reminder matched for every seat. As a vehicle for every terrain, the Hill-start assist, Hill descent control and an ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution systems will enable you to adventure every mountain and slope. Other extra security features include Central Lock system, Integrated Driving Video Recorder (DVR) with reverse camera and front departure alert.

Engine and Efficiency

The 4-cylinder engines boast of its 1496cc naturally-aspirated power with a spark capacity of 105 PS at 6000 rpm. And if love fast sprint, Perodua Aruz can sprint 0-100 km/h sprint in 15.7 seconds. Its official fuel consumption rate is 15.6 km per litre. With a torque of 136 Nm at 420, this engine picks pretty well at mid-range speed and strongly builds speed faster.

If you want to enjoy a smooth and quiet drive, Perodua Aruz is a better choice. To lower its fuel consumption, the EEV engine has an Eco Idle System. And it also reduces emissions.

Pros and Cons of Perodua Aruz

Pros

·         Second and third seat adjustables - The adjustable seats make it easy to fit luggage in the boot.

·         Large seating capacity

·         Top-notch security and safety advanced systems/technologies

·         A powerful engine that's mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox

·         The gated gear shifts are easy to shift

Cons

·         The style and design is perceived to be a package rebadged from Toyota Rush which makes it a replica car

·         The exterior view gives a totally different impression compared to the interior.

My Take

You cannot underrate any feature in this SUV. Looking at the Perodua Aruz from Wapcar.my, and after going through the real-time tests, I’m convinced this is your dream car.

Other than the admirable exterior and the large seating capacity, all the incorporated safety and security technologies are an outright win. And without any opposition, this settles the debate - Is Perodua Aruz a Good Choice?