The 7-seater / MPV segment in Malaysia hasn’t seen much action over the past couple of years. The Proton Exora and Perodua Alza are the longest-serving models here (and still are), while models like Nissan Grand Livina and Proton Ertiga have came and gone without a respective replacement model.

Then in 2017, the Honda BR-V was launched, followed by the Perodua Aruz in 2018, which reignited the segment for a bit. 

But that was it – for the past three years since the Aruz made its Malaysian debut, the 7-seater / MPV segment has been relatively stagnant, without a single new model making waves. 

With that said, things are set to change in 2022, as Malaysian car buyers can anticipate not one, not two, but four new 7-seater / MPVs reaching various dealerships.

Proton X90 – Want to fit seven, but the X70 isn’t enough?

Even before 2022 is here, Proton is busy with development work of its new models. The first is the updated Proton Saga, followed by the purported Proton X90, a new MPV based on the Geely Haoyue.

Also Read: Spied: Geely Haoyue-based Proton X90 spotted at Genting Sempah

Following the Proton X50 and Proton X70, the upcoming X90 (if Proton chooses to adopt that name) will be Proton's third rebadge model. 

Also Read: Trademarking of Proton X90 and Proton X80 has started, sign of things to come?

Said model made its debut in China back in March 2020 and was first spotted on Malaysian soil in May 2021. The Haoyue is available either as a five- or seven-seater version, though we can expect the latter to be the only option for Malaysia.

Also Read: Geely Haoyue (Proton X90?), 7 seater for the price of Boyue (Proton X70), sells only 1/6. Why?

At the heart of the China-spec Geely Haoyue lies a turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engine (184 PS, 300 Nm) mated to a seven-speed DCT – the same combination found in the Proton X70.

Also Read: Proton X90, yet another Proton SUV? Why is Proton saying no Geely sedans?

2022 Perodua Alza (D92A) – Long overdue, but well worth the wait

Come February 2022 and Perodua will finally pull the plug off the outgoing Perodua Alza – 13 years after the model was first launched in Malaysia.

Also Read: Next-gen Perodua Alza confirmed for launch in 2022, CVT, DNGA & ADAS

Superseding the ageing Alza will be a new Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)-based model codenamed D27A.

Also Read: Bye-bye Perodua Alza – to be discontinued after Feb 2022, Aruz as sole 7-seater

Thus far, we know that the next-generation Perodua Alza will be a twin model to Indonesia’s Toyota Avanza, mirroring the same arrangement as the Perodua Aruz and Toyota Rush.

Also Read: From concept to production: Here’s how the DN Multisix evolved into the Avanza

Judging at Perodua's recent strategy of deploying its Perodua Safe Drive Assist (PSDA) ADAS suite into the facelifted Myvi and Ativa, we can expect the same for the upcoming Alza as well. 

Also Read: Next-gen 2022 Perodua Alza to get 6 airbags and AEB

2022 Honda BR-V – With Sensing, it's nothing like the BR-V you thought you knew

Onwards to the non-national makes with the all-new second generation 2022 Honda BR-V, one that made its global debut back in September. Looking at our crystal ball, the all-new BR-V could reach Malaysian soil by Q4 2022.

Also Read: The prices are out! All-new 2022 Honda BR-V will start from IDR 275.9m (RM 80k) onwards

There’s no better way to say this – the all-new Honda BR-V has matured significantly. The outgoing generation, though decent-looking in its own right, is no match compared to the new generation model. Gone are the curves of the outgoing model, replaced with straight-cut lines for a stronger, more solid look.

Also Read: Amidst the Avanza fanfare, Honda has started production of the all-new 2022 Honda BR-V

But it’s more than just new looks. Honda has also given the all-new BR-V a new heart, in the form of a new 1.5-litre DOHC petrol engine that does 121 PS and 145 Nm, as well as significantly bumping up its safety suite.

Also Read: 23 photos on why the all-new 2022 Honda BR-V is better than the ageing Avanza

Whereas the outgoing BR-V was fitted with just dual airbags and stability control, the all-new replacement model adds side and curtain airbags to the mix, bringing the total airbag count to six. But that’s not all, there’s also the addition of the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, which definitely puts the BR-V on the top of its game….until the arrival of the all-new Toyota Avanza, that is.

Also Read: 2022 Honda BR-V vs 2022 Toyota Avanza: Which should you wait for?

2022 Toyota Avanza – Can TSS and D-CVT pull you away from the BR-V?

Two months after Honda unveiled the all-new 2022 Honda BR-V, Toyota unveiled the equally-new 2022 Toyota Avanza, as well as its siblings, the Toyota Veloz and Daihatsu Xenia.Perhaps the biggest departure for the all-new Avanza is its driveline – Toyota has ditched the Avanza’s long-standing rear-wheel drive layout in favour of a front-wheel drive one.

Also Read: From concept to production: Here’s how the DN Multisix evolved into the Avanza

In the process, Toyota has also thrown out the archaic four-speed torque converter automatic transmission and replaced it with a modern-day Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT).

Also Read: To stay ahead, the 2022 Toyota Avanza needs FWD and CVT

And that’s not all – Toyota has also blessed the Avanza with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite. Granted, TSS is only available on the range-topping variant, but the key point is that Toyota is not taking safety lightly with the all-new Avanza.

Also Read: All-new 2022 Daihatsu Xenia debuts in Indonesia: First look at the next-gen Alza, priced from RM 56k to RM 71k

Elsewhere, there also a new electric parking brake (EPB), 9-inch floating-style infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a slick 7-inch full-digital instrument cluster.

Also Read: All-new 2022 Toyota Avanza debuts: Now DNGA, TSS, RM 60k to RM 85k, Malaysia launch next year? 

When the all-new Toyota Avanza makes its debut in Malaysia, it's very likely that we'll be getting the top-trim Veloz model, mirroring the same arrangement as the outgoing model. 

Wapcar’s comment:

2022 will be an interesting year, not just for hybrid SUVs, but also regular people movers like the ones mentioned above.

In fact, look closer and you’ll notice that this list encompasses an MPV at almost every price point, starting from the humble Alza all the way to the massive X90.

Out of these four MPVs, which is your pick?