If 2020 was characterised by the Proton X50, then the 2021 Perodua Ativa is most likely this year's show stealer. Some may think that they are both very different cars - but in terms of 0-100 km/h times, they may be more similar than initially thought. 

0-100 km/h, X50 vs Ativa

You may be surprised at how quick the Ativa could be. Japanese media have run the Toyota Raize (our Ativa's base car) through the century sprint, and it did a rather respectable 9.6 seconds. 

Remember - this is from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder/CVT combo that makes 98 PS and 140 Nm, which the Ativa mirrors.

Only difference is, the Japanese-spec car as tested was the 1,050 kg all-wheel drive (AWD) variant. Our Ativa on the other hand will be front-wheel drive (approx. 980 kg), a lighter and thus faster arrangement.

What did the X50 do? In our hands, the Flagship variant managed 8.6 seconds. Basically, just a second faster than the Raize. 

And remember this is through a 1.5-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder mill paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). Total output is 177 PS and 255 Nm.

Power-to-weight magic

Surprising numbers right? How can a car with a displacement the equivalent of a mineral water bottle almost outpace a bigger engine?

The magic lies in power-to-weight ratio. It's a fair metric to measure performance because it stops one from just focusing at the horsepower which usually just tells one side of the story. 

Also read: 2021 Perodua Ativa: D55L name and specs confirmed, AEB & 1.0T CVT as standard!

With 98 PS lugging only 1,050 kg (AWD), the Raize's power-to-weight ratio is 93.3 PS per tonne. 

As mentioned, our Ativa will be FWD. Say it follows the Japan-spec car's weight of 980 kg - this will mean the Ativa will return a power-to-weight ratio of 100 PS per tonne!

Meanwhile, the X50 has 177 PS to pull 1,370 kg - giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 129 PS per tonne. 

The X50 is advantageous in that aspect, but the Ativa doesn't trail too far behind - giving it more than a fighting chance against the Proton.

More than meets the eye

Some may not have the most optimistic expecations about the Ativa and its anameic-on-paper 98 PS output, but laugh at your own peril. It's been known to take on much larger engines, and the result is simply one video you must watch. Plus, the Ativa will have quite the equipment list too..

Also read: Adaptive LED headlights on the Perodua D55L; cheapest new car to offer this feature!

But of course, buying a car is more than just about acceleration bragging rights - there is fuel consumption to think about too. For that, Perodua claims its newest upstart can give you 680 km on one full tank.

With numbers like these, the Ativa is fast shaping up to be the hot topic of the minute. Say, while you wait for more from us, do join our WhatsApp group for ongoing discussions as we anticipate the model's launch!