Perodua Aruz

Introduced back in January 2019, the 2019 Perodua Aruz is a 7-seater B-segment SUV that challenges the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush.

The Perodua Aruz is essentially a more affordable version of the Toyota Rush, as it is priced between RM 72,900 to RM 77,900, making it up to RM 20,000 cheaper than the Toyota Rush. (Perodua Aruz vs Toyota Rush, the choice is obvious)

It is also the first Perodua model to feature the ASA 2.0 ADAS suite.

Design

Considering that the Perodua Aruz is based on the Toyota Rush, it comes as no surprise that both models share a similar design.

Separating the Aruz from the Rush include a different front bumper and grille, new wheels, and a revised rear bumper. The Perodua Aruz also makes do without the Rush’s ‘R-Blade’ body kit.

Dimensions

Lighting

All variants of the Perodua Aruz get LED headlights and LED tail lights.

The Aruz 1.5 AV gets automatic LED headlights and front fog lights.

Wheels

Both variants of the Perodua Aruz get 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 R17 tires.

Dashboard

Unlike the dual-tone dashboard found in the Toyota Rush, the Perodua Aruz gets a dark grey dashboard with silver trim. 

The dashboard design is functional, with all the controls placed within reach. 

Space and Practicality

Interior practicality of the Perodua Aruz is decent - there are sufficient storage spaces throughout the cabin. 

That said, the Honda BR-V's interior offers better practicality.

Boot

With the third-row seats up right, the Aruz's boot measures 213 litres. 

Fold and tumble the seat forwards, you can expand the boot space to 514 litres.

Safety Features

The Perodua Aruz 1.5 AV is the first Perodua model to incorporate the company's Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0).

Compared to the Perodua Myvi's older ASA 1.0 system, ASA 2.0 adds pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h), while the operational speeds of Pre-Collision Warning has been increased to 100 km/h and Pre-Collision Braking to 80 km/h. 

That said, both systems also offer Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert. 

Furthermore, both variants of the Aruz are fitted with 6 airbags, stability control, and traction control.

Comfort Features

Typical of recent Perodua models, the company has included several features that help separate it from the competition.

The Perodua Aruz gets rear air-conditioning vents, 12V socket for the third-row seats, and USB port for charging located on the driver seat. 

It also gets an anti-snatch hook for lady drivers to put their handbags.

Infotainment

A touchscreen head unit is fitted to both variants of the Perodua Aruz.

The system has built-in support for Perodua's "Smart Link", though we couldn't get it working reliably. 

This particular infotainment system also lacks support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engine

The Perodua Aruz is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 102 PS and 133 Nm. 

This particular engine is shared with the Perodua Myvi.

Transmission

A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission option available in Malaysia.

Drivetrain

The Perodua Aruz is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive model. 

Acceleration

During our tests, the Perodua Aruz took a leisurely 15.7 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint.

Engine Performance

With 102 PS and 133 Nm available, the Perodua Aruz is not exactly a powerful people mover. 

It has sufficient power to propel itself up to speed, though if more power is needed, then the Honda BR-V is a better option.

Transmission Performance

Gear shifts of the 4-speed automatic are smooth, though kick-down could be more responsive. The transmission does take its own sweet time to downshift, so plan your overtakes beforehand.

Steering and Handling

The light steering eases the maneuvering process in the Aruz, and couple that with the tight turning radius, makes parking much easier. 

Considering its body-on-frame construction, the Perodua Aruz’s handling cannot match the rivals with a unibody construction, such as the Honda BR-V.

The Honda BR-V, despite being an MPV, offers a more refined ride over the Aruz, exhibiting a car-like driving experience.

Sound Proofing

Sound proofing of the Perodua Aruz is average at best. 

At 110 km/h, we recorded the cabin noise level to be at 70.3 dB. While the Aruz is idling, the cabin registers 46.6 dB, with the air-conditioning switched on.

Passenger Comfort

The Perodua Aruz was designed to carry around a full load (7 passengers + luggage) in mind. 

With 2 people on board, the suspension can be described as "under damped" and ride comfort is on the firm side.

Fuel Consumption

After covering about 111 km through a mix of highways and urban traffic, the Perodua Aruz returned 7.5-litre/100 km, not too far from Perodua’s claimed 6.4-litre/100 km figure.

The Perodua Aruz may not be as powerful or as comfortable as the Honda BR-V, but the Aruz does offer more safety equipment.  (Honda BR-V – why it’s so much more comfortable than the Perodua Aruz?)

Compared to Honda's dual airbags and stability control, the Aruz adds another 4 more airbags and ASA 2.0.

In a nutshell, for those looking for an all-rounded family SUV, the Perodua Aruz is a good option - it includes everything that a potential buyer wants, including tall ride height, sufficient safety features, and a proven powertrain.