Perodua just announced another variant of Perodua Alza, the Perodua Alza SR edition. It might sound like a sports edition, however in this case SR stands for Smart Ride.
Perodua define the Alza SR (Smart Ride) edition as a more affordable variant for fellow Malaysia. Priced between RM53,013.50 and RM56,513.50 on-the-road in Peninsular Malaysia.
Perodua Managing Director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh mentioned that “Perodua customers like the versatility and functionality that Alza offers and do not mind having less features available compared with the standard and other variants.” However the key safety and aesthetics of the Perodua Alza will of course remain with the SR edition.
The most significant differences of the Perodua Alza SR would be the separate seats in the Auto Alza SR instead of the bench type seats and center mounted handbrakes.The new variant comes in 3 colours: Glittering Silver, Ivory White and a new colour, Mystical Purple. Perodua sold about 81,000 Alza to date, since its launch in November 2009. The Perodua Alza SR is available for viewing and booking at all its 178 showrooms nationwide from today onwards.
With the statistics of the GDP in Malaysia, it illustrates the fact that not everyone is able to afford a MPV or even a premium mini-MPV as their daily car. I strongly believe one of the inclination of a family man is to own 7 seaters MPV. Therefore, I think Perodua did this right by introducing the Perodua Alza mini-MPV’ to the domestic market in Malaysia. With the introduction of Alza, it helps Perodua to expand their product offering and market shares which previously limited to small compact car to slightly larger car.
Probably, if you think Toyota Avanza could be your cup of tea. You may now think twice before hand as now you have more choice. Perodua Alza was introduced back in 23 November 2009. During the research and development stage, this car was known as Perodua D46T.
Currently, the Perodua Alza is available in 6 variants – Standard (SX, EZ), Premium (SXi, EZi) and Advanced (GHP, ZHP) with option of 4-Speed Auto or 5-Speed Manual Transmission. All models are fitted with the same 1.5 DOHC 16V DVVT engine (3SZ-VE). The engine churns out only 104PS max at 6,000rpm with a torque of 136Nm @ 4,400rpm. Although the engine is similar to the Toyota Avanza and Rush, the engine output is lesser. But what I am sure of is, the Perodua Alza is definitely more fuel efficient than the Toyota’s as the Alza is built to run on Front Wheel Drive (FWD) instead of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with a huge axle at the rear that lead to slightly power loss during the power shifting.
Perodua Alza has finally got something closer to compare with now – the Honda Freed. The overall dimensions of Perodua Alza (L:4205 x W:1695 x H:1620) is not as long, broad or tall as compare to the Freed (L: 4215 x W:1700 x H: 1735). However, both Alza and Freed are reasonably able to fits 7 people but Freed has individual seats on the second row and slightly spacious seats on the third row.
Unfortunately, the Perodua Alza does not have the auto-sliding doors like the Honda Freed. But what the Alza able to offers is a pair of huge rear doors that able to open widely. Some car owners might not like the Alza to park beside their car because Alza’s rear doors are able to open widely which possible dent their car. But the awesome part, the passengers can access to the car easily.
In terms of technology, Honda Freed is more advanced with 5-speed auto transmission and slightly powerful engine with 118PS. In logic maths, you can almost buy 2 units of the Perodua Alza with the price of 1 unit of Honda Freed that design and built for the same purpose.
Honda Freed was initially unveiled in Tokyo back in 2008 as Japanese Domestic Model (JDM). The Freed is obviously a compact minivan and the car was built based on the latest Jazz /City platform. In Malaysia, Honda Malaysia brought in the 7 seaters version which features captain’s seats in the middle row. That’s why the car is driven heavily by the theme of 4 Seaters + Style before launching. While the Freed retains the same width as the Jazz at 1,695 mm, it’s longer (4,215 mm vs 3,900 mm), higher (1,735 mm vs 1,525 mm) and it also features an extended wheelbase measuring 2,740 mm in length (vs 2,500 mm).
It is dull to compare this with the JDM breed like Toyota Alphard, Toyota Estima, Nissan Elgrand, Honda Stepwagon or even Honda Elysion. It is more dim-witted to compare it with Nissan Grand Livina or Toyota Innova. Let her be alone and give Honda Freed a space of her own. Personally, I can feel that Honda is creating its own segment and filling this vehicle into a position for young family that wants a balance from stylish, affordability and a zippy compact MPV that you can found it in the Japanese Catalogue.
Furthermore, some may say MPV is built from an ugly box shape design. But I felt that MPV looks so good with its aero-kit and bigger diameter wheels. I would say that the market trends have changed over time comparing to the last decade. Peoples want practical and usability instead of style without practicability.
The revolution for Asean market starts on 21st March 2009, PT Honda Prospect Motor have begun production and launched the Freed in Indonesia as second country after introduced to Japan. Not to be surprise, the Honda Freed that built for Asean market is higher by 20mm compare the JDM model. The reason behind probably due to the road condition at the emerging countries.
The Freed that assembled in Honda’s Karawang Plant are equipped with L15A 1.5 Litre Engine that churn-out a solid 118ps @ 6,600rpm and torque of 146Nm @ 4,800rpm.
It is a similar engine compare to Honda Jazz/City but retuned for lower octane fuel to suits the emerging countries fuel grades. Comparing to the JDM, the Indonesian Freed is mated with 5-speed Automatic Transmission instead of 7-speed CVT like the Jazz/City. Before I forget to mentioned, one of our readers wanted to find out tyre size of the Honda Freed. For your info, the mini-van is fitted with 185/65 R15 wheels.
There is only 1 standard model for Honda Freed in Malaysia. The mini-van comes with Power Sliding Door & Dual SRS Airbags. Both model having Front Ventilated Disc Brake and Rear Drum Brake with 15 inch alloy wheels (185/65R15). Don’t turn down by the rear drum brake system. I realise in local market, there are a lot of motorists are very particular on this. If you realise, the previous model of Honda Jazz 1.5 VTEC for the local market is fitted with rear discs while the JDM is maintained with drum. The reason behind for such a small vehicle, the rear drum is able to deliver what it suppose for the rear braking system and overall the mini-van braking power is agreeable too.
To bring you further with the experience of Honda Freed, we have put the Honda Freed on the road test… Overall, the mini-van is a car that is easy to drive in town. Thanks to the Electric Power Steering System! The car is zippy and the steering wheel is so light which makes turning effortless. The 5.2m small turning radius makes it easy for the Freed to maneuver on narrow roads and easy to park.
Don’t expect too much power from a 1.5 engine when it pulling a 1,355kg mini-van. I would say the engine performance is average and delivering what it supposes. To prove this well, we put in a stand-still test.
The car takes 0-100km/h in 14 seconds with 3 passengers + a driver on-board. That could be a bad part as I think it is a bit slow and it could be better off with the 1.8 i-VTEC (R18A) engine instead. But the good part is about the fuel efficiency, I was advised by Honda Malaysia that the car is even more fuel efficient than Honda City. The engine is tuned efficiently particularly for this purpose as mini-van.
Honda Freed has finally launched in Malaysia. We’re invited to the Launch of Honda Freed today at KL Hilton. We would like to take this opportunity to share our experience to Honda Freed launch by Honda Malaysia.
We registered for our media passes and headed for some refreshments provided by Honda Malaysia. We were also given some of the Honda Freed Brochure and Official Media Kit.
The event started with the speeches and presentations by the key personnel of Honda & Honda Malaysia. Picture above shown is Mr. Toru Takahashi – Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.
The above clip was shown during the event as part of Honda Malaysia before showing the Honda Freed. The clips show an idea of how Honda Freed was design.
About 11.30am Honda Malaysia finally unveiled the All-New Honda Freed. Cameras and flashes, music – everyone was busy taking their best shot for Honda Freed.
(Left) Mr. Toru Takahashi – Managing Director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, (Right) Mr. Isao Ando – Project Leader of Honda Freed
The much-awaited Honda’s premium compact MPV has finally launched in Malaysia on 22 April 2010. Don’t be confused by its marketing theme of 4 Plus Ideas. The car is not for 4 passengers with 4 seaters. The seats arrangement for the car is 2 + 2 + 3. Hence, it is for 7 passengers. The All-New Freed is targeted at young professional with family. The third row of passenger seats can be converted into additional cargo space to meet endless possibilities and needs of its occupants.
The foldable back seat of Honda Freed with video demo.
The All-New Freed incorporates with dual automatic sliding doors with remote, flat floor design and a walk-through cabin. This compact MPV makes me felt that the car is like mini-Toyota Estima. There is ample storage space, including centre tray, glove compartment, door pockets, backseat hook and 7 cup holders spread out all around the car. Honda claimed that the car was actually designed based on the concept of cafeteria which allowing the passengers enjoy the ride comfortably like sitting at a cafe and enjoying a drink.
Power Sliding Doors Switches & Remote Control
Power sliding doors can be open from a remote controller or from the driver seat.
Power sliding doors are implement to the Honda Freed for easy access with tight parking space.
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