Based on JPJ data for the first eight months of 2024, the Perodua Alza is dominating the B-segment MPV scene in Malaysia – 28,967 units were registered between January and August, way ahead of the No 1 non-national MPV that is the Mitsubishi Xpander (5,902 units) and the Toyota Veloz (4,433 units).
Launched in July 2022, the second-gen Perodua Alza brought with it the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform to allow the 13-year old JDM-based original model to retire. Carrying a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a D-CVT, Malaysia’s most affordable MPV is priced between RM62,500 and RM75,500.
Three months later, the Alza welcomed an upmarket twin in the form of the Toyota Veloz. Like the Alza, it’s DNGA-based and comes out of the Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) plant in Sungai Choh. The Avanza replacement’s RM20k premium over the top-spec Alza AV gives you a different face, LED DRLs as standard, 17-inch alloys, a 30 mm-higher ground clearance, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging and a steering wheel adjustable for reach and not just rake, amongst others.
Because the JPJ data only goes up to August and the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander only launched last month, the sales numbers you see here should be for the original model. First launched in 2020 at RM92k, the Xpander went through a few price jumps but remained steadily the best-selling non-national MPV in Malaysia, shifting some 10,000 units annually on average.
Still locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang, and retaining its 4A91 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine + four-speed auto combo, the Xpander facelift – now offered in RM100k base and RM110k Plus variants – brings with it reworked front and rear ends, larger 17-inch alloys, a new horizontal dashboard and steering wheel, digital air-con, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a centre front armrest behind which are USB-C and USB-A charging ports.
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