Perodua Bezza is a milestone car for the Malaysian manufacturer which was founded fifteen years ago. Since last year, the company was producing hatchbacks or MPVs only, and then the Bezza was introduced in 2016 as the first ever sedan model. The name came from from the word ‘beza’, which means ‘different’ in Malay. And yes, Bezza is really different from all other Perodua models, although it’s based on Axia’s platform and it’s in fact the longer Axia (364 to 415 cm).

AT A GLANCE

Upsides:

• Fuel consumption
• Boot capacity

Downsides:

• Cheap-looking interior
• Lack of safety equipment

Design (3/5)

The Bezza is the first Perodua’s model designed and developed completely in-house, without the connection to some existing Daihatsu or Toyota model, designed by Muhamad Zamuren Musa. Looking from the side, it couldn’t be differentiated from most of other small sedans. Front and rear end feature original design signature of Malaysian manufacturer but without any sensational details. A design of the 2017-spec Bezza was updated with a rear bumper which features a deeper skirt that covers the underside of the car better. Inside, the car gets chrome platinum trim on the A/C controls.

Engine, drivetrain, and performance (3/5)

Bezza has two engine options but in Singapore, only the 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine is available. Customers can choose between five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.3-litre Dual VVT-i engine, borrowed from Toyota, produces 94 hp and 121 Nm of torque. Such an engine needs high revs to give maximum performance, which can result in higher consumption. But, if you drive easy, you can reach a sensationally low consumption of only 5l/100 km. The maximum speed is 180 km/h.

Trim levels (3/5)

In Singapore, Bezza is available with only one trim package – Premium X. As standard equipment, Bezza has 14-inch alloy wheels, standard radio with a USB port, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, reverse sensors, power windows, dual airbags and ABS with EBD and brake assist. Premium X package offers front fog lights, side mirror indicators, chrome door handles, keyless entry, push-button start, a boot lid release button, adjustable rear headrests, Bluetooth and front parking sensors.

Safety (2/5)

Bezza Premium X has just two airbags, ABS brakes, and Isofix child seat mounts. Stability control system is a part of the Advance package, which isn’t available in Singapore. Such a car doesn’t deserve five stars in a crash test and you’d better wish not to be involved in a high-speed crash in a Bezza. On the other side, the Bezza offers maximum safety on the congested Singaporean streets and carparks because it has sensors both in front and rear.

Conclusion: 2.75/5.0

Perodua Bezza is a perfect car for the first-timers and young drivers. It can be a great family car, at least for small families, because the interior is big enough for four persons and the boot volume of 508 liters is definitely suitable for different needs of an average family. Of course, you cannot expect exceptional driving performance, but the Bezza offers quite enough. As an affordable car, the Bezza is also an economical car with low fuel consumption.