Perodua Ativa

The Perodua Ativa is the first compact SUV from Malaysia's second national carmaker, Perodua, officially launched in the Malaysian market on 3 March 2021. The Ativa is a rebadged model based on the Japanese-market Daihatsu Rocky / Toyota Raize twins, marking Perodua's first model built on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) modular platform, as well as its first-ever turbocharged offering. Positioned as an entry-level urban SUV, the Ativa primarily targets first-time car buyers and small families, with key rivals including the Honda WR-V and Chery Tiggo Cross.

Design Language

The Ativa retains the overall silhouette of the Daihatsu Rocky while incorporating distinctive styling touches on its front fascia and rear tailgate. The front end adopts Perodua's signature family face, featuring standard LED headlamps, with higher variants gaining Auto High Beam (AHB) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Dimensionally, the SUV measures 4,065 mm long, 1,710 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,525 mm wheelbase. A generous 200 mm ground clearance ensures superior capability over rough roads and flash-flood-prone urban terrains. The model line-up is offered in three variants: 1.0 X, 1.0 H, and 1.0 AV. The base 1.0 X rides on 16-inch alloy rims, whereas the 1.0 H and 1.0 AV step up to 17-inch dual-tone alloys. The top-tier AV variant can also be specified with a two-tone exterior featuring a blacked-out roof. Inside, the base variant gets an analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, while the H and AV trims boast a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Boot capacity is rated at a decent 369 litres, fitting the segment average.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the entire Ativa range is the 1KR-VET 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This unit puts out 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of peak torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a D-CVT (Dual-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission) with seven virtual ratios. All variants are strictly front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive option offered. Perodua claims a rated fuel consumption of 18.9 km/L (approx. 5.29 L/100 km). The punchy 1.0T unit delivers performance on par with a conventional 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, striking a neat balance between low-end pull and daily fuel efficiency.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by the DNGA platform, the Ativa rides on a suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam. The chassis setup leans towards comfort, doing a commendable job of soaking up road imperfections and surface ruts. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack, while braking duties are managed by front ventilated discs and rear drums. Kerb weight ranges from 1,020 kg to 1,035 kg depending on the trim level. Thanks to its sub-4.1-metre footprint, the Ativa feels exceptionally nimble in congested city traffic and effortless to squeeze into tight parking spots.

Cabin & Features

Equipment levels vary noticeably across the Ativa range. The entry-level 1.0 X settles for a standard 2-DIN head unit (with Bluetooth and USB support), 4 speakers, fabric manual seats, and a single USB charging port. The mid-range 1.0 H upgrades to a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with 'Smart Link' screen mirroring, a reverse camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual rear USB ports. The flagship 1.0 AV adds two-tone leather and suede upholstery alongside an upgraded 6-speaker setup. Keyless entry with push-start ignition, a front centre armrest, and reclining rear backrests are standard across all variants. However, the infotainment suite still misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, relying purely on Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety remains the Ativa's strongest selling point. Standard safety kit across the board includes 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist (BA), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Perodua's Advanced Safety Assist (ASA 3.0) suite is standard across all trims, packing Pre-Collision Braking (AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection), Pre-Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Front Departure Alert (FDA), and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC). The range-topping 1.0 AV further adds Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Thanks to this extensive active and passive safety envelope, the Ativa scored a full 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating under the 2021–2025 assessment protocol.

Market Performance & Reception

The Perodua Ativa has enjoyed immense commercial success since its debut in 2021. As of May 2026, cumulative registrations of the Ativa in Malaysia have reached 179,418 units. The year 2025 marked its strongest annual performance with 38,609 registrations, following an equally stellar 2024 where it became Malaysia's best-selling SUV with 36,039 units delivered. December 2025 saw its highest-ever single-month volume of 6,662 units. Pricing for the Ativa is positioned between RM62,500 and RM73,400. In May 2026, the Ativa logged 1,762 monthly registrations, placing eighth overall in the national sales charts. Its continued popularity is driven by accessible pricing, generous safety tech, the mature ride quality of the DNGA platform, and an efficient 1.0T powertrain. While there is still room for improvement in terms of rear legroom (which feels tighter than the Myvi), smartphone connectivity, and three-cylinder NVH insulation, the Ativa remains an unbeatable benchmark package in Malaysia's compact SUV segment.