The Perodua Axia’s second update is set to be unveiled this month, following a midlife facelift in early 2017. You would have read about it by now – the big surprises from Malaysia’s most affordable model include the introduction of VSC and Advanced Safety Assist 2.0, and the debut of an all-new SUV-inspired variant called Style.
But what about the Axia’s sedan sister? The Perodua Bezza made its debut in July 2016 as an all-new model line for the market leader, which is quite a rare thing. The budget sedan has never been P2’s top seller, but its contribution to the sales cause has been consistently strong. The rise of ride hailing has been a big boon for the Bezza, thanks to a combination of low prices, good fuel economy and a big boot.
Less than a year after it was launched, Perodua made small running changes to the Bezza based on market feedback (longer rear skirt, chrome trim on the AC knobs, simpler leather seat cover design for Advance), and introduced a new GXtra variant in April 2018, but a proper midlife facelift is still pending. Now that the Bezza is three years old, and rival Proton Saga has been recently revamped, perhaps it’s time for a Bezza facelift?
Perhaps, because Perodua always keeps its cards locked up in multiple safes deep in the woods (close to the chest is way too obvious). We’re speculating a 2020 date once the 2019 Axia dust has settled, and here’s a design proposal of the Bezza facelift by Theophilus Chin. Disclaimer: As there aren’t any concepts or spyshots for us to anchor on, this is 100% imagination.
The red car you see here is still immediately recognisable as a Bezza thanks to the shape and proportions, but our regular collaborator has digitally altered most of the external sheetmetal – bonnet, front fenders, doors and boot. Only the front/rear windscreen, windows, roof, side mirrors and door handle design have been untouched (the latter has been repositioned).
Let’s start with the front end. Our Bezza facelift wears an ‘X-face’ thanks to a new bumper, which is of course taken from the current Axia SE/Advance. We’ve been told that from now on, Peroduas will have an X-theme to the face, and this fits right in. The horizontal mask that is the headlamps and grille is now slimmer, and the lower end more streamlined. Speaking of masks, this face reminds me of the Kia Forte, in a good way.
While he was at it, Theo also lengthened the bonnet to alter the height and angle of the face. The Bezza’s profile was also made simpler – note the reduction of the front fender surfacing that traces the blue car’s wheel arches, and the minor repositioning of the main side crease.
What do you think of our redesigned Bezza’s backside? If the original car’s tail lamps reminded many of the previous-generation Civic FB, these wider items won’t be so obvious, unless you’re a Honda fan. Ten points if you said the same generation Civic, but the US version. The long chrome bridge that connects the lights and holds the Perodua logo has been made slimmer.
The Bezza’s very tall rear end is also very flat, and Theo “fixes” this with a rear bumper that has more shape and sculpture. The more protruding butt also incorporates a bolder diffuser and bigger, repositioned reflectors. Larger 15-inch alloys (an inch larger, design maintained) and the ride height reduced by around two inches serve as garnishing. Like what you see?
Constrained by footprint and the need for a boot and good headroom, an A-segment sedan will never be a thing of beauty. The customer is likely not to mind as well, as these are utilitarian cars built to serve basic needs at low prices. However, when people are least expecting it, the delight from getting something nice is surely greater.
GALLERY: Perodua Bezza Advance
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Brain got problem will comment sack the designer, this is ugliest design in th world nobody want to buy this crap.
Axxx, please respect Theophilus Chin’s game changing design. Contruct a better and more polite comment to criticise Theo’s work. Anyway, if Perodua use this as their Bezza FL, it will for sure game the Saga FL over
It is currently best selling in sri langka now so stfu
Maruti is best selling in Sri Lanka (63% share). All Malaysians models combined have a 13% share, while the Germans have 14%.
Current Persona is proof you cannot facelift a car out from its core ugly design.
Same goes to Honda City gen-1 and Nissan Almera
Never call this model grabcar for long journey, becareful your back.
Thanks Danny for the write up. Do you think Perodua will fix or address the biggest Bezza issue of all? The one where a staggering majority of Bezza drivers drive as slow as snails on the right-most fast lane?
Dah tahu kereta lembab, duduk jelah left lane.
Why make it look like Saga? Even just tukar bumper oso no more creativity anymore? No wonder Saga3 sales increasing while Biza is dropping like waterfall.
Bezza have toyota engine and resale value
Bodoh 1.0 enjin toyota ke…simpan bodo tu diam2
Sourced from toyota and daihatsu, but redesigned by perodua lh bodoh
Yes, after five years can sell for RM46k to RM49k
This design is trully a proper facelift for the game changing Bezza. Thank you Theophillus for the amazing render. If Bezza FL launch soon, IDK what will happen to Proton Saga FL sales. Most likely Saga FL will be game over.
Off topic comment and i apologise but i hope that Mario guy will berambus! tak habis habis buat hal
Back on topic: Perodua Bezza is better than Saga. Grab car owners all use Bezza for a reason. Hopefully facelift version will be better!
The new facelift design is very sporty.. from far look like H.Ketam.. from near also sikit2. Ok bye..
No thanks!
Before facelift = civic fc rear light. After facelift = civic fc us market rear light. Hmm
Whatever it is, the Bezza is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL in every way compared to the facelifted Saga. NVH, power delivery, comfort of the car and build quality.. it’s miles and miles behind. But sadly, it’s still popular mainly because of the impression that it’s based on Japanese tech and the fact that Perodua service centers are better than Proton’s. Proton still has quite a way to go to improve their aftersales service quality.
what imagine
Why so ugly? The back looks soooo outdated. Bye perodua.
The biggest problem is the straight up back seat so uncomfortable for long journey. Fix that first.
Truely the real game changer!
it’s not time for a facelift. but it’s time for a revamp by lowering the high roofline of the bezza to be more fluid, widen the car and lower the stance for a more aggresive look and adding a turbo charger for more performance.