Now that we have the official name, pricing and key details of the upcoming Perodua Ativa D55L SUV, the internet has gone wild, really. There’s plenty of discussions or rather, arguments regarding Perodua Ativa versus the Proton X50.
UPDATE: We’ve driven the new Perodua Ativa! Read our first impressions review here.
That’s to be expected of course, there are a lot of questions out there. Should you really compare these two models to each other? Are they even in the same class or market? Should you cancel your X50 booking for the Perodua? What is the deal here? The answer is really quite complicated, so let’s talk about it.
First of all, I do agree that this is not a fair apple-to-apple comparison. The price range is the most significant factor here. The Perodua is priced between RM62k and RM73k, while the Proton goes for RM79k to over RM100k. There’s no overlap here, and crucially the most expensive Ativa is still significantly more affordable than the cheapest X50. So, you might think that these cars have completely different target markets, no one is going to be cross shopping between the two, so perhaps any comparisons are not relevant at all.
But here, I’d have to disagree. Of course you should be comparing the two. Car buyers should always look around, see what’s available in the market, not just zero in on one brand and buy it straight away.
Yes, there’s no overlap, but think about it. If you’re a guy who is sitting on a booking of the X50 Standard, waiting for your allocation, and now there’s a new option in the market. If you get the Ativa AV instead, you can save some money, get better safety features and yes, probably get the car earlier at this rate.
Same goes for those who are looking at the X50 Flagship because, you know, you really want your next car to have advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), for example. Now, there’s a much cheaper option that meets your criteria.
And it goes both ways too. Those considering the Ativa should definitely go out and test drive the X50 too. Now, I haven’t driven the new Perodua yet, but I think it’s safe to assume the Proton will have a big advantage in terms of performance and of course, ride and handling. Life isn’t all about specs and numbers after all, the subjective things sometimes matter so much more.
And if, like me, you’re hooked on the Proton’s looks and driving dynamics, you might want to consider spending that little bit more for the X50. My point is, it’s always good to consider all your options, and comparing the two are 100% relevant.
Now let’s talk about the size difference, because this is pretty significant too. The Ativa is clearly smaller than the X50, and even though it’s marketed here as a compact B-segment SUV, in some markets the Daihatsu Rocky is even considered as an A-segment SUV. The Proton is a proper B-segment SUV.
But at this point, do classes or segments even matter anymore? The Aruz is technically a B-segment SUV too, but you wouldn’t compare it to these two, right? Looking at dimensions, the X50 is over 300 mm longer and 100 mm wider than the Ativa. The Proton also has a much longer wheelbase – 75 mm longer, to be exact. That’s a lot.
But as usual, pure numbers don’t always tell the whole story. My colleagues who have seen the Daihatsu Rocky all say that it’s pretty big inside. I haven’t been in one myself, but I would guess that the Perodua SUV will be at least as spacious the X50 inside. And we already know for a fact the Rocky has a bigger boot than the Proton.
It’s a similar story if you look at the Perodua Axia and Proton Iriz too. The A-segment Axia is obviously smaller than the B-segment Iriz, but actually it’s the Axia that has a more spacious cabin and a bigger boot. Exterior size can be misleading.
So what is my point then? Those of you who are completely dismissing any comparisons just because the X50 is bigger, or the Ativa is a lot smaller, I don’t think that’s fair. I’ve seen people saying “oh, the Perodua is too small, sure cramped inside. Cannot lah.” That’s just not right.
But I get it, though. Size does matter, sometimes. The X50 does look bigger on the road, carrying more road presence and prestige, sure. It looks like the more expensive car, and of course it is. If that matters to you, sure, I can’t argue with that. Just remember, always consider all your options.
Next, let’s move on to engines. Both models have a downsized three-cylinder turbo engine. So all of you who questioned Proton’s use of a three-pot in the X50, now Perodua has joined the party too.
But beyond having the same layout, the two engines are so, so different. The Perodua Ativa gets a 1.0 litre turbo with multi-point injection, and it’s basically the same 1.0 litre engine already used in the Axia and Bezza, just that it’s turbocharged now. Hence the T suffix in the 1KR-VET engine code.
The Proton, meanwhile, has a bigger 1.5 litre turbo engine, and the Flagship version has direct injection too. It’s also clearly a far more modern, more advanced engine seeing that it’s shared with the Volvo XC40, following the premium brand’s very high standards.
That’s clear to see by looking at the power outputs too. The Perodua’s 1.0 litre turbo makes 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque, compared to 177 PS and 255 Nm for the direct-injection X50 Flagship. So, the Proton engine is 50% bigger, but makes 80% more power and torque.
At the same time though, you do have to consider that the X50 weighs 400 kg, or 40% more than the Perodua, so the D55L will have an edge in term of fuel economy. Perodua claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.3 l/100 km vs 6.4 litres for the X50.
As for refinement and engine vibration, I sure hope the Ativa is a huge improvement over the same engines in the Axia and Bezza. If not, then that will be a massive advantage for the X50.
The Ativa also uses a CVT compared to the Proton’s dual-clutch transmission, so the driving experience will be very different between the two. CVT is a thing that you either love or hate, so we’ll see if the Perodua CVT is any good. If it’s anything like the ones in Toyotas, it will be about a million times better than Proton’s Punch CVTs.
But still, I find it interesting how Perodua is adopting both turbocharging and CVT for the first time here – two things that a lot of Perodua fanboys have made fun of with Protons as being expensive to maintain and with the CVT, no fun to drive. Well, at least they will still have the timing chain to shout about.
Moving on to safety, Perodua has pulled an absolute stunner here with the Ativa. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is standard on all models, motorcycle detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving – it’s incredible that you can have all that for around RM70k.
I remember not too long ago that we called out Perodua for not having basic safety features like extra airbags and electronic stability control and now, the brand is setting new industry standards. Well done, Perodua, well done indeed.
The Ativa’s safety features put the X50 to shame. Here we have AEB on all variants, while Proton insists on taking airbags out from the X50 Standard. AEB is only available on the top-spec X50 Flagship at over RM100k, which may have been fine a year or two ago, but now with the Ativa and the new Nissan Almera, the game has moved on. The new Perodua will have Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features too, matching the X50, but at a much lower entry price.
The one thing the Proton has over the Perodua is Auto Park Assist, which as I’ve mentioned many times over, is really not that useful. It’s slow, and if you really can’t do simple parking manoeuvres, I would suggest this app called Grab. The Daihatsu Rocky actually does have an auto park feature, but we’re assuming Perodua has skipped it, since there are no mentions of it in the official details. But, we could be wrong on this one.
Now let’s talk about rebadging for a minute. Both of these cars are basically rebadged versions of other cars. The Ativa is based on the Daihatsu Rocky, and the X50 is the same as the Geely Binyue.
Before you cry foul, saying the Malaysian car industry has regressed, both local car companies really have done quite a fair bit of work here. Perodua claims to have been involved in the design and development of the Daihatsu Rocky, with 30 Perodua employees based in Japan. That’s why it looks so much like the Myvi, because Perodua had a hand in designing it.
As for the X50, Proton led the R&D work in converting it to right hand drive, and the local engineers have completely transformed its ride and handling characteristics to better suit Malaysian roads. I dare say the Proton X50 now is a better car than the Geely Binyue because of it. And yeah, Proton designed the grille too, of course.
So that’s about it for this video. A not-so-short discussion on comparing the upcoming Perodua Ativa D55L versus the Proton X50. Long story short, these two cars are not exactly natural rivals to each other.
It’s not like how the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a direct rival to the BMW 3 Series, exactly same kind of car, bang on in terms of size, similar pricing, and so on.
But that shouldn’t stop you from comparing them anyway, because as I’ve explained, if you’re looking to buy one of these models, you should at least consider the other one too. Having options is never a bad thing.
At the same time, as online commenters or industry observers, you should not force your own personal preference on others. Just because you prefer one brand over the other, doesn’t mean others must agree with you. Different people have different tastes and preference, guys.
Me, most of you know I have a Proton X50 Flagship myself, and having looked at the specs, I think I would have considered the Perodua as an alternative. I’m not saying I would have gotten the Ativa instead, not likely because I love the way the X50 drives, but I would have at least given the Perodua a chance.
Just, keep an open mind, people, and be nice to each other. Nobody likes extreme fanboys, so don’t be one. If you’ve made it this far, do let me know what you think of this video, whether you agree or disagree with my views. I’d love to read your comments. Thanks for watching, and stay safe, everyone.
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Ppl buy their 1st car Perodua Ativa, and 5years after upgrade to Proton X50. Tengkiu jepunis and Chinas…
Perodua Japanese technology
– jimat petrol
– low maintenance and servicing costs
– ready stock spare parts, no need to wait 1 year
– no need to waste annual leaves/mc cuti sakit for car repair
– no need lose sleeps or mentally stressed because car warranty by itself proven quality reliability
– high resale value (RV)
– low regret value (also RV)
Kecewa ngn plotua design luar ttp auta.. engine n dalaman tu org xpandang sgt.. luaran tu penting da berpuluh tahun benda sama je.. bosan ngn plotua.. keluarkn la design luaran cantek n simple xkelam kabut n mampu milik.. yg cantek jual 60k++ ingt gaji org malaysia 4k 80% ke?? Ermm kecewa lg.. jgn marah la org beli kete import walaupun aku pakai blm 2009 smpai skang malas nk hutang! Masih menunggu design cantek bole pakai 20tahun! Blm so far 12 tahun good..besar ade bonet murah mampu milik.. beli rumah lebih baik mahal2 oi! Patriotik sikit plotua!
Pipu buy perodua not because it is good, but because it is cheap
Cheap and good
Japan full star crash test
DNGA legend, even better than 660cc Kancil Turbo JDM Kei
Overpriced cars, without P2 we could get better small cars directly from Japan at cheaper price.
Not really overpriced cars at all
Jual in Jepun RM59k. Jual in Malaysia RM63k. Not overpriced? Math u kat mana pegi?
Ikut today’s forex, Rocky sekarang RM65k bai. Tu pun the kosong spec, kalau yang sama dengan Ativa X pun dah lebih RM70k
BTW Hafriz, is perodua ativa using CVT or D-CVT? Very confuse cos most site said CVT but in perodua site said D-CVT.
Perodua/Daihatsu calls it a D-CVT, a new type of CVT introduced along with the DNGA platform.
We will do an article on this soon.
Great. Cant wait for it.
Ativa~ You, you memang sangat cute
So stop lah being so cute
You buat I hanyut~~~
Full star crash test with fake car. Real crash test when see how easy for P2 to catch fire during eksiden. Bakar hangus!
Perodua top spec cars are more expensive than the proton equivalent, yet they sell more.
And surprisingly no one have mentioned it that Perodua Ativa actually cost cheaper than the cheapest Retail Price of the Toyota Raize of 1,679,000yen (equa. RM64,312.97).
https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/29251184.html
Unlike the X50 China models sold for 125,800 yuan (RM78k) for the fully-specced PHEV where’s Malaysian version is no where to be found while our highest spec cost 40% more even without tax.
China is not a free market. They incentivise local brands to give cars at lower to near cost prices. Proton did invest massively to redo the cars for RHD so they must charge higher to recoup, and last I heard Proton is not a charity and should be making a profit after all.
I hope you’re getting paid for all these comments, buddy
Oh I’m sure you do buddy, what with the umpteen articles for Ativa.
I’m just doing my job. You’ll see plenty more articles on the Ativa in the coming weeks, the same way we handled the X50 launch period a few months back. It’s called news.
Kipidap PT! make Malaysia great again!!
Pricing is fair. Just what U want after all
Ativa A-seg SUV (economical Axia-turbo) vs X50 B-seg SUV (more refinement and is bigger)
I don’t get what’s the beef with @Gary saying but i do recall @Hafriz saying the same thing as what written by him so i don’t get the about turn either. Did perodua bought your stance or something bro?
It wasn’t that comment alone. It was a long list of anti-Perodua/pro-Proton comments from the same person, using different names.
That anti-Perodua/pro-Proton comments from the same person. Conspicuously our dear friend ‘john’ been very quiet since Ativa launching.
Ehh well, your site your right.
But if you’d ask me much of those comments mentioning proton are from haters.
Well done our national car assembler! Rebadge dulu kini selamanya
Oh Ativa cinta hatiku
Oh Ativa I said I love you
Oh Ativa tolonglah aku
Terima kujadi kekasihmu…
Perodua played a part in making the car.
Perodua only assembles this car. Daihatsu and Toyota made this car. In other countries we could buy it far cheaper than Perodua is selling.
PS Well done to Proton for forcing Perodua to wake up and give us this stunning car. Without gamechanger Proton pushing Toyota to allow Perodua rebadge Rush & Rocky, they would still sell cars with 2 airbags and no VSC until forever. So tengkiu Proton! Woh ai nie!
Wasting RM100k on Proton is real madness when you can buy Toyota Honda for that same price.
Wasting Rm100k on a Toyota /Honda is real madness when you only get Rm40k quality and specs. I’d rather pay Rm100k for a fully loaded high tech proton.
You get RM40k quality and specs at RM100k because Proton wants to sell RM40k Communist quality at RM100k. Long live non local brands. Fed up with Proton.
But but but but why proton can sell Rm150k specs at Rm100k while toyota selling Rm100k specs at RM 150k? Nobody stopping toyota to sell Rm150k specs at Rm150k what.
Frog in the bottom of well.
Bro, tengkiu both Proton & Perodua…. Msians get to enjoy kereta mampu milik selama 4dekad. SOP steady xhuru hara, servis puashati, xde Uturn capati, brand owner ade integriti & tanggungjawab, xlompat2 susahkan rakyat.. so kudos & tengkiu to P1 & P2, moga sukses selalu!
“If it’s anything like the ones in Toyotas, it will be about a million times better than Proton’s Punch CVTs”
You are absolutely right, Hafriz. Toyota’s CVT is much, much, much better than Proton’s. But, Toyota’s or other’s normal stepped GB with torque converter is better than any CVTs. All-in-all, dual clutch is in a whole other level of bests.
are u planning to drive the car for next 20years? if no, why care? when u see x50 overtake u easily on highway, u can still tell the passenger D55L had all the best thing. just because the driver is noob.
Copy paste: “But still, I find it interesting how Perodua is adopting both turbocharging and CVT for the first time here – two things that a lot of Perodua fanboys have made fun of with Protons as being expensive to maintain and with the CVT, no fun to drive.”
Copy paste reply: “Looks like Jepunis fanbois all have to lick back their spit yo!”
CP: LOLOLOLOL!!!
Perodua Daihatsu CVT and turbo will be far cheaper to maintain and repair, not to mention the readily available spare parts.
Never go wrong with Japanese proven reliability and quality.
Japanese proven reliability and quality with Takata airbags terbaek!
If proton does the same thing that perodua did, the P2 fanboys will be bashing them left and right.
Protons with cainis tech way ahead of the game,
You got to give credits to Perodua that they have definitely stepped up the game in providing AEB even on the very basic model with 6 airbags as standard with Lane Departure Warning! That’s impressive amount of Passive Safety features for the most basic model. Well done for that!
Perodua also provides customers the option for more bells and whistles for the top of the range model like Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Active Cruise Control!
Now that’s what I called “Geared Up” for their top of the range Driver Assist System! Well done Perodua.
All credits goes to Toyota & Daihatsu for giving this car to Perodua for rebadging “unfiltered”.
Credits also go to Proton in forcing them to relent and give better cars to Perodua to rebadge.
No credit goes to Perodua since bumper design pun bukan inhouse. Only thing inhouse is the badge. So credit to Perodua for the nice badge.
Betul, more safety for locals. Well done Perodua.
And when one of the sensors / module rosak, aduh…Mahal la, no need repair first, mau jual kereta la..
With so many systems, I just waiting pelotua to recall for each and every one of them. Jepang substanded quality
Thanks to Hafriz for burning the midnight oil. At those price ranges, one should do a test drive on each model before deciding on which to book. Of course, it’s the person’s own right to choose what to do with one’s money. But then there must be a lot of folks who also regret for not saving for a rainy day.
While those performance numbers are disappointing, I commend Perodua on bringing in such an expansive safety suite as standard on their vehicles. I would like to see Perodua expand into other nations, maybe the UK? Surely a car like this would do well.
Perodua please put the GR Yaris 3 cylinder in this car as well thank you very much
Kancil 660cc turbos bigger legend
hmmm driving a merc phev is better more for FC. 0 fuel rather than this ativa measly horrible FC
I’ve mentioned many times, perodua is not a rebadge. It is a joint development with Toyota and Daihatsu from the beginning. Perodua engineers are involved in all the cars development from zero. Credits where it is due. If it is a rebadge, did Toyota rebadge a Daihatsu? Or Daihatsu rebadge a Toyota? Why no mention of that? Only perodua? Do your homework before commenting!
Not a rebadge, ini hanya Global marketing strategi.
Toyota Raize, Daihatsu Rocky and P2 Ativa the same car…
Geely Binyue and Proton X50 same car.
Maruti Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser same car.
Naza Rondo and KIA Carens the same. Is all marketing..
I am not sure which part of the message you are not clear. Is Proton involved in the original development of Geely Binyue? Is Naza involved in the original development of KIA Carens? Please think before comment. Perodua is involved in the development of all the Perodua models right from zero.
I guess both oso correct. if P1 + P2 gotmerged, P1 design the front grille + P2 develop the rest.
yeah like P2 knows how to design its own platform and powertrain from scratch and P1 has NEVER done that EVER, right?
Masuk kandang P1 tau tuduh orang rebadge.
Masuk balik kandang P2 tau plotek orang rebadge.
Tersangat jelas komen-komen cai.
personally i think the x50 looks much better
“Both of these cars are basically rebadged versions of other cars.” – lol
Use your brain before talk. X50 is a rebadge. Ativa is a joint development with Daihatsu and Toyota. Joint development means they are involved in the car development from zero. From zero…
Oh wow. Proton has 200 engineers in Geely and X50 is just a rebadge but Perodua with mere 30 engineers in Daihatsu is a joint development? What did they jointly develop, the bumper?
it is solely advertisement only, only idiot will believe.
GG for Proton X50, sure kena tapao by this Perodua model.
I buy Vios or city with that kind of price.
proton. time to give all ur models safety features. 4 airbags is a joke
osem idea bro Semi. at least can keep the local monkeywrenchers busy
Nice article here bro hafriz. I strongly agree that people always compare especially when buying a car. Segment/specs do affect choice but at last, only the buyer knows what they want
No need argue, let’s wait and see the actual sales figures.
I foresee the car will be selling like hot cakes.
Ativa is about the size of haval h1…slightly longer…less width…longer wheel base