Launched in July, the 2022 Perodua Alza comes with an entirely new powertrain compared to its predecessor. Under the bonnet, there’s a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 106 PS (105 hp) and 138 Nm of torque.
The mill sends drive to the front wheels via a D-CVT gearbox, and this setup is also used by the current Myvi facelift. Perodua claims a fuel consumption of 22 km/l in the Malaysian Driving Cycle, or 18.9 km/l in the more familiar NEDC.
In this post, we’re examining how much it’ll cost to maintain the seven-seat MPV over five years or 100,000 km, referring to the maintenance schedule that is readily available on Perodua’s website. We’ll also be comparing the Alza’s maintenance costs against other popular models in the segment, namely the Mitsubishi Xpander and Honda BR-V – both also feature 1.5 litre NA engines.
Before proceeding further, it should be noted the Alza is the most affordable model of the bunch, with prices ranging from RM62,500 to RM75,500 (OTR without insurance) across three variants. Meanwhile, the Xpander is only offered in a sole variant that retails at RM96,800, and the BR-V is offered in two variants priced between RM90,700 and RM97,700.
Over five years or 100,000 km, the Alza is the cheapest to maintain as it’ll cost you RM3,160.86 following the recommended schedule. This is followed by the BR-V, which costs RM3,591.65 (inclusive of a 15% discount as stated in its maintenance schedule) to maintain over five years, while that for the Xpander is at RM4,598.16.
One of the reasons the Xpander is more costly to maintain is the need to replace its fuel filter at 36 months/60,000 km, with the part alone priced at RM669.60. The BR-V also requires a fuel filter replacement, although this happens at 66 months/110,000 km and costs RM594.10. As for the Alza, there’s no mention of a fuel filter in its maintenance schedule.
Another relatively big-ticket item is spark plugs, and both the Alza (RM220.40) and BR-V (RM380.80) get theirs changed at 60 months/100,000 km, but this only happens for the Xpander at 66 months/110,000 km for RM331.20 – all three MPVs use iridium-tipped spark plugs.
In other aspects, the Mitsubishi MPV’s four-speed automatic transmission requires more frequent inspections (every year/20,000 km), and when it finally comes time to replace the AT fluid at 60 months/100,000 km, it’ll cost RM251.10, which is more than the RM97.50 required to change the fluid in the Alza’s D-CVT at the same mark. As for the BR-V, its CVT requires two fluid changes, each at a 24-month/40,000-km interval, with the total being not that far off from the Xpander.
Still on the matter of lubricants, the Alza and Xpander use fully-synthetic engine oil, while the Honda’s default recommend engine oil for the BR-V is semi-synthetic; the cost of the optional fully-synthetic motor oil with the drain plug washer is RM130.80.
The BR-V’s cabin filter and air filter (for the engine) do cost more when compared to the Alza and Xpander, although the Honda model does come with free labour for five services, which does help reduce the overall maintenance cost – the Alza’s first service is without labour charge.
As always, there’s more to running costs beyond just visiting the service centre. For starters, there’s consumables like brakes and tyres (depends on wheel size). Both the Xpander and BR-V come with 16-inch alloys as standard, but the Alza gets both 15- and 16-inch units – the latter being for the base variant. The top-variant of the Alza also comes with rear disc brakes, while lesser variants as well as the Xpander and BR-V have drum brakes at the rear.
Given all the models here are MPVs and have about the same engine capacity – within 1.5 litres – the road tax is the same for all three at RM90. However, motor insurance will differ depending on the provider and chosen riders (flood coverage, windscreen coverage amount, etc.).
It should also be mentioned that despite the differences in maintenance costs, when split across five years, you’ll be paying just RM86 more a year to service a BR-V, or RM287.46 more a year to service an Xpander, compared to the Alza.
So, there you have it. The all-new Alza is a compelling buy as it’s not just affordable compared to other seven-seat MPVs, it’s also cheaper to maintain over five years/100,000 km. Thoughts?
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Great and valuable info. Thanks
Reasons why new Alza will always be the best MPV ever!
1. No repeating OCH hose bocor this, bocor that
2. Proven quality materials follow strict Japanese standards and work ethics
3. Proven efficient fuel economy engine 22km/liter
4. Proven reliable DCVT gearbox with no crazy jerking and scooter whining noise
5. Proven durable Toyo tyres (not some generic brand that sounds like a map or King Kong)
6. Top notch standard safety features 6 airbags, AES AEB, Lane departure warning etc
7. Always ready-stock spare parts for peace of mind, car no need sleep 1 year at service centre
8. Which means no headache, mental stress and can sleep soundly worry-free every night sweet dreams
9. Very high resale value, very low regret value (both also RV)
10. Turn signal stick on right hand side, simple logic common sense.
We appoint Lu as P2 Ambassador.
Well researched article.Kipidap.Hid up P2
Semua barang naik kecuqli p2. So better buy 2023 Alza…
Seriously Mitsubishi why are you charging so high for your oil filter almost 4x of that Perodua so is your oil filter gonna last 20,000km or longer then to justify its price.
Honda is also guilty of the same thing (and you can imagine what type of Engine Oil given with that price) but why is your cabin filter cost so much? Is it PM1 (1 micron particulate) or N100? Also you air-filter close to RM100 every 30,000km seriously why don’t I just change that to K&N probably cost 2.5x but lasts forever (and DIY maintenance every 4-5 years)
Honda maaa….what to expect? Only so called kayangan people buy honda.
BRV is the ugliest
All also use Timing Chain, less worry Timing Belt and Cost problem.
how many car buyers actually look at maintenance schedule as a decision breaker? i think it’s almost non existence else it would be part of the brochure handout / price list.
Lol certainly not me. I’m more interested to see the spare parts prices actually.
R u sure? Xpander service 20k only below rm200…sy baru servis mgu lepas..
I make a purchase decision on by looking at the whole picture which also includes service costs. So for someone to say nobody looks at service schedule is accurate.
I give you an example a family member has been driving a 660c viva which is 10yr old and 220k om ODO to perodua service center. Same place since day one. I asked why send to dealer when you car is of this age, that person said because I like their service and nasi lemak. They are friendly and courteous. I was curious so I helped to send 1 time. I must say I was in for huge culture shock.
Walked in doors waas opened for me byt the security guy and was kind to greet me. The recep lady was courteous, knew the other driver and politely asked about them. Waited at waiting area, there was coffee/teh tarik/milo and nasi lemak. SA was busy but came to say hellow and told me he will see me shortly(this was nice). When it was my turn, i was greeted with a smile and asked how was I? next was clear concise and efficient in his service. I had the oldest and cheapest car in that day. But he didnt look down on me. There is a standard of service that is adhered to.
Follow up that day was on time promised and car was washed and ready when I arrive. Honda has NEVER washed my car. Always come back with finger prints or oily steering.
I have had a city now for 5yrs, never have I had such service despite changing 3 centers. Next will be the first out of warranty with the poor service given I most likely service car my self.
Another family member has poor service experience from P1 and beemer as well. Not forgetting the uber service from VW.
Im not in the market now but if was, it will be hard to look away from Alza. That’s a big call coming from a non-P2 supporter.
Honda…sign up n buy.No sweet talk,nasi lemak ,salesman bodeking.Make your own kopi. Self service.
Protong…Apa lu mau ? Spare parts dari Cina..tunggu lah..sabar.Tak boleh tahan,trade in lah ke used car dealer..I ada jalan.
Perodua…blockbuster sales with blockbuster service.Thats a fact.Selling 250,000 vehicles this year is not an issue.
CVT oil change every 100k? Best of luck
Perodua Alza’s Engine Drain Plug Gasket RM28.90???
Gotta be kidding me.
the honda brv is a mpv??? i thought the brv was a crossover even on honda website it say its a crossover lol
You can call it either low spec crossover or low spec MPV.
Seems Alza still have hidden cost that not been reveal.
plr1407
plr1407 perodua alza
The cost comparison for Toyata Veloz should be made available as well. I suppose it should be more or less the same as Alza.