Perodua Ativa Hybrid

  • Perodua Ativa Hybrid vs Turbo compared side-by-side

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid vs Turbo compared side-by-side

    Turbo and hybrid powertrains aside, what are the differences between the subscription-only Perodua Ativa Hybrid and the regular Perodua Ativa in showrooms? We’ve already detailed the Ativa Hybrid – a CBU Japan rebadged Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid – and the points where it differs from the Rawang-made Ativa, but here are both white cars side-by-side, thanks to reader Ackhmed A.

    If you’re wondering about the rebadging process, it’s done in Japan by Daihatsu – the Perodua emblems (front, rear, steering wheel) and the Ativa wordmark are fitted on Malaysia-bound cars by DMC, and there’s no ‘T’ badge (for turbo) on the tailgate. The number plate cutouts are also smaller JDM squares.

    The JDM Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is very similar to the the ICE-powered Ativa from the outside, save for a Rocky-specific grille and more vertical front/rear bumpers (which makes overall length marginally shorter), JDM side mirrors (body coloured, smaller, left side has extra curb-view mirror), 17-inch two-tone wheels in a different (and more dynamic) design plus eco tyres (Dunlop Enasave).

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid vs Turbo compared side-by-side

    By the way, the wheels on these two cars cannot be swapped. The Hybrid’s rims have five lugs (Ativa has four, P2 says that more lugs are better for heavier cars) and the tyres are narrower – 195/60 vs Ativa’s 205/60. As is typical for hybrids, there’s no full size spare here, just a tyre repair kit in the boot.

    Also, the Rocky’s tailgate is plastic. This is not unusual for cars in Japan, but car companies typically change the hatch to metal for the Malaysian market. Another example of this is the T32 Nissan X-Trail.

    Inside the familiar dashboard, the Daihatsu features its own AC control panel (with auto function but without P2’s two memory buttons), a blue push start button and an electronic parking brake switch with auto brake hold – the latter recently made its Perodua debut on the Alza AV.

    But unlike in the top Alza, this high centre console incorporates two cupholders between the EPB and armrest. The original Japanese head unit has been swapped for a local Ativa unit, and there are no audio steering buttons or reverse camera.

    Launched in its home market in November 2021, the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is powered by a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor (Ativa 1.0T has 98 PS/140 Nm), with a 1.2 litre WA-VEX Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 82 PS/105 Nm acting purely acts as a generator for the hybrid battery. The e-motor powers the wheels via an HEV transaxle, which means that this series hybrid model works somewhat like a range extender electric vehicle, like Nissan’s e-Power system.

    The hybrid also features an available Smart Pedal function for one-pedal driving (S-PDL button is below the driver’s AC vent, where the ADAS buttons are), with regeneration and “engine braking” in place of stepping on the brakes. Lastly, the JDM suspension is 15 mm lower than the regular Ativa’s, and should be softer sprung as well.

    The Rocky’s claimed fuel consumption is 3.6 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle, which is 27.8 km/l. Perodua says that the Ativa Hybrid is capable of 31.3 km/l in the Malaysian Driving Cycle, which is supposed to reflect local driving conditions. They add that at the current RON 95 price, a journey from KL to Penang (358 km) can cost as low as RM23 in fuel.

    The Ativa Hybrid subscription programme is described by Perodua as an ‘electric vehicle study’ as well as a ‘long-term mobility as a service market study’ involving 300 subscribers. There are two things P2 is studying here. The first is to understand group driving behaviour of a hybrid vehicle in populated locations (Klang Valley, Penang and JB). The other is to understand consumer acceptance of a subscription service, which Perodua is already offering to corporate clients under its EZ MOBi fleet arm.

    Participants need to pay an upfront payment of RM2,150 (includes refundable three months safety deposit, the first month fee and stamp duty) followed by a monthly subscription fee of RM500 for the next five years. Maintenance (including wear and tear items), insurance and road tax will be covered by Perodua.

    It is a five-year commitment and the mileage cap over the period is 100,000 km, which averages to 20,000 km a year or 1,666 km a month. At the end of the tenure, the total amount paid to Perodua would be RM30,150 and participants will have to return the car. By the way, all 300 units are in Pearl White without the black roof – there’s no other colour option.

    What do you think of the Ativa Hybrid deal? Here’s a review by a subscriber. Also, which look do you prefer – Rocky or Ativa?

    GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid

    GALLERY: JDM Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid

     
     
  • Perodua Ativa Hybrid owner review – subscriber shares thoughts on CBU study car, RM500/month plan

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid owner review – subscriber shares thoughts on CBU study car, RM500/month plan

    By Victor Kan

    The Perodua Ativa Hybrid is finally being delivered, and being one of the lucky 300 subscribers, here’s my personal take on how it compares to the regular turbo variant of the Ativa.

    Having driven the car for awhile both in painful KL traffic and on the highway across states, I guess now would be a good time to do a hands-on introduction to our first national hybrid car. OK, that sounds like a stretch, as technically this is a Daihatsu Rocky eSmart Hybrid through and through, but hey it carries the Perodua emblem, so let’s just say it is.

    Looking very similar to the Ativa Turbo, the Hybrid can be distinguished by several differences when you know what to look out for. Let’s begin at the front of the car, which carries a completely different fascia. The grill is smaller and is an island, instead of the wide-grinning grill that ties the headlamps together on the Turbo. The fog lamps are encompassed in a diamond-shaped black case and not the Perodua T-shaped case. This creates a less aggressive front look for the Hybrid – I’ll go as far as calling it cute.

    Moving on to the sides, another difference that juts out – and this isn’t something the Ativa Turbo can easily convert to – is the five-lug wheels. The Ativa Turbo uses four-lug wheels. The side mirrors are also of different sizes, with the Hybrid having slightly smaller ones; and if you look to the passenger side, the side mirror comes with a very JDM-looking curb mirror. The Hybrid rides a little lower than the Ativa Turbo, but in real life, it isn’t noticeable, unless you have them parked side-by-side.

    As for the rear, how do you tell if the Ativa in front of you is a Hybrid? First, the ATIVA logo on the tailgate isn’t accompanied by anything else. No AV or H badges here, just ATIVA. Then, looking at the bumpers, the housing for the reflectors are – like the ones in front – shaped like rotated diamonds instead of Perodua’s T shape. Also, if you look closely at the driver side of the bumpers, you’d see a rear fog lamp. And as a bonus, the number plate bracket is tiny, as it adheres to Japanese plate dimensions, not Malaysia’s.

    Speaking of the rear, did you know that the Hybrid has a full plastic tailgate? This had my mates asking “is it safe?”. Well, it’d better be, seeing that plastic is the tailgate material of choice for many newer cars in Japan. The upside of plastic is apparent – weight reduction. But don’t worry, it is pretty tough and robust – this isn’t the same plastic used to make those flimsy cutlery that comes with our nasi lemak.

    Moving inside and into the driver’s seat, you’d immediately feel that the interior has a rather muted air to it. Gone are the blaring red found throughout the seats, door trim, AC vents and dashboard – instead, you’re greeted by a black, grey and silver themed cabin.

    Now, depending on your age and preferences, you would either like it or hate it. I personally like it as I have always liked less “sporty” looking interiors for cars of such calibre. Perhaps this opinion will change when I can finally own a Bugatti Veyron. But until that day comes, I’d like a humble looking interior to match my humble little ride.

    There’s hard plastic surfaces all around, similar to the Ativa Turbo we’re familiar with by now, but I’m glad Perodua decided to not skimp on the most basic of trim here. You can find soft leathery surfaces on all the places that matter – on the steering wheel, gear knob, elbow rests, and also on the semi-fabric seats and headrests.

    The centre console has been entirely redesigned, as the Hybrid uses an electronic parking brake (EPB) instead of the traditional handbrake. This has allowed a pair of huge cup holders to be added. Coupled with the EPB is an auto brake hold button. This has spoiled me and I’ve been feeling lazier the more I use the car! More on that later.

    The Hybrid retains the standard Rocky auto climate control with twin circular knobs. I feel that this looks more at home with the rest of the interior, along with the twin circular controls on the steering wheel, as well as the steering centre hub. But again, this is personal taste. Missing would be the memory function found on the AC controls from Perodua.

    That said, I find the auto climate control much easier to use, as it’s a set-once-and-forget solution, so no matter if it is during a hot day, or a cold night, the AC would automatically adjust itself to the temperature we set. In fact, it can blow hot air too if required. As a bonus, there are seat heaters for the front seats, but I don’t think we’ll ever need them in our warm climate.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid owner review – subscriber shares thoughts on CBU study car, RM500/month plan

    The trunk is largely the same, but you won’t find a full-sized spare wheel under the board. Instead, the auxiliary battery is there, along with some hidden compartments. So what do you do if you get a flat tyre? A tyre repair kit (basically an electric pump) is hidden away on the wall for that. I do like this a lot, as I rather not get my hands and clothes dirty, and would just re-inflate the flat tyre so I can drive to the nearest repair shop. More cars should go with this direction if you ask me. And the Hybrid has LED footwell lights, which come on automatically whenever the headlamps are on – lovely! (DT: Ativa AV has footwell lighting too)

    What about the actual driving experience? This is a hybrid powertrain after all. But with so many types in the market now, which kind of hybrid is this? To best explain it, this car works pretty much like a full EV but minus the range anxiety associated with them.

    How? The answer lies in the Hybrid label, because this car also has a regular petrol engine inside. Now here’s the beauty of this design. The 1.2L petrol engine is there solely as an electric power generator. It runs to generate electricity to power the electric motor (and charge the battery) that actually moves the car. So no CVT transmission in here guys, just a good ol’ electric motor.

    Press the accelerator pedal and off the car goes with that signature smooth, instantaneous and torquey push from standstill, just like an EV should be! When the 1.2L petrol engine isn’t on, the car is very silent and still. It feels as though the car hasn’t even been started. The air conditioning system is also powered electrically, which is logical.

    The Ativa Hybrid is equipped with an S-Pedal driving mode by default. You can switch it off if you desire. As the name implies, this is single-pedal operation where you can move and stop the car using just one pedal, without requiring the use of the brake pedal. The brake is only used when you need to make an abrupt stop.

    Another major improvement compared to the Turbo would be the addition of the EPB and auto brake hold. It allows the car to keep itself stopped until you’re ready to move again, without having to use the handbrake every single time. Very handy for city stop-and-go traffic conditions. Another improved feature is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Thanks to the EPB, the Ativa Hybrid can perform low speed auto-follow (part of the ACC) from a complete standstill. This was not possible on the Ativa Turbo.

    Remember when I said I’ve gotten lazier the more I use the car? That’s because my limbs are moving a lot less during driving. My left hand is always on the steering wheel, even in the city, as the EPB and auto brake hold does its job perfectly. No more fumbling to shift into N, no more pulling and releasing the handbrake stick at the traffic lights. And with the S-Pedal, my right foot rarely moves away from the accelerator pedal too. I’m beginning to feel like a couch potato – in a car seat!

    Everything sounds good and dandy so far, but let’s get to the cons, or things that could have been improved. For starters, some features have been removed from the original Rocky Hybrid, and also missing when compared to the Ativa Turbo.

    The 110V emergency electrical outlet that can be found in the trunk of the Rocky Hybrid has been removed. I was really looking forward to be able to use the car as a mini-camper, but now I would have to bring along an external power supply instead. Also removed is the Rocky’s head-unit, being replaced with a regular unit similar to the one found in the Ativa Turbo. This effectively also removes Apple Carplay, Android Auto, volume control on the steering wheels, and most painfully, the reverse camera. Also, blind spot monitoring is missing. Sad, but it is what it is.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid owner review – subscriber shares thoughts on CBU study car, RM500/month plan

    So with the car review done, what do I think of Perodua’s leasing model? Although your name does appear in the vehicle’s grant and insurance, these super limited 300 units of Ativa Hybrids are technically leased, not sold. The payment is RM2,150 upfront with a recurring RM500 a month for 60 months.

    Now, contrary to what some might think – no, you aren’t eligible just because you have RM500 to spare each month. Every potential lessee is properly screened through, just like how it works if someone were to take out a regular hire purchase loan. I guess that Perodua needs the peace of mind knowing that they won’t have to change lessees half-way through the programme.

    All regular servicing, repairs, wear and tear parts, insurance and road tax are fully covered by Perodua, so the lessee only needs to pay for petrol. And this car is expected to run frugal too, with a claimed mileage of 31 km/l. No, I haven’t been able to reach that, but it isn’t that far off, so that’s amazing enough for me. The catch is the mileage cap of 100,000 km and that you cannot make modifications to the car whatsoever. For people who just want a fun to drive and frugal car to get from point A to B, this is definitely a steal.

    UPDATE: Owner has been averaging 21 km/l over the first 1,000 km

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid owner review – subscriber shares thoughts on CBU study car, RM500/month plan

    I’m using the Ativa Hybrid as my main vehicle for work commutes in the Klang Valley, and I’m loving it. The car is not too big, has a high driver POV, feels nimble and has a small turning radius – perfect for weaving around in traffic. Best of all, it runs like an EV, so besides being super quiet, it also moves very effortlessly with the many stop-and-go moments in traffic jams.

    The car’s overall build quality has been great; being a CBU from Japan may have lent a lot of credence to that. It doesn’t seem to suffer from the chronic issues that seem to plague the Ativa Turbo, as found on internet groups.

    The largest downside of ownership so far would be the lonely isolation from everyone else. There hasn’t been a lot of forums solely dedicated to the Ativa/Rocky/Raize Hybrid. So getting support and asking questions specific to the hybrid may get you nowhere – hopefully this will change in the near future as Ativa/Rocky/Raize Hybrid ownership increases both locally and globally.

    GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid, owner’s images

    GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid

    GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid

     
     
  • Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan launched – 300 units CBU Rocky Hybrid, RM500 per month for 5 years

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan launched – 300 units CBU Rocky Hybrid, RM500 per month for 5 years

    It was confirmed last month, and Perodua has now officially launched the Ativa Hybrid subscription programme. The company is branding it as an ‘electric vehicle study’ as well as a ‘long-term mobility as a service market study’ involving 300 subscribers. Did they say EV? Hybrid is the first step in Perodua’s electrification journey.

    There are two things that the Malaysian market leader is studying here. The first is to understand group driving behaviour of a hybrid vehicle in populated locations, namely in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru. These three urban areas account for 60% of Perodua sales, with the Klang Valley alone contributing 40%.

    The other study is to understand consumer acceptance of a five-year subscription service, which Perodua is already offering to corporate clients under its EZ MOBi fleet arm, launched in January 2021.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan launched – 300 units CBU Rocky Hybrid, RM500 per month for 5 years

    “The Perodua Ativa Hybrid would be the best vehicle for us to gain unique insights on Malaysian behaviour as a controlled group, as this data will be used to anticipate our customers’ needs when using an electric vehicle,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

    He was said at today’s event, which was also attended by MITI secretary general Datuk Seri Lokman Hakim Ali, Perodua chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin and Daihatsu Motor Co chairman Sunao Matsubayashi.

    Zainal said that this pilot programme will also allow Perodua to gauge the acceptance level of customers on a long-term subscription programme as an alternative to the traditional method of buying, owning and selling cars.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan launched – 300 units CBU Rocky Hybrid, RM500 per month for 5 years

    “While we believe that vehicle ownership will still be our bread and butter; there is a possibility that a vehicle subscription business model may be acceptable for more users in the near future. This is what we mean by ‘subscription’ – a service where all other obligations of owning a vehicle – such as following a service schedule, paying vehicle insurance and paying road tax – will be managed entirely by us; all the customer has to do is pay a subscription fee to enjoy the package,” he explained.

    That’s right. The programme participants need to pay an upfront payment of RM2,150 (includes refundable three months safety deposit, the first month fee and stamp duty) followed by a monthly subscription fee of RM500 for the next five years. Maintenance (including wear and tear items), insurance and road tax will be covered by Perodua, as the Ativa Hybrids are registered under the company, not in the name of the customers. This CBU Japan import is not for sale.

    It is a five-year commitment and the mileage cap over the period is 100,000 km, which averages to 20,000 km a year or 1,666 km a month. At the end of the tenure, the total amount paid to Perodua would be RM30,150. Participants will have to return the car to Perodua after five years. By the way, all 300 units are in Pearl White without the black roof – there’s no other colour option.

    Sounds like a good deal? Now RM500 a month sounds low, especially when it includes all miscellaneous costs; on the flipside, someone buying a car via the traditional method will have a car to sell after five years, and P2 residuals are pretty good. Good or bad depends on how you view cars and car ownership.

    By the way, to get an Ativa AV’s conventional hire purchase loan monthly instalment to around RM500, you’ll need a downpayment of RM45,000 (five years, 2.5% interest rate, RM525 monthly). Not like anyone is going to do this, but just to give you an idea. One more point: leasing means you’re not taking a loan from a bank, and this means that your CCRIS and financial records are unaffected by the car, freeing up space in your debt service ratio.

    As mentioned, this is a study and not a typical, purely commercial lease/subscription programme (Renault is one of the pioneers of this business model locally – more on how car subscription works here), participants will have to agree to having a GPS telematics system fitted in the car. This is so that P2 can study driving and usage patterns. The customer will also need to submit regular reports to Perodua, currently scheduled at once every three months.

    Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid system

    As for the car itself, it’s straightforward. This is a CBU Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid, just with Perodua badging on the front, rear (P2 and Ativa) and steering wheel. The Perodua emblems and the Ativa wordmark are fitted on Malaysia-bound cars in Japan. There’s no ‘T’ badge on the tailgate and the number plate cutouts are smaller – JDM square.

    Launched in its home market in November 2021, the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is powered by a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor (Ativa 1.0T has 98 PS/140 Nm), with a 1.2 litre WA-VEX Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 82 PS/105 Nm acting purely acts as a generator for the hybrid battery. The e-motor powers the wheels via an HEV transaxle, which means that this series hybrid model works somewhat like a range extender electric vehicle, like Nissan’s e-Power system.

    The JDM Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is very similar to the the ICE-powered Ativa from the outside, save for a Rocky-specific grille and more vertical front/rear bumpers (which makes overall length marginally shorter), JDM side mirrors (body coloured, smaller, left side has extra curb-view mirror), 17-inch two-tone wheels in a different (and more dynamic) design plus eco tyres (Dunlop Enasave).

    Perodua Ativa AV (left), Perodua Ativa Hybrid (right)

    By the way, the wheels have five lugs (Ativa has four, P2 says that more lugs are better for heavier cars) and the tyres are narrower – 195/60 vs Ativa’s 205/60. As is typical for hybrids, there’s no full size spare here, just a tyre repair kit. The Rocky’s tailgate is plastic. This is not unusual, but car companies typically change the hatch to metal for the Malaysian market.

    Inside the familiar dashboard, the Daihatsu features its own AC control panel (with auto function but without P2’s signature memory buttons), a blue push start button and an electronic parking brake switch with auto brake hold – the latter recently made its Perodua debut on the Alza AV. But unlike in the top Alza, this high centre console incorporates two cupholders between the EPB and armrest. The original Japanese head unit has been swapped for a local Ativa unit, and there are no audio steering buttons.

    The hybrid also features an available Smart Pedal function for one-pedal driving (S-PDL button below the driver’s AC vent), with regeneration and “engine braking” in place of stepping on the brakes. Lastly, the JDM suspension is 15 mm lower than the regular Ativa’s, and should be softer sprung as well.

    Perodua Ativa AV (left), Perodua Ativa Hybrid (right)

    The Rocky’s claimed fuel consumption is 3.6 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle, which is 27.8 km/l. Perodua says that the Ativa Hybrid is capable of 31.3 km/l in the Malaysian Driving Cycle, which is supposed to reflect local driving conditions. They add that at the current RON 95 price, a journey from KL to Penang (358 km) can cost as low as RM23 in fuel.

    So, what do you think of the Ativa Hybrid and this subscription deal? Good deal or you’re better off just buying the turbo-powered regular Ativa? In any case, P2 received 600 applications for the plan and all 300 cars are already spoken for.

    GALLERY: JDM Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid

     
     
  • Perodua Ativa Hybrid leasing plan confirmed, 300 CBU units for study purposes, RM500 a month, 5 yrs – CEO

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid leasing plan confirmed, 300 CBU units for study purposes, RM500 a month, 5 yrs – CEO

    Perodua has confirmed the impending introduction of the Perodua Ativa Hybrid in Malaysia, the first time the company has officially acknowledged plans for the hybrid SUV. The rebadged Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid is a CBU import from Japan and only 300 units will be brought in for study and evaluation purposes.

    Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad told paultan.org that the Ativa Hybrid will be made available via subscription only, which means that it won’t be sold in showrooms like a normal model. He confirmed that the lease programme is a five-year commitment with an upfront payment of RM2,150, followed by a monthly payments of RM500. The mileage cap over the five-year period is 100,000 km.

    As this is not a typical and purely commercial lease/subscription programme (Renault is one of the pioneers of this business model locally – more on how car subscription works here), those who sign up will have to agree to having a GPS telematics system fitted in the car. This is so that P2 can study driving and usage patterns. The lessee will also need to submit regular reports to Perodua.

    Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid (left), Perodua Ativa AV (right)

    Zainal added that the monthly commitment fee will include insurance, road tax and maintenance. This means that the temporary guardians of the Ativa Hybrid will only have to fork out the one-time payment upon signing, and the monthly fee, with no other add-ons. This is similar to TC Euro Cars’ Renault plan, but full details for Perodua’s first lease programme will be announced in due course.

    Sounds like a good deal? You’ll have to do the math, but the key difference between buying and leasing is that you do not own the car and will have to return it after the agreed tenure is up. This can be a good thing or bad thing, depending on how you see it. Will P2 provide the option for the lessee to purchase the car outright after five years? If yes, this can be like the car equivalent of Maybank’s HouzKEY home financing scheme.

    Not every Perodua dealership will be involved in the Ativa Hybrid programme – only those in the Klang Valley and two branches each from Penang and Johor will be included (high traffic areas). As this is P2’s first hybrid model, the outlets involved will also need to take care of the electrified SUV’s servicing needs. Who gets to participate? The company has started to send out feelers via SMS and survey forms, and priority will be given to those already on the regular Ativa waiting list. As to why only 300 units, that’s the max allowed by the authorities for evaluation purposes.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid leasing plan confirmed, 300 CBU units for study purposes, RM500 a month, 5 yrs – CEO

    As for the car itself, it’s straightforward. This is a CBU Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid, just with Perodua badging. The front and rear Perodua emblems and the Ativa wordmark are fitted on Malaysia-bound cars in Japan.

    Launched in its home market in November 2021, the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is powered by a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor combined with a 1.2 litre Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder engine with 82 PS/105 Nm. The WA-VEX NA engine acts as a generator, which means that the Rocky Hybrid works somewhat like a range extender electric vehicle, like Honda’s current e:HEV hybrids.

    The JDM Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is very similar to the the ICE-powered Ativa from the outside, save for Rocky-specific bumpers front and rear, 17-inch wheels in a different design and eco tyres. Inside the familiar dashboard, the Daihatsu features its own AC control panel, a blue push start button and an electronic parking brake switch with auto brake hold – the latter recently made its Perodua debut on the Alza AV.

    The hybrid also features an available “Smart Pedal” function for one-pedal driving, with regeneration and “engine braking” in place of stepping on the brakes. Claimed fuel consumption is 3.6 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle, which is 27.8 km/l. What do you think of this Ativa Hybrid subscription plan? Good value or you’re better of buying the regular turbo model?

    GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid spyshots

    GALLERY: JDM Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid

     
     
  • Perodua Ativa Hybrid in Malaysia – subscription-only, RM500 a month over five-year trial, limited to 300 units

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid in Malaysia – subscription-only, RM500 a month over five-year trial, limited to 300 units

    Perodua appears to be putting out feelers for customer interest in the upcoming Ativa Hybrid, which will be available specifically through a subscription package and limited to only 300 units.

    UPDATE: Perodua CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad has confirmed the Ativa Hybrid leasing plan – details here

    According to a reliable source within the Perodua network, the national carmaker has been reaching out to prospective “customers” via SMS, through which individuals will be led to an online form for a survey on their interest in trying out the electrified crossover, without getting into ownership in the conventional sense.

    Not every Perodua dealership will be involved in this special exercise – according to our source, only Klang Valley dealers, along with two branches in the Northern region and another two in the Southern region are in the programme. Further details include the pricing structure, which has been stated to be an upfront payment of RM2,150 followed by a monthly fee of RM500, with a mileage cap of 100,000 km over a period of five years.

    Each participant’s Ativa Hybrid unit will be installed with a GPS tracker for study purposes, says our source, and the vehicles used for the subscription trial will have to be returned to Perodua once the trial period has ended. If the RM500 monthly payment sounded low when you read it earlier, you now know why – it’s merely a subscription fee for a vehicle you don’t get to own in the end.

    Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid (left), Perodua Ativa AV (right)

    Survey respondents reached by the targeted SMS blast will be asked for their preferred Perodua showroom, and the multiple-choice selection mentions outlets in Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Glenmarie, Putrajaya, Balakong, Ampang as well as the Perodua Sentral flagship location in Petaling Jaya, among others.

    The Ativa’s close relation is of course the Daihatsu Rocky, which has an electrified version in the e-Smart Hybrid that officially made its debut in Japan last November. Motive power for that one comes from a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor that is augmented by a WA-VEX 1.2 litre Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder engine – rated to produce 82 PS and 105 Nm of torque – acting as a generator.

    A notable feature of the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is the “Smart Pedal” feature which enables one-pedal driving, where normal and eco modes vary the throttle response. The configuration of the electric drive motor and the motor-generator combustion engine in parallel enables a more compact layout, including a compact lithium-ion battery. All these translate into a fuel consumption figure of 3.6 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle.

    A frugal machine in a package from a well-loved brand sounds like a winning combination. Have any of you received this SMS to participate?

    GALLERY: Perodua Ativa Hybrid spyshots

    GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid (Japan market)

     
     
  • Perodua Ativa Hybrid soon? Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid revealed – 106 PS electric motor, 1.2L generator

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid soon? Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid revealed – 106 PS electric motor, 1.2L generator

    After months of reports, leaks and spyshots, the Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid has finally been launched in Japan. The petrol-electric powertrain is important in our local context because it is widely tipped to make its way into the Perodua Ativa, given that Perodua has already been seen testing the hybrid SUV here.

    The main event is under the bonnet, where you’ll find a series hybrid system akin to Nissan’s e-Power vehicles. The car is powered exclusively by a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor, with the WA-VEX 1.2 litre Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder engine acting solely as a generator (a range extender of sorts). That mill produces 82 PS at 5,600 rpm and 105 Nm of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm.

    This arrangement, which eliminates the usual transmission and places the electric propulsion motor and motor-generator units in parallel, makes for a more compact layout – Daihatsu says it intends to fit the e-Smart Hybrid system to tiny kei cars next. The company also claims the electric motor provides strong performance at low and medium speeds, making it suitable for small cars in urban environments.

    Another benefit of the system is that the lithium-ion battery can be made quite small and cost-effective, with a capacity of 4.3 Ah. All this enables the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid to hit a fuel efficiency figure of 28 km per litre (3.6 litres per 100 km) on the WLTP cycle.

    In addition, the Rocky comes with a “Smart Pedal” feature that enables one-pedal driving, with normal and eco modes varying the throttle response. Increased sound insulation on the bonnet and under the engine cover and dashboard also muffle the sound of the engine when it is being used.

    An exclusive honeycomb grille and e-Smart badges on the front fenders and tailgate differentiate the hybrid from other models. Buyers can also specify an external power supply function that can be used to charge electronic devices and appliances during emergencies.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid soon? Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid revealed – 106 PS electric motor, 1.2L generator

    The launch of the e-Smart Hybrid coincides with a mild refresh for the wider Rocky lineup. Notably, the WA-VE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated three-pot that was introduced in Indonesia earlier this year has now been fitted across the entire front-wheel-drive lineup. It replaces the 1KR-VET 1.0 litre turbocharged engine, which is now only available in all-wheel-drive form.

    Ostensibly, the biggest benefit is better fuel efficiency, with the 1.2 litre models now achieving a WLTP-rated figure of 20.7 km per litre (4.8 litres per 100 km), 10% higher than what the 1.0 litre mill could muster. This lowers the price of the vehicle by making it eligible for an eco-car tax reduction and an environmental performance reduction.

    The improved fuel consumption comes at the cost of performance, however – outputs are rated at 87 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm at 4,500 rpm, down 11 PS and 27 Nm over the turbo engine. It is mated to the same CVT as the 1.0 litre Rocky models.

    Perodua Ativa Hybrid soon? Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid revealed – 106 PS electric motor, 1.2L generator

    Other changes include the fitment of an electronic parking brake with auto hold, which also enables the addition of a stop and go function for the adaptive cruise control. Speaking of driver assistance tech, the Rocky gets an improved stereo windscreen camera, adding nighttime pedestrian detection to autonomous emergency braking and increasing the number of signs the traffic sign recognition system can detect.

    New features include a roadside deviation warning function and a stagger warning to alert the driver if they are driving the car in a swaying manner. Lastly, the Rocky now comes with a cornering trace assist function that essentially works as a form of torque vectoring, braking an inside wheel if it sense understeer.

    Prices for the revised Rocky range starts from 1,667,000 yen (RM60,700) for the base 1.2 litre L variant. The e-Smart Hybrid model is available in X HEV and Premium G HEV variants, priced at 2,116,000 (RM77,000) and 2,347,000 yen (RM85,400) respectively.

     
     
 
 
 

Latest Fuel Prices

PETROL
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VPR RM6.20
DIESEL
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EURO 5 B7 RM2.35 (0.00)
Last Updated Apr 18, 2024