• 1. Toyota Veloz
• 2. Perodua Alza
• 3. Mitsubishi Xpander

When honing in on this year’s best 3 MPVs (multi-purpose vehicle) for the Malaysian market, we need to briefly define the genre, given that the different terms can be confusing, plus the fact that SUVs and crossovers have taken over the motoring sphere of late. Of course, MPVs come with 7 seats, but the final crucial part of the vehicle’s definition all really comes down to ride height. 

Some of the biggest-selling MPVs in the local market, like the Perodua Alza and the Proton Exora, offer ride heights hovering between 150-155mm, whereas so-called SUVs like the Toyota Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander boast a ride height of 190mm. But as far as we are concerned, all fall under the segment of MPVs if we consider their design, packaging, practicality and tech levels. And it goes without saying that we can expect a particularly strong showing from the jointly built Toyota and Perodua models.

So here are our top 3 MPVs for the local market.

1. Toyota Veloz

• Price: Starts from RM 95,000
• Power: 104 hp
• Carlist ranking: 9.2/10

It’s pretty hard to ignore this one. At RM 95,000, the Toyota Veloz is arguably the best 7-seater MPV in Malaysia under RM 100,000. It might share the same platform, engine, transmission and underpinnings as the Perodua Alza, but the Veloz’s extra cost is easy to see inside the car with noticeably higher quality materials and tech. The Veloz is powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine as the Perodua Alza, pumping out  104 hp and 138 Nm of torque. Even with a low output, acceleration is adequate in most situations. The car’s specs sheet comprises all-around LED lights, telescopic and tilt-adjustable steering wheel, 9.0-inch infotainment unit, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity, 7.0-inch instrument panel, wireless charging pad, automatic air-conditioning, electric parking brake, premium semi-leather seats, and LED ambient light. On the safety side, the Veloz is loaded with the class-leading Toyota Safety Sense ADAS pack—consisting of Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive High Beam. Also, parts of the kit are 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, traction control, pedal mis-operation control, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.

2. Perodua Alza

• Price: Starts from RM 62,500
• Power: 105 hp
• Carlist ranking: 9.0/10

Holding the title of “most competitively-priced vehicle of its kind” made the 2022 Perodua Alza a household name in Malaysia last year. The 7-seater MPV comes in three trim levels and starts some RM 30,000 cheaper than its sister MPV, the Toyota Veloz. Powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine developing 104 hp and 138 Nm of torque as the Veloz, the Alaz is also mated to a D-CVT transmission. Just over 100 hp may not sound too appealing but we can safely say that the acceleration is sufficient for its size and weight. For those wanting a sportier ride, we’d recommend flicking the drive mode switch from D to S, which allows the engine to perform at higher revs and give you sportier performance. With pricing ranging from the X trim’s RM 62,500 to the flagship AV trim’s RM 75,500. All new for 2022, key features on the new Alza (depending on the trim level) include full LED headlights with Auto High Beam, 16-inch wheels, a fully-digital instrument cluster, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, a new D-CVT transmission, an electronic parking brake, a 360 camera, and a whole list of safety tech under ASA 3.0 (Advanced Safety Assist 3.0).

3. Mitsubishi Xpander 

• Price: Starts from RM 99,980
• Power: 104 hp
• Carlist ranking: 8.7/10

The Mitsubishi Xpander is the biggest-selling non-Malaysian MPV on the market, and as such, has a strong niche following. Its combination of unique, stylish design, excellent interior comfort and ride quality with a perky engine help to maintain its top-class ranking. Locally assembled and priced from RM 99,980, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 104 hp and 141Nm of torque sending drive to the front wheels. The equipment kit on the Xpander includes reclinable 3rd-row seats, a dozen cupholders, bi-LED reflector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a telescopic adjustable steering wheel, manual air-conditioning, leatherette seats, a 360-degree camera system and 781-litre luggage space (rear seats down).

CONCLUSION

It all comes down to cost. As sister MPVs, the Toyota Veloz and Perodua Alaz both employ the same chassis, powertrain, and suspension and offer very competitive performance and packaging. But with the different focus on design, safety features, and interior materials, the Veloz ends up being over RM30,000 more expensive than the Alaz. The Alza though gives most buyers exactly what they want—a well-made MPV for a bargain basement price. And really, what more could you want?