Perodua · 2009–2022

Perodua Alza (M500)

The M500 series Perodua Alza is the first generation of Alza B-segment multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by Malaysian car manufacturer Perodua. Based on the Daihatsu Boon Luminas, it was launched in November 2009 as the company's first purpose-built MPV. The production of M500 series Alza ended in 2022 before being replaced by the W100 series Daihatsu Xenia-based model.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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History

Perodua launched the first-generation Alza on 23 November 2009 in two variants, 1.5 Standard (EZ and SX) and Premium (EZi and SXi), both available with either manual or automatic transmission. It became the best-selling MPV in Malaysia for 2010 by total sales of nearly 42,000 units, beating rival Proton Exora by a margin of 15,000 units. The average number of Alza sales per month is around 2,800 units. In March 2010, the range-topping Advanced model (ZHV) joined the range. Booking opened the same time as the regular 1.5 Standard and Premium variant, but only started delivery in March 2010. The Advance variant added a bodykit consisting of front, rear and side skirts and a rear spoiler, leather seat covers for all the seats, a 5-inch touchscreen LCD and a 150-degree reverse camera. In March 2011, Perodua launched a limited edition of the Perodua Alza, the M2 Edition. It's based on the Advance model and featured custom leather seat covers, custom carpet mats, “M2” grade mark and a special color called “Midnight Blue”. It was priced at the same price of the Perodua Alza Advance. In February 2012, Perodua launched an even more base model called SR (BX and BZ), priced lower than the Standard variant. UV protection is only available on the front and main windscreen and there is no rear wiper and no rear spoiler. In terms of safety, there are no fog lamps, airbags, ABS, EBD, or BA. In July 2012, Perodua launched an updated Perodua Alza Advanced variant. While prices remained the same as the previous Advance variant, the main change was the 6" infotainment system which includes GPS navigation, reverse camera and supports mini USB, SD cards, DVD, bluetooth and MP3/WM. In March 2013, Perodua launched the Alza S alongside the Perodua Viva S and Perodua Myvi 1.3 SE. The Alza S repl

Quality issues

After its initial release, the Alza received numerous negative comments from owners regarding its build quality and workmanship. The posted complaints included: brake pads releasing excessive brake dust during use; faulty disc brakes; poor sound insulation at speeds exceeding 70 km/h; petrol fumes detected after refueling; inadequate roof insulation, particularly on rainy days; broken door levers; unusual sounds emanating from the air-conditioning system; excessive heat build-up at the rear right seat; steering rack vibrations and noises on uneven roads; and water entering through the front headlamps. Additionally, uneven paint caused the exterior to scratch and chip easily, and uneven rustproofing has also been reported. Up until early 2012, Perodua had not issued any recalls for the Alza. In May 2012, Perodua announced a recall for both the Alza and its first-generation pre-facelifted hatchback, the MyVi, to address an extension of an air-conditioning pipe that could potentially cause rust on the steering rack. In October 2014, viral photos showing the rear axle of the new Alza dismantled began to circulate. In response, Perodua stated that the situation was due to an accident and that neither faulty parts nor other quality issues were to blame. They threatened legal action against those who disseminated the photos.

Exports

=== Brunei === Since 2016, Perodua's official distributor in Brunei, GHK Motors Sdn Bhd launched the first facelifted Alza in 1.5 SE variant only with the 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions. The Alza's 1.5 SE as the second facelift model was launched on 3 May 2019.

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