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Perodua Traz Debuts In Malaysia From RM 76,100

Perodua’s rebadged take on the Toyota Yaris Cross is available in two variants: X from RM 76,100 and H from RM 82,000.

After what feels like years of build-up and speculation, Perodua has finally pulled the covers off the Traz in Malaysia. Essentially the national carmaker’s rebadge of the Toyota Yaris Cross, this new B-segment SUV slots neatly between the Ativa and the larger Aruz in Perodua’s local line-up.

Pricing: More Than Ativa, Less Than X50

Starting with the detail everyone wants to know first, the Perodua Traz is offered in two variants, priced as follows:

  • Traz X – RM76,100
  • Traz H – RM82,000

In Perodua’s pricing hierarchy, the Traz sits roughly RM 14,000 above an equivalent Ativa on a spec-for-spec basis. And when compared to the X50, the top-spec Traz undercuts the base Proton by around RM 7,000.

Exterior: Bigger Than Ativa, Smaller Than Aruz

Dimensionally, the Traz lands squarely between the Ativa and the Aruz, while slightly undercutting immediate rivals such as the Proton X50 in overall footprint.

Dimensions Perodua Traz vs Ativa vs Proton X50
Length 4,310 mm +245 mm +70 mm
Width 1,770 mm +60 mm -25 mm
Wheelbase 2,620 mm +95 mm -20 mm
Ground Clearance 210 mm +10 mm +14 mm

According to Perodua, the Traz is aimed squarely at mid-income married buyers with fewer than three children. It is apparently particularly targeted to those upgrading from compact hatchbacks or sedans, who want something more practical without moving up to a full-fledged seven-seater.

And that focus on practicality is perhaps most clearly reflected in the Traz’s boot, which measures a generous 471 litres (with a full-size steel spare wheel still in place). For context, that’s around 100 litres more than the Ativa, and 141 litres more than the Proton X50. Unlike the Ativa too, the Traz gets a conventional retractable tonneau cover.

Now design-wise, the Traz stays close to its Toyota sibling, albeit with Perodua-specific touches. These include a unique front grille and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (which look suspiciously similar to those found on the current Kia Sportage). LED lighting is standard across the range, with the H variant adding LED fog lamps and welcome lamps integrated into its auto-retractable side mirrors.

Interior: Familiar, But Sensibly Equipped

Moving along inside, anyone familiar with the Ativa’s cabin will likely feel right at home with the overall straight-edged dashboard design. Tech duties are handled by a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, paired with an analogue instrument cluster featuring a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display in the centre.

The X variant makes do with a urethane steering wheel and fabric seats with part-graphic patterns, while the H variant steps things up slightly with leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, along with full-graphic fabric upholstery.

Opting for the higher-end H also adds a few extra creature comforts, including two additional speakers (bringing the total to six), keyless entry, and a hands-free powered tailgate with kick sensor. Both variants nevertheless come standard with rear air-conditioning vents and a rear seat armrest with cupholders, though automatic climate control is exclusive to the range-topping H.

Powertrain: Tried-And-Tested Myvi Hardware

Deviating slightly from the Ativa comparison, under the bonnet sits familiar hardware that Myvi owners will instantly recognise. Such is as the Traz is powered by the same 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that has been driving the front wheels of the Myvi since 2017.

This is in turn paired with Perodua’s D-CVT with seven virtual ratios, the same unit introduced to the Myvi lineup back in 2021. Overall output figures stand at 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque, while fuel consumption is rated at 21.3 km/l from its 42-litre fuel tank.

Safety: Comprehensive, But Not Complete

On the safety front, the Traz comes with six airbags as standard across the range. It also features Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite, which includes pre-collision warning and braking with pedestrian and vehicle detection, front departure alert, pedal misoperation control, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and rear cross traffic alert.

Stepping up to the H variant adds a digital video recorder and a 360-degree surround view camera. As neither variant sits at the very top of Perodua’s typical AV hierarchy however, adaptive cruise control is notably absent.

Colours, Accessories And Warranty

For exterior colours, the Perodua Traz is offered in four single-tone options: Cranberry Red, Ivory White, Glittering Silver, and Granite Grey. Buyers opting for the H variant can also choose from two two-tone colour schemes for an additional RM 900, namely Glittering Silver with Black Roof and Electric Blue with Black Roof.

Perodua also offers a wide range of genuine GearUp accessories, including front and rear bumper kits with guide lights, side skirts, Nappa leatherette seat covers, front grille garnish, side mirror covers, rear mid-spoiler, RGB scuff plates and floor lighting, as well as a wireless phone charger.

Warranty coverage for the Traz stands at three years or 100,000 km for the vehicle, with major components such as the engine and transmission covered for five years or 150,000 km.

And to end on a fun note, the Traz name is apparently derived from the Malay word “teras”, meaning core. A rather fitting choice for an SUV that focuses on delivering the fundamentals, with very little extra pizzazz beyond the essentials.

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on automacha.com. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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