After confirming it with a couple of firm lifer, December 2025 is certainly the busiest month ever in Perodua’s historical past. By no means earlier than had the perennial market chief launched two all-new merchandise in a single month, however such a schedule wasn’t on the bingo card of Perodua, which plans issues meticulously and sticks to it.
The QV-E, Malaysia’s first homegrown EV, was launched on December 1, and simply over two weeks later, right here we’re with the official unveiling of the Perodua Traz, a B-segment SUV that’s been lengthy within the making. Sure, Traz is the title (not Nexis), and there are two variants – the X at RM76,100 and H at RM81,100, on-the-road with out insurance coverage. No AV, however extra on that later.
Apparently, each December infants got here to life in very completely different circumstances – if the EV was ‘nationwide service’ in adherence to the federal government’s needs, the Traz a.okay.a. D66B has been rumoured for what appeared like ages. Certainly, P2 mentioned that the D66B undertaking began in Might 2021!
The nice delay
Sure, Might 2021, which makes it just some months wanting 5 years. It’s no secret that the Traz is a rebadged Toyota Yaris Cross, which debuted in June 2023 in Indonesia and October 2023 in Thailand. Perodua is 2 years late, and president/CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad put his palms up (figuratively) ultimately week’s media preview to acknowledge the delay.
Just like the supercharged growth means of the QV-E, the Traz’s lengthy gestation interval can be uncharacteristic of Perodua. Zainal and administration cited Daihatsu’s ‘procedural irregularities’ security testing scandal that surfaced in late 2023 as the explanation for the delay. That is P2’s fourth mannequin to be based mostly on the DNGA platform after the Ativa (2021), Alza (2022) and Axia (2023).
The P2 chief additionally overtly admitted that the Traz’s age implies that it brings nothing new to the B-SUV desk – maybe that’s why they selected ‘Engineered Simplicity’ because the automobile’s USP/theme. Earlier than you chuckle, I’m positive there are numerous who search for simplicity, practicality and reliability in a automobile – in any case a automobile like that is meant to be a device, and there’s a purpose why Toyota is the world’s prime carmaker regardless of not often pushing boundaries.
Earlier than we transfer on to the automobile itself, the Traz title is linked to the Malay phrase teras, which suggests core. Perodua says that this mannequin embodies the core values of the model – suppose simplicity, effectivity, practicality and reliability. This ties in with the ‘simplicity’ theme chosen for the launch. Coincidentally, Traz additionally appears like belief, and this trusted model will quickly full twenty years as Malaysia’s market chief after usurping Proton in 2006.
Yaris Cross twin, not an Ativa alternative
At 4,310 mm lengthy and 1,770 mm large (figures which are similar to the ASEAN Yaris Cross; Japan and Europe get a separate and smaller mannequin), the Traz is 245 mm longer and 60 mm wider than the Ativa, whereas its 2,620 mm wheelbase is 95 mm longer than the compact SUV.
In comparison with B-segment rival Proton X50, the Traz/Yaris Cross has a barely smaller footprint (70 mm shorter, 25 mm narrower) however compares very effectively in wheelbase size (20 mm longer). The bottom clearance is fairly excessive at 210 mm, 10 mm greater than the Ativa and 14 mm larger than the X50.
These dimensions put the Traz in between the Ativa and the much-larger (and in addition a lot much less subtle) Aruz in Perodua’s lineup. The corporate says that it’s focusing on mid-income married males with lower than three children because the Traz’s predominant purchaser, one who’s upgrading from a compact automobile. This could be Mr Supplier’s predominant automobile, serving each perform from day by day transport to balik kampung journeys.
The Traz will do very effectively on a street journey due to a generously-sized 471-litre boot, and that’s with a full-sized spare metal wheel with the identical Toyo tyre. For context, that is over 100L greater than the Ativa and 141 litres larger than the Proton X50’s cargo bay, and it could soak up as much as six trolley baggage, or 4 if two of them are massive ones. It’s excellent news that the bay is shielded by a standard retractable tonneau cowl.
What concerning the Ativa? The Traz isn’t meant to be a alternative of that automobile. The Ativa is smaller (and due to this fact not pretty much as good a household automobile as this), however it’s additionally higher geared up (yup, extra on this later) and has a extra superior turbocharged powertrain. The Ativa will proceed for now, aimed toward youthful people or these with out household issues. The Traz’s inside area benefit is substantial although, which provides patrons a choice to make.
Easy and wise
As such, this author suspects that the Traz gained’t be seen as a lot of an improve to present Ativa homeowners, however these coming from a Myvi G3 could be happier – acquainted components (1.5L CVT) are coupled with a classy SUV physique and added area/practicality for a rising household.
The Traz is powered by the 2NR-VE 1.5L engine, which is a bedrock of the Toyota group in our area, with hundreds of thousands of models powering automobiles of varied styles and sizes. Perodua has been utilizing this DOHC, Twin VVT-i naturally aspirated four-pot within the Myvi because the third-generation surfaced in November 2017.
Initially, the 2NR was paired to a four-speed auto, however the Myvi’s November 2021 facelift onboarded the D-CVT (Twin-Mode CVT) for improved efficiency and gas financial system. The present Toyota Vios and Alza additionally use this powertrain combo.
The 2NR places out 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The gas tank measurement is 42 litres and Perodua quotes gas consumption of 21.3 km/l within the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC). If MDC rings a bell, Proton just lately used it for the new Saga MC3’s FC, which is 20.4 km/l with the brand new 1.5L i-GT NA/Punch CVT combo – that’s proper, the Traz, a a lot larger SUV, is extra gas environment friendly than an A-segment financial system automobile. And the smaller Ativa, too. By the way in which, there’s no Eco Idle auto start-stop right here, so there’s no want for a costlier EFB battery.
Since we’re on the subject of FC, the newest 2025 Proton X50 facelift‘s claimed FC is 6.1 litres per 100 km, which interprets to 16.4 km/l. In fact, the turbocharged X50 is far more highly effective with 181 PS/290 Nm, so will it’s efficiency or financial system for you? Can’t have each.
A lot of the effectivity is contributed by D-CVT, the world’s first cut up gear CVT system. Principally, the unit combines belt drive with a gear drive for improved gas effectivity, acceleration really feel and calmness. From relaxation to low/medium speeds, the D-CVT features like every other CVT, with the engine’s torque going by means of a torque converter (like Toyota and Honda CVTs; Proton’s Punch CVT makes use of a clutch pack) and into the enter pulley, earlier than being transferred to the output pulley by way of a belt after which to the wheels.
At larger speeds, the D-CVT shifts into its cut up mode, participating the gear drive to offer extra environment friendly energy transmission (much less vitality loss), whereas the rotation to the belt drive is decreased considerably. There gearbox has a handbook mode with seven digital ratios – as per the Ativa – plus Eco, Regular and Sport drive modes.
The environment friendly {hardware} isn’t slowed down by weight. It has a five-star ASEAN NCAP ranking (video under) and an extended wheelbase than the HR-V and X50, however the Traz suggestions the scales at simply 1,150 kg for the highest spec H. The lightest X50 is 201 kg heavier (what number of adults is that?) whereas the base HR-V S (additionally a 1.5L NA CVT) is 124 kg heavier.
Sadly, the Traz doesn’t get the Yaris Cross’ hybrid possibility, which is accessible in Indonesia (NA and HEV) and Thailand (HEV-only). Guess we’ll have to attend for the precise T-badged Yaris Cross for the electrified powertrain.
No hybrid, no AV
If the unavailability of the hybrid to accommodate massive brother’s personal model of the automobile is comprehensible (we observed that that is the primary joint mannequin that doesn’t have a Daihatsu-badged equal), the dearth of an AV variant is conspicuous. The Traz has base X and mid H variants, and that’s it.
The X comes with automated LED headlamps with observe me house and handbook levelling, LED positioning lamps, LED hind lights and auto retractable aspect mirrors with LED flip alerts. The wheels are 17-inch two-tone alloys with 215/60 Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres. Behind these branch-like spokes are all-round disc brakes, required for the digital parking brake with auto maintain perform.
Inside, these coming from DNGA AV variants will probably be stunned to search out an analogue twin-dial meter panel with a 4.2-inch multi-info show (all very elegant and clear, fortunately), as an alternative of the same old full-digital affair. It’s an all-black theme for the cabin (with black headlining too), and there’s loads of pink highlights, particularly on the dashboard, which has pink stitching plus gloss pink trim items.
The material seats have pink stitching and a graphic on the highest portion. The design sees a pink backbone dividing gray and black areas. It’s fairly sporty, and the design is prolonged to the seat base within the H. The rear seats have a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders and rear aircon vents, which is a primary for a non-MPV Perodua.
The 9.0-inch head unit has the same UI to the Ativa (Alza’s pores and skin is nicer), however provides on wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is linked to 4 audio system. There are two USB ports in entrance (1x A, 1x C) and two on the again (2x C) plus one 12V socket within the centre armrest cubby. There’s a push begin button, however word that the X doesn’t include keyless entry – that’s reserved for the H, which has contact sensors on each entrance doorways as an alternative of the same old P2 driver’s door-only rule. Ini Toyota ma.
Different new-to-Perodua options (QV-E excluded) are telescopic steering adjustment and illuminated self-importance mirrors within the (stable feeling) sunshades. Talking of components that aren’t from the Perodua elements bin, try the aircon management panels – button-only within the X and two-knob single-zone automated within the H. The lone empty button would have been for the entrance demister, which isn’t accessible on this mannequin, no matter marque.
So, no M1-M2 aircon reminiscence perform right here, which I’d miss, however Perodua managed so as to add on its devoted lock/unlock button, albeit in an uncommon location to the precise of the AC panel. This slot hosts the PM2.5 filtration button within the Thai Yaris Cross, which we don’t get. Lastly, there’s photo voltaic and safety window tint included, and Perodua makes use of a giant model in Llumar.
Going for the H will internet you LED entrance fog lamps, welcome lamps on the aspect mirrors, and the H mark on the tailgate. Crucially, the H comes with the above-mentioned keyless entry (two entrance doorways) together with leather-based on the steering and kit knob, auto aircon and two tweeters (for six audio system in whole). There’s additionally a 360-degree parking digital camera and dashcam, however the powered tailgate with kick movement sensor is unquestionably the headlining act.
As to the conspicuous absence of an AV vary topper, a Perodua rep mentioned {that a} ‘Traz AV’ would probably be priced across the RM90k mark set by the CBU Nautica in 2008, and that may very well be too excessive to be aggressive in present market situations. There’s some level in that, and in addition the hole to UMW Toyota Motor’s Yaris Cross to be conscious of.
Security fundamentals coated, no ACC
Security smart, this ASEAN NCAP five-star-rated automobile comes customary with six airbags, Perodua’s ASA security suite with pre-collision warning and brake (AEB, for pedestrians too), entrance departure alert and pedal misoperation management. There’s additionally lane departure warning/prevention and blind spot monitoring.
Parking assists come within the type of rear cross site visitors alert and entrance/rear nook sensors. The Traz equipment checklist might need raised some eyebrows, however P2 deserves reward for not compromising on security equipment – the X will get the entire above and nothing essential is reserved for the top-spec automobile.
What’s unique to the H are the 360-degree parking digital camera (reverse digital camera for the X) and dashcam. Observed one thing lacking? The Traz doesn’t include adaptive cruise management (ACC) – and even common cruise management for that matter – which is why its proper steering spoke doesn’t have a D-pad. May sound foolish, however though I not often use ACC in my Perodua, I just like the ‘full perform’ look of the steering wheel – it’s a bit empty right here.
For context, within the 2025 Proton X50 facelift, you’ll need to go for the RM101,800 Premium (beforehand Flagship solely) to get AEB, which comes with the complete ADAS pack.
Variations from the Yaris Cross
The Traz is the primary of the twins to floor, with the Yaris Cross coming quickly from UMWT. It’s anticipated that the Toyota will function a hybrid powertrain, which is the sole possibility in Thailand, and bought alongside the 1.5L NA in Indonesia. This Toyota system (to not be confused with Daihatsu’s e-Sensible system discovered within the Rocky Hybrid) combines a 2NR-VEX 1.5L NA Atkinson-cycle engine (91 PS/121 Nm) with an e-motor rated at 80 PS/141 Nm, juiced by a lithium-ion battery.
The hybrid powertrain will probably be a considerable differentiator between the Yaris Cross and the Traz. Earlier shared fashions just like the Aruz-Rush and Alza-Veloz had been separated solely by cosmetics and equipment. Talking of equipment, there needs to be clear air between the 2 as Perodua is a bit restricted on this space, with no room for a range-topping AV even.
Ought to UMWT’s Yaris Cross mirror the Thai-spec automobile, additional equipment over the Traz might embrace roof rails, 18-inch wheels, Toyota’s personal touchscreen head unit, blue stitching throughout the cabin (as an alternative of pink), a digital instrument panel, ACC and its controls on the precise steering spoke, powered seats, wi-fi charging pad and a panoramic roof. Hankering for a ‘Traz AV’? There’s one coming quickly, simply not from Perodua. Count on to pay over RM100k for the all of the extras.
Gearing up your first SUV
The pink automobile you see right here is the H with a full catalogue of GearUp equipment, which can be found from launch. As standard, P2 has created bundles, and they’re the Smooth Bodykit, Elevate Bundle, Illumination Bundle and Utility Bundle. The primary one is self explanatory – it’s a RM2,700 four-piece bodykit (entrance, rear, aspect skirts) with LED mild strips on the entrance lip.
The center rear spoiler is a part of the RM900 Elevate Bundle, which additionally features a entrance grille garnish and aspect mirror covers. The entrance grill garnish is mainly a gloss black trim (all objects on this pack are gloss black) on the highest of the grille that ‘completes’ the hexagon define. It has a ‘songket-inspired’ motif that’s repeated on the wing mirror covers and different GearUp objects within the cabin.
The RM580 Illumination Bundle consists of RGB (pink, inexperienced, blue) flooring lighting and scuff plates – you’ll be able to toggle by means of the colors by urgent the ‘RGB Mild’ button subsequent to the pinnacle lamp leveller. There’s additionally a mode that auto-cycles the colors, however please don’t. The RM510 Utility Bundle buys you window visors, a baggage tray and coil mats.
A few of these objects will be ordered à la carte together with stuff just like the ‘Nappa Leatherette’ seat covers for many who actually don’t like cloth (RM1,200), wi-fi charger (RM350) and hood insulator (RM110). As a substitute of coil mats, GearUp’s Trapo-style automobile mats (RM300) are safer and extra sensible. Add all of those up and also you’re taking a look at over RM6,000 of equipment, making the Traz H you see right here a RM90k automobile. However can masuk mortgage la.
Lastly, colors. Choices embrace Cranberry Purple, Ivory White, Glittering Silver and Granite Gray. The H will get a two-tone possibility for an additional RM900 (to make it RM82k), and you’ll pair the black roof with Glittering Silver or Electrical Blue from the Myvi. The latter is unique to the H and solely is available in two-tone.
Simplicity, the Toyota manner
So there you go, the long-awaited Perodua Traz, which is likely to be extra typical (confirmed 1.5L NA CVT combo) and fewer groundbreaking (no massive tech debut such because the hybrid) than some would have anticipated. However even earlier than accusations of Perodua of enjoying it too protected and providing nothing new to the section come flying in, Rawang is pre-empting by calling the Traz ‘pure simplicity’ and its ‘most user-friendly automobile to this point’.
It virtually appears like self-deprecating humour, however in reality, there’s a massive marketplace for dependable no-frills merchandise – the Toyota Corolla Cross‘ ubiquity regardless of virtually each B/C SUV being extra fashionable/higher geared up/’higher worth’ than it’s proof. The Proton S70 is an efficient living proof – armed with turbo-DCT energy, ‘C-segment’ claims and massive screens, however priced to match the Vios/Metropolis, it was tipped to blow away the T&H duo by netizens and the baik beli crowd. Do not forget that? Now try the gross sales chart.
With the Traz, there’s no fancy massive display to go clean, and there’s no present powertrain in ASEAN that’s extra confirmed than the nice ol’ NR. Positive, it gained’t be for everybody (not this Ativa proprietor, for one), however that is additionally accounted for in a modest (by Perodua requirements) gross sales goal of 1,900 models a month, of which 76% of this ‘distinctive market area of interest’ are anticipated to come back from the pricier H variant. A rebadged Yaris Cross it might be, however the Traz is a RM563 million undertaking constructed on the PSSB plant in Sg Choh with 95% native content material, a degree typical of P2’s ICE automobiles.
Once more, the brand new Perodua Traz is priced at RM76,100 for the X and RM81,100 for the H (or RM82,000 for the two-tone) on-the-road excluding insurance coverage. The manufacturing facility guarantee is the same old 5 years or 150,000 km. Spec-for-spec, that is round RM14k greater than the Ativa, and the hole is extra should you consider year-end rebates for the smaller SUV. Browse the gallery and watch the walk-around video under and inform us what you suppose. Additionally connected are scans of the brochure and GearUp catalogue.
GALLERY: Perodua Traz X, Granite Gray
GALLERY: Perodua Traz H, Electrical Blue two-tone
GALLERY: Perodua Traz H with GearUp bundle, Cranberry Purple
GALLERY: Perodua Traz H, Ivory White
GALLERY: Perodua Traz official photographs
GALLERY: Perodua Traz brochure
GALLERY: Perodua Traz GearUp catalogue
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