Perodua Bezza


The Perodua Bezza is an A-segment sedan produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Perodua. It was launched on 21 July 2016 as Perodua's first sedan car, and a complement to the Axia hatchback.
The Bezza is based on the Axia's platform, and is powered by the latter's 1.0-litre engine, in addition to a new 1.3-litre plant. The Bezza is Perodua's first major in-house design. Perodua leads the styling and development of the Bezza's upper body structure, with technical support from Daihatsu. The Bezza is the second model to debut from Perodua's all-new factory in Serendah, Selangor.
The Perodua Bezza was developed with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, and is the company's first model to feature stop-start idling and regenerative braking. The Bezza is also the first Perodua to feature Vehicle Stability Control. The range-topping Bezza Advance scored a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, making it Perodua's safest offering to date.

Etymology

The name "Bezza" is derived from the Malay word beza, which means "different". Additionally, the letters "zz" in "Bezza" represents the number 22, as it was launched in Perodua's 22nd year in business.

History

Pre-launch

The production of Perodua's first sedan was first hinted during the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, when Perodua debuted their concept model called Bezza. Three years later, another concept model was presented by Perodua during the 2013 KLIMS; this time, it was called Buddyz. Both concept models were designed in-house by Perodua's own design and styling division led by Muhamad Zamuren Musa, without referring to any existing Daihatsu or Toyota car models, referring instead to current Chevrolet Aveo. The production of Perodua's first sedan was approved in 2015 by its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aminar Rashid. The production model would draw inspiration from the Buddyz concept model and was codenamed D63D.
The Bezza is the first Perodua model that isn't directly based on any pre-existing Toyota or Daihatsu model. Perodua lead the styling and development of the Bezza's upper body structure, with technical support from Daihatsu. Perodua claims that the Bezza has up to 95% local content, and was developed at a cost of RM 300 million. However, Perodua did not develop the Bezza from scratch, as it is powered by Toyota-engineered engines and is based on the Daihatsu-engineered Axia platform. Unlike their rival Proton, Perodua was able to develop their first sedan model secretly without public knowledge. The Perodua Bezza competes with the Proton Saga in its home market.

Post launch

The Perodua Bezza was launched on 21 July 2016. Three variants were available at launch: Standard G, Premium X and Advance.
In the beginning of April 2017, the Perodua Bezza was updated with the rear bumper given a deeper skirt for all the variants. The Premium X and Advance variant got chrome platinum trim on the air-conditioning controls and the Advance variant also gains new leather upholstery that does without the previous quilting.
In April 2018, the Standard G was replaced by a GXtra variant. The GXtra comes with an enhanced kit list, where side skirts and chrome door handles have been added to the exterior. There’s also a new Ocean Blue exterior colour available – an option that was previously reserved for 1.3L variants of the Bezza. Piano black trim has been applied on the dashboard and panel surrounding the multimedia system, which itself has been improved with Bluetooth connectivity. In other areas, the air-con vent surrounds, steering wheel spokes and gear lever base now gain a satin finish. Rounding things off are chrome door handles to mimic those on the outside.
On 11 April 2019, a Limited Edition Bezza limited to 50 units was launched. The variant was based on the Premium X and solely with an automatic transmission. Changes compared to the Premium X variant included every GearUp accessory as well as different finishes to various components.
In early January 2020, the facelift version was launched in Malaysia which brought changes to the Bezza both inside and out.

Equipment

The Standard G variant is equipped with 14-inch eight-spoke alloy rims, fabric seats, polyurethane steering wheel, an audio system with USB, handphone or smartphone slot at the rear console, fixed rear seat headrests, 60:40 split folding rear seats, remote boot release, manual side mirrors without turn signals, body-mounted signal indicators, and power windows.
The GXtra variants gains side skirts, chrome door handles, piano black plastic trim pieces for the interior, Bluetooth connectivity for the headunit and satin finish for the air-con vent surrounds, steering wheel spokes and gear lever base.
The Premium X variant adds on 5V/2A USB charging port, adjustable rear seat headrests, powered side mirrors with turn signals, keyless entry with push start/stop ignition, side mirror indicators and front fog lamps. Unlike the GXtra variant, the Premium X does not feature side skirts.
The Advance variant is fitted with 14-inch five-spoke alloy rims, powered and retractable side mirrors with turn signals, side skirting, Eco Idle stop-start system, reverse camera, touchscreen multimedia audio system with navigation and Android Smart Link. The Advance variant also receives additional minor details, replacing the fabric seats and polyurethane steering wheel with leather. Its steering wheel has been provided with multimedia system controls.

Powertrains

The Perodua Bezza is produced with two different engine options, paired to a manual or electronic automatic transmission. Both engines are manufactured by Perodua under license from Toyota Group member, Daihatsu.
The Standard G and GXtra variant is powered by Perodua's new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 1KR-VE engine, which is a modified and refined version of the 1KR-DE2 engine from the Perodua Axia. The new 1KR-VE engine produces 67 hp at 6,000 rpm and 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm, offering a mild 1 hp and 1 Nm increase over the Axia's 1KR-DE2 plant. Perodua claims ECE fuel consumption figures of 22.8 km/l for the manual variant and 21.3 km/l with the automatic, both exhibiting a 1.2 km/l improvement over the old 1KR-DE2.
The new 1KR-VE engine now features variable-valve timing with intelligence on the intake valves. Several minor changes and refinements were also introduced for increased fuel efficiency and more linear power delivery. Notable changes include a higher 11.5:1 compression ratio, a high-tumble intake port, a longer intake manifold, micro fuel spray injection and low-friction valve lifters.
The Premium X and Advance variants are powered by Perodua's all-new 1.3-litre, four-cylinder 1NR-VE engine, which is capable of 94 hp at 6,000 rpm and 121 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The 1NR-VE is an evolution of the K3-VE engine from the Perodua Myvi. Perodua claims ECE fuel consumption figures of 21.7 km/l for the manual variant and 21.0 km/l with the automatic, while the auto-only Advance variant is capable of 22.0 km/l, courtesy of the new Eco Idle stop-start system and regenerative braking.
The all-new 1NR-VE engine features dual variable-valve timing with intelligence on both intake and exhaust valves. Additionally, the 1NR-VE features longer ports in its intake system for improved low- and mid-range torque, and a low-friction roller rocker arm-based valvetrain for improved fuel efficiency.
Both 1KR-VE and 1NR-VE engines are paired to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronic automatic transmission. The Standard G and Premium X variants are sold with both manual and automatic options, while the Advance variant is limited to the automatic. Both 1KR-VE and 1NR-VE engines are also Euro IV compliant.
The 2020 facelift version saw the discontinuation of Premium X MT variant which meant a 1.3 litre engine could no longer be paired with a 5-speed manual.

Safety

The Perodua Bezza features a number of active and passive safety features, and is Perodua's first model to offer vehicle stability control. ASEAN NCAP has awarded a 5-star safety rating for the Advance variant, and a 4-star rating for the rest of the range.
All Bezza variants are equipped with an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution, twin SRS airbags, and twin rear reverse sensors as standard.
The range-topping Advance is the only variant with vehicle stability control, traction control, brake assist, hill-start assist, and seat belt reminders for the driver and front passenger. The Advance variant is also equipped with a multimedia touchscreen head unit paired to a reverse camera.
The Premium X and Advance variants feature twin front parking sensors below the headlamps, solar & security window film, and anti-trap protection for the driver's side power window.
The 2020 facelift version saw VSC added to the Premium X variant and A.SA or Advance Safety Assist was added to the Advance variant. This debuted in the Perodua Aruz, which includes Forward Collision Warning with pedestrian detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert, which alerts the driver of the vehicle in front has proceeded ahead, e.g. from a traffic light.

Sales

Perodua has achieved promising sales for the Bezza, with a total of 5,000 bookings received for the new model on the first day after its launch. During Perodua's first half of 2016 review, it announced that it had received 10,115 bookings as of the morning of July 26, which averages out to about 1,000 cars per day since the Bezza was first opened for booking on July 16. On August 30, 2016 Perodua reported it had delivered 10,000 Bezzas, with the bookings at 25,000. In November 2018, it was reported that 138,800 Bezza have been produced.

Export

Mauritius

On 1 May 2017, Perodua announced the launch of four Bezza variants into Mauritius market to capitalize on Mauritius' status as a popular international tourist destination.

Singapore

Perodua Bezza is also sold in Singapore via Perocom Auto Pte. Ltd.

Sri Lanka

On 7 June 2017, the Bezza 1.0L made its debut in Sri Lanka at a launch organised by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd's official distributor, Unimo Enterprises Ltd.

Brunei

In mid-2017, GHK Motors Sdn Bhd sells the Bezza will be offered in only 1.3L Premium X variant. The Bezza with the choices of: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, optional bodykits and black painted wheels, exterior colours including Sugar Brown Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic, Lava Red Metallic, Ebony Black Metallic, Glittering Silver Metallic, Ivory White Solid and its warranty comes with 2-year or 50,000 KM.
In mid-2019, the Bezza 1.0 GXtra with only door handle with chrome and side skirtings was launched. However, the Bezza lacks of two speakers at the rear, semi-bucket seats, 1.3 1NR-VE Dual-VVT-i engine, smart key, dual-method boot release, seat height adjuster, front sensors, fog lamps and other features of the previous models its 1.3 Premium X variant as well as its lowest price.

Pakistan

The Bezza test drive model is spotted in Pakistan.

Awards and accolades